A Beginner’s Guide to Mindful Meditation Following Recovery
Mindful meditation during drug and alcohol addiction recovery is a powerful way to achieve mental balance and relaxation on a daily basis. We emphasize this practice strongly during our drug rehab programs and encourage you to continue with it following treatment.
If meditation seems like a foreign concept, we have a few tips to start you off:
5 Mindful Meditation Tips
Focus on Breathing
Inhale counting to five, exhale counting to five. Continue focusing on a slow and intentional breathing pattern until you feel relaxed and other distracting thoughts have exited your brain. Take as many minutes as you need to feel a peaceful, rhythmic equilibrium.
Sort Out Negative Thoughts from Positive Thoughts
Remember that the thoughts that float in and out of your mind do not need to dictate your future actions or identity. Negative thoughts are sometimes best left as just that – thoughts. Sorting out the bad from the good and identifying which ones need to be addressed or left alone is an important step in the mindfulness process. What we believe is not always true, and our feelings need to be balanced with logic and reason to lead to productive action.
Take Time to Be Still
With the craziness of everyday life, it can be easy to feel like you’re constantly in motion. Mindfulness reminds us that it’s okay to just be still and take in the moment. Find a quiet location that is not overly stimulating and make a conscious effort to not move your body around.
Engage with Nature
Connecting with nature is a powerful aspect of mindful meditation. Instead of listening to the honking of truck horns or chattering of other people, find a secluded spot in nature to listen to birds chirping, leaves rustling in the breeze or light rainfall. These small sounds of nature are excellent ways to return to center and regain control of your thoughts.
Be Present
Mindfulness can (and should) be practiced even when you’re not actively meditating. Focus on being in the present, rather than allowing your mind to be pulled a thousand different ways by outside distractions. In other words: When you’re playing with your kids, focus on playing with your kids; when your spouse is talking to you, really listen; when you’re watching your favorite movie, enjoy everything you love about it.
Our licensed therapists focus heavily on mindful meditation during addiction treatment and throughout your entire recovery process. Talk to our qualified admissions team today: 720-577-4422 or hello@choicehouse.com.