Got a pen or pencil? How about a piece of paper? With these simple tools you can take big strides in making yourself feel better during recovery. Journaling, or writing down your thoughts and emotions, has been shown to help restore your body and mind after years of addiction. And here’s the best part: You don’t even need to be a wordsmith to reap the many health benefits.
What you do need to do, however, is to
find the type of journaling that works best for you. This will depend on your recovery goals, of course, as well what best fits your personality. And you don’t have to stick with one type – you can mix and match depending on your needs at that time. Here are a few to consider:- Stream-of-consciousness journal: This is great for purging yourself of head junk. Sit down for 15 minutes each day and write down whatever comes to mind – don’t try to edit yourself or hold back any thoughts.
- Diary journal: Whether you’re looking to establish a schedule in early recovery or identify any triggers to prevent relapse, a daily journal can help. Jot down the day’s events – what you did, who you saw, how you felt, etc. – and use this information to identify any patterns.
- Activity/food journal: Tracking your daily exercise and eating habits can help you identify poor choices and keep you on a healthy path. You might also want to note your sleep habits and stress levels to determine how they influence your food choices and activity levels.
- Gratitude journal: This type of journal allows you to count your blessings and, in turn, develop a more positive outlook. Bonus: Being grateful has been linked to a slew of health benefits, including improved self-esteem, fewer toxic emotions, stronger willpower, and sounder sleep.
- Spiritual journal: Many recovering addicts tout spirituality as an aid in recovery. Finding a belief in a power beyond yourself can help you better navigate moral choices; improve anger management; discover meaning and purpose in your new sober life; and more.
Does a Secular Approach to Healing Appeal to You?
At Complete Harmony, we understand that each client comes to us with a different view of faith and spirituality. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of those who embrace religious beliefs, and those who wish to approach recovery as a retraining of the rational mind. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.
