6 Ways About How to Stop Worrying and Start Living Mindfulness
In these uncertain times, it is understandable that worry, anxiety, and fear of the unknown are normal responses. We don’t know when we will be able to socialize with our friends and family again. When we do leave our home for work or to buy groceries, we worry about whether we could possibly get infected and bring the coronavirus home and infect our families.
For people in addiction recovery, this unknown can be a trigger that slowly lures you away from the path you have been on. Relapses do happen but, if you arm yourself with the right ways on how to stop worrying and start living mindfulness in these uncertain times, you can avoid having to repeat your recovery program at one of our sober living homes in Florida.
1. Make a list of what is causing you to worry.
The first step is to write down what things are causing you to worry, feel anxious, stressed, or fearful. Think about your triggers and if any of those are causing some of your worries too.
2. Evaluate what you can and cannot control.
The next step is to go through your list and decide which things you can and cannot control. Taking control over your worries empowers and allows you to decide what happens next. Even if you must still leave home to go to work or grocery shopping, you can take additional steps to protect yourself and your family—like wearing face coverings and gloves.
3. Take advantage of social media and technology to socialize.
If you are used to having a support system around you, and now that is gone, it can feel like you are stranded on an island all by yourself. Don’t forget; you still have access to social media and technology to socialize with friends and family. While it is not the same as seeing people in person, you can still talk to them, see them, and be reenergized by socializing with them via Facetime, Skype, etc.
4. Ask for financial help.
If you aren’t working right now, it is easy to worry about finances, which can lead you down the wrong path and back to addictive behaviors. Pick up the phone and call creditors and ask for help. Many are offering deferred payment plans and waiving late fees and interest. Ask your landlord if you can postpone rent payments, or call your mortgage company to postpone mortgage payments. You might be surprised and be able to alleviate this worry.
5. Keep busy around the home.
Boredom can turn to addictive-like behaviors. If you find yourself constantly opening the refrigerator or thinking about alcohol or drugs, you need to find other things to keep busy. Make a list of all those things you have wanted to do around the house but never had the time. Don’t forget to include hobbies on your list too.
6. Make a schedule and stick to it.
Structure is also key to helping deal with worry and the unknown. Make out a daily schedule of things you want to do. Maintaining a set bedtime and waking time is also a good idea. If you are not working, then fill your schedule up with the list you made of things to do around the home and hobbies.
Most importantly, don’t forget help is just a phone call away when you need advice from RECO Institute on how to stop worrying. We are still open and here to help.
If you find yourself slipping back into your addictive behaviors, we can also assist with placing you in one of our sober living homes in Southern Florida where you can get the support you need. For further information, questions, and support during these unknown times, please feel free to call us at 561-665-5925 today!