Keeping a positive attitude during addiction rehab may sound difficult, even unrealistic. But a conscious effort to remain positive is a goal that is achievable, and it can be one of the most important and helpful aspects of recovery. It isn’t difficult to imagine that a person suffering from substance abuse cannot, on a very deep level, be happy about themselves or their life. But learning to think and act in a positive way can help tremendously by re-wiring the brain and giving it a new path to take the place of the old one.
A Healthy Lifestyle
Of course, substance abuse takes a tremendous toll on the body and causes neglect in all areas of self-care. An important part of recovery and learning to be positive includes learning new habits, like good nutrition, regular exercise and getting enough sleep. A regular bedtime, a walk around the block, and a healthy way of eating are new habits that help feeling and thinking positively.
Recognizing the Goodness Inside of You
It is challenging to overcome a bad self-image that has been fed by addiction. But this is the time to dig down, find the good qualities that you possess and own them. When you finish a book that interests you or hold the door open for someone, recognize that you have a good brain and genuine kindness in you. Build on those realizations and let them take on the importance they deserve.
Giving Back
Giving without expectations of reward or recognition is an extremely effective way to learn to feel good about yourself. It can be volunteering at a library or shelter, knitting caps for newborns or helping clean up a neighborhood park. Big or small, these selfless actions are a powerful confidence builders.
Spiritual Practice
Regardless of what you believe, many report spirituality as an excellent coping strategy to fall back on during the tougher times in the recovery process. Creative people often feel a sense of spirituality when painting, playing or listening music or journaling. Some can feel the wonder of the universe just from taking a walk in the woods. Still others find that regular meditation is the way to feel connected to something bigger than themselves. And feeling that connection—the feeling of not being alone in the universe—is extremely important and positive.
These are just a few of the ways to learn, grow and incorporate positive thinking and behavior into your life. Enrolling in a drug rehab center can provide you with the support you may need to maintain a positive attitude. Allowing this new outlook on life to take root and flourish in you is a powerful way to help you find and build a positive future.
