5 Rituals for Supporting Your Recovery Journey

Humans tend to dislike following a schedule.  It’s not uncommon for people to want to sleep in on a workday or be late for a meeting.  The small sense of freedom is important to most people.  Unfortunately, without some structure to the day, many of us wouldn’t accomplish much.  This dilemma also holds true for people in addiction recovery.  Recovery rituals will help these individuals build healthy habits, create structure in their daily activities, and stay connected to their goals.

What Are Recovery Rituals?

Rituals keep people grounded and focused.  For someone in recovery, rituals can be the key to maintaining sobriety.  Recovery can be challenging.  Learning new ways to navigate daily demands without drugs or alcohol isn’t easy, especially in early recovery.  However, keeping to a routine will help a recovering person stay on track.

If you are in recovery, a ritual can be anything that makes you feel in control of your day and your well-being.  

What Are the Benefits of Recovery Rituals?

Experts agree that a healthy body and mind are crucial components of sobriety.  It’s vital to learn new habits that promote wellness, confidence, and self-esteem.  When you feel good and can think more clearly, you’re less likely to use addictive substances.

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some of the most common recovery rituals people find helpful.

5 Helpful Recovery Rituals

As part of our treatment program, we work with clients to create a relapse prevention plan.  The plans typically include the following suggestions:

1. Attend support group meetings regularly – Support groups offer a safe, supportive environment where you can share your concerns and experiences with others who are going through the same situation.  It’s therapeutic to know you’re not the only one struggling to stay sober.
2. Celebrate milestones – Celebrating your accomplishments reinforces your commitment and gives your self-esteem a boost.  Whether you’ve been sober for a month, six months, or a year, congratulating yourself on the progress you’ve made is important.
3. Meditate daily – Take the time daily to sit quietly and think about your goals and milestones.  This recovery ritual supports mental health by helping you prepare for the next day’s challenges.  You can also include spiritual practices in this ritual for added guidance and comfort.  Journaling is another way to help you process your thoughts and keep track of your progress.
4. Stay active – Physical activity supports your mental and physical wellness.  Find ways each day to get some form of exercise such as walking, running, yoga, swimming, or sports.
5. Practice gratitude – Gratitude is powerful.  Remembering to take note of the things you’re grateful for will help you focus on the right things in life.  It will also keep you in a positive mindset to aid in your recovery journey.

While these five recovery rituals are beneficial, you may want to change a few things for a more personalized approach.  

How to Create Your Own Rituals

What works for others may not be right for your situation.  If you want to create recovery rituals that align with your specific needs, try some of these tips:

• Start small.  Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying too many new things all at once.  Start with a few rituals and add more as you go.
• List your needs.  What helps you relax?  Do you prefer morning or evening routines?  Do you need more time alone?  A list of your needs gives you an idea of where to begin.
• Be consistent. Perform your rituals at the same time each day so they become a part of your routine.
• Be flexible.  If a recovery routine isn’t working out, replace it with something that resonates with you.

Recovery rituals are crucial to maintaining sobriety.  Use a combination of rituals daily to stay on track.  You aren’t just trying to stay sober, you’re building a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.  

What to Do If You Relapse

Relapse happens to many people in recovery, but it doesn’t mean you’ve failed at staying sober.  It means you may need more time in rehab to strengthen your commitment.  

At Design for Change Recovery, you’ll enjoy a comforting environment where you won’t be distracted by daily trials and stressors.  Our compassionate, skilled staff will work with you to ensure all your needs are met.

We provide different levels of care to ensure you get the best program for your situation.  Whether you need outpatient, inpatient, or partial hospitalization, we will arrange a short-term or long-term plan to accommodate your schedule.

Design for Change is a JCAHO-accredited facility located in beautiful Lancaster, CA.  If you would like to know more about our programs, contact us today. One of our treatment advisors will answer your questions, verify your insurance, and recommend a treatment plan that is right for your needs.   

Sources:

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery – Recovery and Recovery Support

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/recovery – Recovery