Meditation & Relaxation in Recovery
Meditation can aid your recovery, in helping you once again gain control of your life. Meditation has many physiological and psychological benefits, from deep relaxation to reconnecting with God. As part of our recovery program, we include time for meditation and relaxation to help recovering individuals along their path to sobriety. Below are some of the ways meditation aids in recovery, as well as a few of the different ways to meditate.
Gain Clarity of Mind
During the first few months of recovery, you may experience a mental haziness as your body begins to adjust to its new sober state. Emotions will run high, and withdrawals can be intense. Meditation can help you relax, gain control over your mind, and minimize cravings.
Reduce Anxiety
Meditation can help you manage stress and reduce anxiety. You will be able to calm your brain, understand your mind, and learn to detach yourself from negative thoughts and feelings. Studies have proven that meditation reduces activity in the amygdala, the primary area in the brain linked to fear. Stress can be a trigger for relapse, so it is important that you learn how to manage it.
Increase Self Awareness
As you meditate, you will start to understand the way your mind works, as well as help you change your mindset for a healthier you. Meditation will help you relax, go deep inside yourself, and understand your heart and mind with new light. You will better understand your triggers and recognize warning signs of relapse. You will also be able to move forward with hope and peace in your recovery.
Build Resilience
Meditation can help you build resilience both emotionally and physically. You will have many health benefits such as lower blood pressure, increased serotonin production, and increased energy. You will also be able to keep depression and anxiety at bay, and have a way to protect yourself against relapse.
Ways to Meditate
There are many ways to meditate besides the traditional cross legged technique. Every person has their preferred method of meditation, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t connect with every method. Below are a few common techniques.
- Walking Meditation
A common form of meditation is walking meditation, where you take a stroll through a park or around the neighborhood to clear your head and direct your focus to the things around you. - Meditative Exercise
Yoga and Tai chi are common meditative exercises that can help you build flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. - Zen Meditation
Zen meditation, or seated meditation, is the traditional meditation done with crossed legs, keeping the back straight, eyes closed, and breathing gentle. - Guided Meditation
There are many tapes and CD’s that can take you through meditation exercises to help you relax and concentrate. This is good for beginners who are just barely getting introduced to meditation.
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Renaissance Ranch is a Utah drug rehab and alcohol abuse recovery facility offering counseling for men and women.