RECOVERY LIFESTYLE
The 8 Core Elements to Sustaining Long-Term Sobriety
Our BIGVISION Recovery Lifestyle: 8 Core Elements
1. PRINCIPLES:
What are PRINCIPLES? Honesty, integrity, humility, willingness, gratitude.
How do PRINCIPLES help sustain recovery? By changing your moral compass, you get opportunities to create better outcomes in your daily life. When you experience increasing positive outcomes, you gain confidence and traction in recovery.
2. HOME:
What is HOME? Safe, stable place to live that encourages recovery in a parent’s home, college dorm, sober living community, shared home with sober roommate(s).
How does HOME help sustain recovery? When you feel safe in a stable living situation, your fears of the bottom falling out begin to subside and you can enjoy coming home to hang out. When your home is in place it gives a foundation for sustaining traction in recovery—and the other (7) Recovery Lifestyle core elements begin to become more manageable.
3. PURPOSE:
What is PURPOSE? Activities that give life meaning… school, job, activism, volunteer, creative expression.
How does PURPOSE help sustain recovery? By having a purpose in life, it gives you a focal point and reason to welcome each new day. A purpose makes you feel a sense of accomplishment and encouragement.
4. SELF-CONNECT
What is SELF-CONNECT? A heightened state of being. Listen to your intuition and have a strong internal compass.
How does SELF-CONNECT help sustain recovery? By regularly checking in with yourself, and tuning into what you need in the moment—be it emotional, physical or spiritual—you restore your connection to “the self” and gain traction in recovery.
5. COMMUNITY
What is COMMUNITY? A sense of belonging with sober friends, supportive relationships with family members, mentors, neighbors, sponsors, coaches, co-workers. Social networks provide an opportunity for hope, support, and love.
How does COMMUNITY help sustain recovery? Recovery teaches you that you are not meant to walk it alone. Connection and an ongoing support system are keys to long-term sobriety. By finding friends that understand the sober struggle themselves and by creating healthier supportive relationships, you can celebrate life’s joys and better navigate life’s challenges. By talking about issues and getting a new fresh perspective you learn coping skills.
6. WELLNESS
What is WELLNESS? Self-care, mental health, good nutrition, exercise, regular sleep habits.
How does WELLNESS help sustain recovery? The effects of addiction wreak havoc on your mind and body. Healthy self-care is integral to long-term recovery. Eating foods that are right for you can help your body’s healing process. Exercise and physical activity help to rejuvenate and repair your body and mind. Maintaining ongoing counseling is key to assist you with good mental health. It may seem simple, but adhering to regular sleep habits will greatly benefit you.
7. RECREATION
What is RECREATION? Activities that give life fun & joy with hobbies, passions, creativity.
How does RECREATION help sustain recovery? Your Recovery is not meant to be consumed by spending time in therapy and meetings. Finding activities that give you an opportunity to have new joyful and fun experiences are key.
8. RELAXATION
What is RELAXATION? Take time to pause with meditation, yoga, sound healing, journaling.
How does RELAXATION help sustain recovery? The daily grind can be overwhelming and create unproductive stress and anxiety. Use proven effective tools to slow you down and give you a serene reset button. Taking time to pause can be beneficial for your sanity and peace of mind.