Finding Balance In Your Life
An addict’s life is anything but balanced. The disease of addiction can completely take over one’s life, driving them to seek more and more excitement and pleasure at the expense of their relationships, health, career, etc. Drugs and alcohol are often used to numb negative emotions in an attempt to only experience the positive ones but unfortunately, these substances numb all emotion.
Learning to live a balanced life is essential for addiction recovery. As part of our program at Renaissance Ranch, we help recovering addicts bring balance back into their lives. Properly taking care of yourself will help you balance the highs and lows of life without the use of drugs or alcohol. Below is a step by step guide to help you find balance in your life.
1. Take an Inventory
The first thing that you need to do in order to live a balanced life is to take a look at where you focus your time and attention. Make sure that you aren’t accidentally using another habit or activity as a replacement for your addiction.
2. Make a Plan
Once you understand where the imbalances are, make a plan to correct them. What things do you need to devote less time and attention to? What are the things that you need to make sure that you give priority to? Create a plan that will help you balance these things.
3. Be Honest
This is one of the hardest steps of living a balanced life, as the disease of addiction causes you to lie to yourself even more than you lie to others. In order to be honest with yourself, you first have to accept yourself for who you are. Start by taking a good, deep look in the mirror. Don’t allow yourself to pass any judgements, just observe. As soon as you’re ready, start observing your thoughts and emotions. Do this exercise every day. Over time, you will be able to separate the truth from the lies. As soon as you are ready, start telling the truth to others too. Whenever you find yourself telling a lie, correct it as soon as possible.
4. Learn to Say No
Once you are honest with yourself, you can properly judge your circumstances and understand when you should say “Yes,” and when you should say “No.” You need to first take care of yourself if you want to live a healthy, balanced life. Sometimes, people will ask you to do things that you don’t have the time or energy to do. It is ok to tell them no.
5. Be Patient
Learning to balance your life is a process. Be patient with yourself — before your life may have been one sided and it will take time to change. Take things one step at a time, and remind yourself that every day can be a new victory. If you find yourself struggling, you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in your recovery.