5 Ways to Wake Up in Recovery

Waking up and hitting snooze? As soon as you get up are you checking emails, and turning on the television? That's a good way to start the day feeling stressed out. Yes, the new year has already started, but it's not too late to start a new routine. You can start now! Here's 5 tips to start your day differently...

1. Change Your Alarm. Often, clients are sharing they are still having nightmares and using dreams. If you're waking up to the same tone it can be hard to tell if it was a dream or reality. Change the sounds you wake up to! There are a ton of options on our phones now for different tones. Why not wake up more peacefully to the sounds of nature?
2. Wake up and think of 3 things you are grateful for. Gratitude is powerful. According to Psychology Today(2015), gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from jealousy and resentment to frustration and regret.
3. Read a meditation. Reading can help start the day right. It can set an intention for the day and takes us out of our own thoughts. What do you need more of? Peace? Serenity? Happiness? Find a meditation that is about that and read.
4. Connect with your breath.  Take a couple cleansing breaths before you get out of bed. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat this 3 times. Our breath regulates our autonomic nervous system. Our breath can help us go from reacting to responding. The brain is very reactive in active addiction and early recovery. Tap in to responding by tapping into your breath.
   
5. Meditate. A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison indicates that the practice of meditation reduces the grey-matter density in the areas of the brain related with anxiety and stress. Here's a list of clients favorite apps: Calm, Headspace, and Meditation Oasis.
   

Interested in learning more? Give us a call today, 704-782-3050.