5 To-Do's to Find Everyday Inspiration in Recovery

Many people are still staying indoors for the sake of everyone’s health. It can frustrating, boring, or lonely to stay home all the time.  Unfortunately, these feelings can also be a trigger to use. It’s hard for everyone right now to bide their time until they can see others in person again. You’re definitely not alone! However, you’re going to have to accept that the epidemic is one of those things you can’t change. Take inspiration where you can get it!

While you can work, go to school, and attend 12-step meetings, those tasks probably aren’t enough to fill all of your waking hours. Finding inspiration will help you forge ahead even on rainy, gloomy days at home

Inspiration to Stay Sane & Entertained

Staying sober is the most important thing you can do right now. But what can you do when you’re feeling bored or frustrated about isolation? You may feel incredibly restless or even afraid that you’re going to feel this way forever.

Here are 5 great ideas for spending your free time:

1. Read 12-step literature. Whether it’s the AA Big Book or the NA Basic Text, there’s a lot of information you can absorb just by reading or re-reading certain passages. Sometimes it’s helpful to skip right to the stories at the end of either book to find some hope or inspiration. Stories by people who have stayed sober can be a vehicle that drives your hope and change. Whose story sounds most like your own? Also, consider starting a study circle where you can choose one passage or chapter every week to focus on.
2. Watch inspirational movies or documentaries. There are so many movies that you can stream that help you feel good. Make a pact with some of your recovery friends to watch the movie at the same time and be available for discussion afterward. Don’t choose a movie with a lot of graphic drug or alcohol use. You know what drug use is like – there’s not a lot you can learn from movies like this and they can be a trigger. If you’re looking for inspiring stories of recovery, starting with My Name is Bill W is a good idea. IMDB also has a great list of other generally inspirational movies you can check out.
3. Take a class. There has never been a better time to learn new life skills, try out a new language, or even learn to code if that’s your thing. A few great places to check out include Udemy, Eventbrite, and Coursera. The classes are cheap or even free in many cases, and you typically have a schedule but a lot of leeway as to when you do the work.
4. Get exercise. While you might not feel comfortable sidling up to the beach (even when it IS open) there are other ways to keep fit and respect social distancing. Eventbrite has a lot of fitness classes that are real-time and if you’re able to part with a few dollars, you can even get instructor feedback. Other options include downloading apps to create a personal fitness plan (and exercise demonstrations). Nike Training Club is one free option that’s pretty popular. The inspiration to get fit is right at your fingertips.
5. Give back to others. When you were using drugs or alcohol, you probably spent a lot of time being selfish, even if that wasn’t something you wanted or meant to do. Giving back is one of the gifts of recovery that many people embrace. Helping others can help you develop self-esteem and even deepen your relationships. Do more chores in your family settings, and find out how you can be at service in your community. If you’re able and willing to do so, offer to take a shift packing groceries for your local food banks. If this isn’t an option, find out what local charities may need help with research, stuffing envelopes, or other tasks you can provide from the comfort of your home.

Keep on Striving

If you’re anxious to get back to “normal life”, you’re not alone. But part of recovery is doing what is best for you, not what you want to do. If you’re not a doctor or scientist, you’re not qualified to make decisions that will affect the health and safety of others. Staying home when you’re asked to stay home is being responsible and doing what’s right for everyone. It can be tough, but you can do it! Draw inspiration from others who are taking the time to improve themselves.

The time period we are living through is unprecedented and requires a lot of creativity and cooperation. None of us knows exactly what the future will bring, but striving and surviving is one goal that everyone has at this time. While it’s hard on everyone to stay home, you’re lucky because you have a group of people in recovery who are willing to listen to you, spend virtual time with you, and help you get through this one day at a time.

Getting Help for Addiction

Do you want to stop using alcohol or drugs? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Addiction is a disease that affects your body, mind, and spirit. The great news is that there’s help available when you’re ready to reach out. We’re here, open, and willing to help you get started. Give us a call at 619-363-4077 and we’ll help you get started with your recovery journey.