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Self-care

10 Sober Activities for Addiction Recovery

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10 sober activities for addiction recovery

Sober living is not always easy. It can be difficult to transition from a lifestyle of misusing drugs and alcohol to complete abstinence after completing an addiction treatment program. When you enter recovery, you need structure, routine, positive support, and even things such as sober activities to partake in–all of which have not been a part of your previous life. Why Finding Sober Activities Are Important Early recovery can make you feel like you are on a roller coaster of emotions. Boredom and free time can be dangerous during this time when you may feel overwhelmed by obsessive thoughts, triggers, and cravings. Sober activities can help you navigate addiction recovery. They consist of individual or group activities that distract you from recovery stressors and simultaneously provide the support you need to stay sober. Sober activities are things you do or participate in that offer you some reward. In recovery, the …

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College Tips: Speaking From Experience

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College

By Ashley Barnes Adjusting. Adjusting to any new environment can be daunting and intimidating. You may not know exactly what to expect out of your new college environment. You won’t be surrounded by the same group of friends from back home, you likely won’t be eating the same food, and definitely won’t be sleeping in the same bed. You may feel alone in this drastically different experience filled with change, novelty, and it may feel overwhelming! The reality is, everyone around you will be going through similar adjustments. Acknowledging the universality of this change may help readers better understand that you are not alone in this seemingly lonely experience. In fact, you will be presented with many opportunities to form valuable and lasting connections. Finding a routine. Part of adjusting is finding a new sense of stability. Finding a new sense of stability can be achieved through the creation of …

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Addressing Change

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College

By Ashley Barnes Change. One doesn’t have to be diagnosed with adjustment disorder (which is an actual diagnosis) to have a hard time with change. The reality is that we will be faced with many changes throughout the course of our lives. Your favorite restaurant in your hometown may close its doors for the last time. You may leave the expectancy, sureness, and comfort of your home for a dorm room. You may adjust to a new job, or change careers entirely. You may be navigating the drastic change that comes with the loss of a relationship or the death of a loved one.  We so often grow comfortable and rooted in certain aspects of our lives that when change comes about, we feel uprooted. Change can be surprising or it can be anxiously anticipated. It could evoke fear and excitement simultaneously. Whatever comes up for you, I want to …

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Following a Sleep Hygiene Checklist to Beat Insomnia

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Following a sleep hygiene checklist to beat insomnia

Sleep disturbances are a growing problem in America, with insomnia being the most common. However, creating and following a regular sleep hygiene checklist is one way to promote healthy sleep habits for a better quality of life–along with professional therapy and/or other lifestyle changes. Let’s find out why. How Many People Suffer from Insomnia? According to reports, up to 35% have brief insomnia symptoms, and up to 20% have short-term insomnia that can last up to three months. In addition, 10% of Americans have chronic insomnia disorder, which occurs at least three times a week for three months or more. Research shows women are at higher risk of developing insomnia than men, with pregnancy and pre-menstrual syndrome increasing a woman’s likelihood. The consequences of insomnia and sleep disturbances can include drowsy driving, lower productivity or increased accidents and errors at work, and mental illness. Specifically, 40% of those with insomnia have …

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9 Mental Health Tips for a Brighter Summer

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9 mental health tips for a brighter summer

Summer is a season that reminds many people of fun outdoor activities like going to the beach, walking in the park, swimming, and picnics with family and friends. However, it reminds others of getting overheated, battling insects and bugs, and feeling overwhelmed with trying to accomplish everything on your to-do list. It also reminds them of vacation planning, traveling, finding childcare, more running around, and less time for themselves to care for their mental well-being, mental health conditions, or implementing mental health tips and strategies to alleviate some of the pressure. Pressure and Exhaustion Speaking of pressure… Pressure by peers to join activities, pressure by the boss to work later since the days are longer, and even pressure on yourself to get outdoors, even when you are exhausted, can bring on feelings of summertime dread. Before you know it, you are struggling with a anxiety and depression. This summer, make …

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