The Benefits of Meditation for Addiction Recovery

/in /by

Choosing to pursue your sobriety requires a complete lifestyle change. You’ll need to create a solid routine that’s filled with enriching activities, new responsibilities, and supportive individuals. If you’re looking for a place to start, explore the benefits of meditation for addiction recovery. This is a great practice to incorporate into your daily life.

If you need a safe space to stay sober, our sober living environment at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation may be right for you. Contact us and learn how we can help. 

What is Meditation?

Meditation is the practice of clearing the mind. It connects the mind and body through a focused breathing pattern in order to rid you of your thoughts. When practiced continually, some are able to reach a state of inner peace. Meditation is something that must be done on a consistent basis to experience the wonderful benefits it has to offer.

How to Meditate

There are a few different ways that you can practice meditation. However, to get you started, take the following steps:

  • Find a quiet location free of interruptions.
  • Sit or lay down with your eyes closed.
  • Take deep inhales and exhales. With every exhale, consciously relax your muscles.
  • Focus solely on your breath, making sure it is consistent and at a steady pace.
  • If thoughts arise, acknowledge them, and allow them to drift away. If you’d like, you can use imagery to rid yourself of your thoughts—imagine them as leaves floating away down a tranquil stream.
  • Do this for 10 to 15 minutes per day.

Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is a very useful tool for those who are pursuing their sobriety. Explore the top benefits of engaging in meditation for addiction recovery:

  • Helps regulate emotions. Feelings of anger, depression, stress, and anxiety all put you at risk for relapse. If you don’t have a method for controlling your emotions, meditation is a great way to calm down and reset. Afterward, you can better assess and regulate your emotions with a clear head.
  • Can serve as a coping technique. If you begin to experience cravings, meditation can serve as a healthy distraction from temptation. It can also provide the clarity you need to reason through why you should not give in to your cravings.
  • Promotes better sleep. Getting proper sleep is an essential part of recovery. Meditation relaxes both the mind and body, helping you to get a better night’s rest.
  • Improves mental strength. Not only can meditation improve your concentration, but over time, it can develop your mind to be better equipped to handle negative thoughts and emotions even when you are not practicing.
  • Increases self-awareness. Meditation helps instill a better sense of self, which could help you become more at peace and comfortable with your new identity as a sober individual. It can also help show you what you prioritize and truly care about, which can also be used as an incentive to continue on your path to sobriety.

Consider The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation

While meditation is a very helpful technique, if you feel that you need further assistance pursuing your sobriety, The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation is here for you. A sober living environment will allow you to recover in a supportive, understanding community. To learn more, contact us to discover how we can provide the help you need.