Fill Your Recovery Toolbox During This Time of Social Distancing
The world we know has rapidly transformed in the past week. I can’t help but think about all the individuals in recovery from addiction right now. I am not in recovery myself, but I can only imagine how difficult the recovery journey can be even when a worldwide pandemic is not changing life as we know it. It has been said that addiction is a disease of isolation, and we know that connection is critical for those in recovery because it provides needed support and the motivation to continue sobriety, so how can individuals maintain recovery during a time of social distancing and self-isolation?
Times such as these will call for people to become creative in their daily lives. Individuals in recovery may need to find alternative ways to cope with stress and anxiety, not only with concerns of the Coronavirus, but in also dealing with life in general.
If you have concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), you can find resources and see recommendations on the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization. I have much to learn and am not qualified to offer advice about the virus, but if you are interested in learning some ways to stay focused on the mind, body and spirit during this period of social distancing, please stick around.
If you are in recovery, or have a loved one in recovery, I am hoping these different “tools” can be put in your “Recovery Toolbox” to help during this time of uncertainty. What is a Recovery Toolbox? Any “tool” (i.e.: resource or activity) an individual can use as a coping mechanism to shift their current state of mind during difficult situations that may jeopardize their sobriety. And in all honesty, I think anyone, regardless of whether they are in recovery or not, can benefit from using some of these tips and ideas.
So below, you will find a list of ideas, services, apps, and resources I have assembled that will hopefully help you to continue your recovery during this time of social distancing.
Call or Facetime a Friend - Make it even more fun and enjoy a Facetime session over lunch.
Get Some Fresh Air and Go on a Walk - Whether just around the block, at a local park or your favorite walking trail, a walk is a great way to clear your mind, de-stress and help you feel better. Just be sure to keep a 6-foot distance if possible, from other hikers. The Gorge in Akron has a wonderful walking trail with a waterfall, and the trail next to Hope United’s offices at Compassion Church in Canton on Schneider St NE (across from Glen Oak High School) takes you past the beautiful grounds of Gervasi Vineyard.
Be of Service to Others – It’s amazing how doing something nice for others can make you feel good. Call a friend or neighbor who is elderly or immunocompromised and offer to pick up some groceries for them or help with some chores (with adequate distancing of course). Just be sure you are not showing any signs or symptoms of the Coronavirus if you offer to be of help. Write letters or notecards to senior citizens at your local senior living facility. A heartfelt message will surely bring a smile to their faces.
Incorporate Daily Affirmations - Build a positive mindset by using Daily Affirmations. According to Psychology Today, “Affirmations are simply statements that are designed to create self-change in the individual using them.” Technology makes it easy to incorporate positive affirmations into our daily lives. Check out one of the following apps, and start incorporating Daily Affirmations into your routine: My Affirmations Live Positive, Think Up, and Unique Daily Affirmations.
Try Yoga in the Comfort of Your Home – I love Yoga With Adriene on YouTube. It is totally free to use, and you get an entire workout in the comfort of your home. Give it a try and see how great you feel afterwards. Better yet, start one of her 30-day yoga journeys. You won’t be sorry!!
Try EFT Tapping – “Emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It’s also referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure.” I had heard so much about it, but didn’t really understand how to do it, but then I discovered an easy way to incorporate tapping into my day. Check out The Tapping Solution app (some of the tapping meditations are free to use) and see what it can do for you!
Practice Meditating – Meditation activities can lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your bloodstream, enhance your immune system and help you cleanse your body of chemical toxins which can alter your mood, all of which can be helpful to individuals in recovery. Grab your phone and head to the app store. There are many apps available for meditating, but to get started, try Smiling Mind app – it is free and easy to use.
Keep a Daily Gratitude List – Keep a notebook by your bedside, and before heading off to sleep, take a few minutes to write down three things that you were grateful for the day. Recognizing the reasons you are thankful can help you experience more happiness in your life and keep you from focusing on any negative feelings.
Stay Fit Online – Check out Strong By Zumba on YouTube for a huge selection of high intensity workouts. And just published on March 19th, SB Nation has a list of 13 free online workouts you can access from your smartphone, YouTube, or live streams on social media during this time of social distancing. Check them out!
Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT Companion app is available on the Apple Store and Google Play (link: ) and may help you change your feelings and behaviors by changing your thoughts. It will help you track your moods, emotions and activities and challenge negative thoughts. Some of the features are free without a monthly subscription.
Take Up Journaling – Find a journal to write down your thoughts. Sometimes putting your thoughts in writing can help to lift the weight of stress you are carrying. Journaling can be a powerful tool that not only helps individuals reflect on and express their feelings, but also helps them to examine ways to avoid relapse.
Art Therapy – Since you can’t make it to an art therapy class, hop on over to YouTube and learn 5 Fun Art Ideas (No Skill Required). Art activities, even without the help of a certified art therapist, can help you cope with stress and help you to relax. So, take a break today, and learn a new art skill!
Listen to Music – Uplifting, inspiring music can soothe the soul. Take some time to listen to your favorite tunes on I Heart Radio or Spotify and release the stress of the day.
Read a Good Book – Nothing beats cuddling up with a blanket and a good book. Take your mind off the worries of the day, and dive into a great book. If you don’t have one at home, consider downloading the Nook Reading App if you have a smartphone.
Make a Vision Board – Grab some old magazines, glue and poster board or an old picture frame and create a vision board. A vision board is a visual representation of all the things you want to do, be and have in your life. A daily reminder to keep you focused on your vision for sobriety and what’s important to you.
Read the Bible – Besides just reading the bible, consider downloading the Holy Bible app and start a plan focused on addiction and recovery. Make using the app a daily habit and find hope in God’s word.
Consider Telehealth – Find a counselor who will offer virtual services. Hope United’s counselor, Anna Copeland (LISW-S), is now able to offer aftercare, relapse prevention and mental health counseling virtually. Give us a call at 330-520-8700 to see if we can help or do a quick search on Google for “telehealth counseling in (your town), Ohio” to find some of the providers that are now offering virtual counseling sessions.
Join a Virtual Recovery Meeting – The following links are to virtual recovery meetings that can help during this time of social distancing:
In The Rooms
Online Intergroup - Alcoholics AnonymousLionrock Recovery
12 Step Online
YouTube - 12 Step Recovery Speakers
WEconnect Recovery
Sober Grid
Smart Recovery
Y12SR
Addiction Policy Forum Connections App
Thank you so much for reading my blog. I hope you found something of interest to add to your “Recovery Toolbox”. Whatever recovery tools you choose, make sure they promote a positive well-being and help you to reduce stress. If you have additional ideas to add to someone’s “Recovery Toolbox”, please comment below. I think we all learn best from each other and you may have tools that work great for you or your loved one that you want the world to know about! Through these unprecedented times of social distancing, we may begin to feel isolated from the world, but together – and virtually – we can be HOPE UNITED!!
