Addiction recovery involves a lot of ups and downs that can sometimes feel challenging to push through – especially if you are also battling with mental illness, such as anxiety and depression, or even just having a stressful day. Life in recovery is often a roller coaster, with soaring highs that are followed just as easily by crushing lows.
There are many instances when we may feel that we’re just not good enough, that things aren’t going the way we expected, or that we don’t have enough support around us. But while you are in treatment, it’s crucial that you begin to look up and try to find positivity every day. As you focus on being more positive within yourself, you’ll be surprised how quickly everything around you begins to develop a more positive meaning as well.
The Power of Positivity
Positivity is a powerful motivator for people experiencing all kinds of issues – it’s what builds resilience when life doesn’t go as planned. Positivity can have a major physical impact on us as well. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins, people with a family history of heart disease who had a positive outlook were over 30% less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event in the next 5-25 years than those with a more negative outlook. The Mayo Clinic reports that positive thinking leads to lower rates of depression, greater resistance to the common cold, and even a longer life span.
If you’re ready to grow in recovery, consider taking on a more positive approach each day. The list of reasons why is endless, but here are a few to consider:
- Positivity means that we’re less stressed, so we can focus on beating our addiction and getting more joy out of life.
- When we’re focused on the positives, we’re more capable of thinking clearly and rationally rather than emotionally.
- Positivity can help us see opportunities that we may have passed by before.
- Adding more positivity into your life can physically change the chemicals in your brain, making you more likely to feel content each day rather than anxious or worried.
- As you continue practicing positivity, you’ll find that your mind – and heart – open up more to others, which will strengthen your relationships over time.
You Can Do It
Positivity can be hard to implement at times, but it’s not impossible. If you are pessimistic by nature, the good news is that positive thinking skills can be learned. Being positive doesn’t mean that you are burying your head in the sand and ignoring life’s problems – it just means that you are trying to approach them in a more productive way.
People who have a brighter outlook – even when life is difficult and messy – are less stressed, less cynical, and more apt to enjoy their lives. It’s not about being happy all the time, but about learning to accept each moment as it comes.
If you’re ready to seek help for addiction and find positivity in your life, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today.
At Alta Loma, we believe in the ability of our residents to tap into their inner strength to make a change. Our goal is to provide a supportive, caring environment that will empower them to succeed. It’s never too late to begin building a happier life. Call us today at (866) 457-3843.
