Are you trying to figure out how to use mindfulness practices to overcome addiction? Read this article to learn more about mindfulness and addiction.
About 23 million Americans struggle with drug addiction. Accepting this truth, rather than shoving it under the rug, has opened up new ways of dealing with the disease.
Mindfulness may sound like a new buzzword, but this approach offers great healing potential! Read on to learn about mindfulness and addiction.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness refers to bringing your attention to the present moment. It essentially means living in the now rather than dwelling on the past or stressing about the future.
Living mindfully helps people let go of the things they cannot control or change, positively affecting mental health. When pairing it with addiction recovery, this approach provides promising results by reframing the person’s entire mindset.
5 Ways to Battle Addiction with Mindfulness
You possess all of the tools needed to practice your mindfulness. You conjure up this sense of being through your body and mind, but it takes practice. Here are five mindfulness recovery practices that will help you beat addiction!
1. Mindful Meditation
Mindful meditation and substance abuse offer a similar effect. Both allow you to completely let go so your mind can wander where it wants and alter your body’s sensational perception.
While drugs may numb you, mindfulness allows you to experience sensations as they happen. Rehab centers like The Recovery Village Indianapolis often combine different techniques like this to help you overcome your addictions. Find a quiet spot and get comfy. Close your eyes and allow your entire body to relax.
Allow your mind to wander without stopping it or changing direction. Notice everything you smell, hear, feel, think, etc. Let it all flow.
2. Yoga
If you cannot yet stand to sit still for so long, start by finding mindfulness in your movements. Yoga keeps you present as you strive to stretch and flow into actions that require focus.
This practice will also help you keep your body healthy. As you feel more durable now, thoughts of substances will lose power. Ibogaine treatment centers offer a multi-faceted holistic program to help you detox and regain your life.
3. Breathe
You always need to breathe no matter where or what you are doing. Yet, we often do so without giving our breath attention.
Focus on your breath. Notice how it sounds, feels, and where the air goes. This simple exercise helps keep your mind in the present.
4. Set Intentions
When you wake up every morning, decide what your mind, body, and soul need for that day and set an intention. It may mirror yesterday’s or take on a whole new direction.
Doing this helps you identify underlying needs. Doing so means choosing healthy ways to satisfy your needs rather than turning to drugs.
5. Journal
Keep a journal handy to write any strong thoughts, urges, or emotions you cannot let go of. You might write single words, poetry, or make a statement. Doing this will help you release it and put it away.
Choose Mindfulness and Addiction Healing
Adapt to mindfulness, and addiction healing will follow. Giving up control to the present also means taking power away from the substance that controlled you. Addiction poses unique challenges when you struggle as a parent.
