Stories of Human Kindness During COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has caused unprecedented levels of worldwide stress and anxiety. However, at a time when it feels like all the headlines are negative, there is a bright spot in the simple acts of kindness everyday people and businesses are sharing. Difficult times often reveal the best in humanity.

Right now, a little love and understanding goes a long way. Here’s a small sampling of the ways neighbors have stepped up to care for each other and practice kindness during this challenging time.

Venues Worldwide Are Hosting Virtual Tours

If you’re like many who have had to postpone travel plans due to the pandemic, you can still visit many world-class attractions, including the Louvre and the Smithsonian, from the comfort of your couch. Though all these facilities are closed for the time being, you can skip the crowds and explore priceless art and artifacts with online tours.

New York Running Clubs Are Doing Errands for Their Homebound Neighbors

New York City’s small army of running enthusiasts has found a way to maintain their fitness levels while helping those who are observing self-quarantine. Members of running clubs have used their fleet feet and stepped up to go to pharmacies, grocery stores and other businesses to pick up essential supplies.

Citizens Are Spontaneously Celebrating Health Care Workers

In cities around the world, quarantined people have come together to hold rounds of applause for doctors, nurses and first responders from their balconies, porches and rooftops.

Landlords Are Forgiving Rent

Government restrictions on social distancing have forced many people into unexpected unemployment. Due to this, many understanding landlords are giving their tenants a break when they can’t afford to make their rent payments.

People Are Finding Ways to Support Local Businesses

Depending on where you live, many “non-essential” local businesses such as hair salons have likely had to close. Loyal customers are finding ways to keep these beloved establishments afloat during this time of crisis by buying gift cards to use later or sending money directly to the owner.

Patrons Are Leaving Larger Tips

With so many restaurants switching to takeout and delivery services only, it has become challenging for many servers and delivery drivers to make ends meet. Understanding this scenario, some customers have started tipping these service providers more generously.

Finding the Light in the Coronavirus Crisis

It’s easy to find examples of how the current crisis has brought out the worst in people. However, bad times often see strangers rising to the challenge to help their neighbors.

Let these simple acts of kindness inspire you during this challenging time, when so many are struggling to find their sense of optimism and gratitude. If you are fortunate enough to be healthy during this epidemic, look for ways to step forward and help where you can. You may find new connections in your community that last long after medical research has identified a cure for coronavirus.

Don’t let fears about COVID-19 hold you back from the proven addiction treatment you deserve. Contact us for a confidential consultation with our recovery advisors.

Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Stay Positive During the Coronavirus Outbreak

When you’re in addiction recovery, maintaining a positive attitude is essential. However, with the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 crisis, you might be feeling that goal slipping out of your reach somewhat. How can you keep your upbeat attitude when it seems like all the news lately has been negative, if not downright frightening? Here are some tips.

1. Limit Your Exposure to the News

It may seem like you’re being more responsible by staying informed and checking in with the day’s headlines frequently, but doing so is a surefire way to give you information overload. Since bad news travels faster than good news, especially online, refreshing your feed multiple times a day will create digital burnout and leave you feeling mentally exhausted. Instead, impose limits on when you allow yourself to look at social media or watch the news on TV. Choose one or two trusted outlets, and only check them during your allotted time slots.

2. Follow Negative Information With Something Cheery

As we learned from Mary Poppins, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” In other words, once you’ve caught up on the latest information about the spread of coronavirus, engage with something lighthearted to boost your mood, such as compilation videos of adorable baby animals.

3. Turn off the Alerts on Your Devices

If you have the settings on your phone, tablet or computer set to ping whenever there’s breaking news, try silencing your devices or disabling the alerts altogether. Many people find the sounds or vibrations coming from their phone nearly impossible to ignore, and will put everything aside to see what they’re about. To help you learn to focus more of your attention on individual tasks, disregard these stressful intrusions. The information will still be there for you when you’re ready to pick up your device again, and you’ll be amazed by how much better you feel when you’re not checking those notifications every few minutes.

4. Take Mental Health Breaks

Evidence increasingly suggests that taking regular mental health breaks can help improve your concentration and allow you to feel more present and engaged in your life. If your mind has been on overdrive lately due to the barrage of information about coronavirus, recognize that you might be feeling burned out, and take a break to de-stress. Whether that comes in the form of a brief meditation, a walk around the block or a series of yoga poses, whatever helps you clear your mind can benefit you.

5. Call a Friend or Family Member

In this time of self-quarantine, we probably all have people we haven’t seen for a few weeks. If you’re holed up at home and feeling lonely, reach out to say hello and see how everyone has been doing. They probably need a pick-me-up just as much as you do, and will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Meanwhile, it’s in your best interest to avoid the relapse trigger of loneliness.

Begin Your Recovery Journey at Complete Harmony

Are you looking for a holistic alternative to traditional drug and alcohol treatment programs? Reach out to us today for a confidential conversation with our admissions advisors.

How to Find Everyday Happiness

If you’re in early recovery, you’ve likely heard of the concept of the “pink cloud,” or intense feelings of elation and happiness felt by many in early sobriety. While beginning a brand-new sober life may very well be the best feeling you had in years (and it should be) – you’ll likely also need to deal with some curve balls and negative emotions along the way. Recovery is hard work and you may feel tired, discouraged and deflated at times. 

To stay the sober path, it’s a good idea to have a few healthy strategies to overcome these high and lows. Learning to focus on the positive and find joy in each day will help you to find happiness in sobriety. Here's how. 

Seek opportunities to volunteer. Volunteering can certainly boost your mood – think about how great it feels to really make a difference and help someone else – and it can also help you meet like-minded friends. Some groups and places that need volunteers:

• Homeless shelters and soup kitchens
• Animal shelters
• Convalescent homes
• Charitable organizations (ie Salvation Army, Goodwill) 

Try something new. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn another language or take a cooking class and you never had a chance to try it. Now is the time to gift yourself with the joy and confidence that comes with learning a new skill. 

Hang out with positive pals. Our recent blog, “Making Friends for Good Health,” outlined some of the numerous health benefits of having a few really good friends. But the real gems are those optimistic, upbeat pals that always seem to cheer you up, rally behind you and leave you feeling better about yourself.

Find your own fun. A playful spirit is a powerful recovery tool. Your new sober world is full of amazing experiences and possibilities to enjoy yourself and reconnect with others. Start with a few activities you used to enjoy as a kid – whether playing Frisbee in the park or heading to the movie theater.

Find Happiness in Sobriety 

Have you been using drugs and alcohol to achieve fleeting moments of happiness? Are you seeking a more lasting, healthy sense of well-being? If so, the holistic therapies at Complete Harmony can show you the way to a more meaningful and satisfying life. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673.

Bad Day, No Problem!

It’s better to have a bad day while you’re sober than a good one while you’re using! Still, knowing this doesn’t necessarily make it easier to handle those no good horrible days that are bound to happen while in recovery. What will help, however, is a few simple strategies to make you feel empowered to muddle through. 

Start with these seven ideas: 

• Create a positive spin. Take a few minutes to focus on something positive that happened today – and then remind yourself that things could always be worse. 
• Put it to paper What specifically made your day so bad – an argument with a loved one or a stressful day at work? Write it down, recognize it and then try to just let it go! 
• Get moving. Work out those frustrations with a brisk walk or long hike – but if you find yourself ruminating on negative events, be sure to refocus those thoughts. 
• Inhale slowly. A simple breath is a great way to stay calm. Inhale slowly and exhale as you let your troubles blow away.  
• Get cleaning. Many people find inner peace by having outer order. Try it: Take a few minutes and tackle one junk drawer. 
• Escape the healthy way. Get lost in a good book or funny movie and lose your day! A healthy distraction may be just what you need to de-stress and unwind.
• Reach out for support. Retreating into isolation is never the answer; though it may be tempting to do so. Instead, call a friend or loved one who can help talk you down from your day or at least provide a positive distraction. 

Caring for Your Mental Health
Having co-occurring psychiatric disorders can make it even more difficult to weather those bad days. At Complete Harmony, we address the unique needs of our clients and give them the tools needed to sustain a healthy mind, body, and spirit during recovery and beyond. Learn more: 866-930-4673.