Importance of daily routine in addiction recovery

Importance of Daily Routine in Addiction Recovery Posted by Into Action Treatment on July 4, 2015 in Articles, We Do Recover Maintaining focus and motivation in recovery is a challenge faced by many recovering addicts.

Avoiding complacency becomes the name of the game, so to speak. Research has shown that there are distinct cognitive functions that can aid substance abstinence. To benefit from the cognitive functioning that can reduce cravings for alcohol, prescription or illicit drugs, abstinence needs to be maintained. A daily routine can help improve the condition of the brain, sometimes to its pre-addiction state.

Establishing a normal, but strictly followed routine gives a feeling of purpose to behavior and helps people cope with stressful events, including addiction recovery. Staying busy, engaging in healthy social behavior, and adhering to healthy hygienic practices, can reduce chances of relapse. A strict schedule shifts an individual’s priorities, making recovery its top priority.

When a person carefully plans their day, even using a traditional a to-do list, they are less likely to get

caught up in unhealthy behaviors, boredom, or former habits. Leaving time up to chance, people become prone towards procrastination. Too much “free time”, down time, or boredom can lead to rumination and preoccupation with stressors, both of which can lead to active cravings very quickly.

Being more productive during the day, which can improve self-esteem and feelings of self-efficacy, which is the belief in one’s abilities. Proper amounts of exercise, sleep and diet are the main three essential factors needed to keep one’s mind and body healthy; strictly incorporating them into one’s day daily routine is invaluable toward reaching sobriety.

Importance of Exercise

Exercise has proven to be a healthy, rewarding, and socializing routine with proven benefits especially for recovery. It alters the brain chemistry to a healthier function by releasing endorphins and other antidepressant chemicals. Endorphins give a burst of energy and euphoric feelings describes as being ‘high’, such as the “runner’s high” after a long, high-intensity run or workout. The same substance is secreted during addiction. It not only helps in maintaining a good mood but also teaches the body to regulate its chemical processes.

Importance of Diet

Maintaining a routine diet schedule is also important for repairing the body from early recovery; it is important, however, during all phases of one’s life. A good diet containing a healthy balance of essential carbs, proteins and fats has been shown benefit the mood positively. Deficiency of some amino acids is linked with negative thoughts.

Importance of Sleep

Proper sleep is the third important part of creating a healthy routine; people often minimize the necessity of a healthy sleep routine. Insomnia is a frequent problem for people with addiction histories; it can be a long-term withdrawal effect, lasting up 18 months after the acute withdrawal phase.

Insominia predisposes a person to feelings of tension, anxiety and boredom. Sleep is the time of bodily repair and recovery is not possible without it no matter how good the diet or exercise is. Going to bed at the same time each night helps the body maintain its proper normal sleep. Ways to improve on sleep hygiene is to sleep in a cool, dry, dark environment, and research has pointed at 10pm as being an optimal sleep time, according to the circadian rhythm. Having proper sleep helps in keeping a positive mood and improves motivation for maintaining a healthy, sober routine for the rest of the day.