You’ve probably heard it before, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. In our busy lives, it’s important to make time for sleep, as it promotes all of our cognitive functions. Recent studies have shown the importance of getting good sleep in promoting recovery. High quality sleep has been shown to reduce substance […]
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Numerous studies confirm what many people know to be inherently true: spending time outdoors feels good! A 2021 study found that exposure to green space can help reduce pain, stress, and impulsive decision making, all factors associated with substance use disorders. Many recovery centers incorporate nature into treatment programs, as it is often seen as a crucial
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When making the decision to enter recovery, finances can be a big worry. For some, your recovery budget might look very different from your previous financial situation. Recent research has shown that money management can promote substance use recovery by increasing mindfulness around financial planning, and helping to plan for unexpected financial situations. Some people find that
Not only is volunteering a great way to give back to your community, but it can also be a way to promote substance use recovery. A recent study showed that altruistic behaviors, such as volunteering, help us to get connected with other people and can promote substance use recovery. Volunteering can provide many benefits, such as instilling
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People talk about meditation and mindfulness all of the time, but what does it really mean? Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body
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We’ve all heard it before – it takes a village. For people entering into recovery, it is important to develop and maintain a strong support system. Recent research has shown that in order to reach and maintain substance use abstinence, it is important to maintain positive relationships and to engage self-agency to protect yourself from
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In a time where many things can seem uncertain, it may feel challenging to reflect on the positive things in your life. However, recent research has shown that gratitude journaling and positive activity journaling can help promote substance use recovery. A 2020 study found that although participants in a particular substance use recovery program typically
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If you are just beginning your recovery journey, you might be feeling like you are learning a lot of new information at once and this can be overwhelming. Recent research has found that learning about substance use (often referred to as psychoeducation) can help people reduce the desire to use substances, and promote recovery. There
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In addition to the widely documented health benefits of regular exercise, exercise has been shown to promote substance use abstinence and recovery. A recent trial found that study participants who exercised three times per week maintained substance use abstinence at a significantly higher rate than study participants who did not regularly exercise. In our busy
