H.A.L.T. Your Way to
Success in Recovery Life
"Never let your self get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired." Sounds like something you heard in kindergarten, right? Well we're never too old to get back to basics. Most good ideas are simple; and H.A.L.T. is no exception. Whether you're just coming in to recovery or you've been at it for years, these basic principles will guide you to better health and help you avoid relapse. So let's break it down as we learn or re-learn some of these basic recovery principles. Moreover, let's commit to applying them in our lives 24 Hours a day, one day at a time.
Hungry- Regular scheduled eating times will help you avoid the "hunger crash". As a general rule, smaller and more frequent meals are the preferred approach. Plan ahead. Start your day off right with some fruit and whole grains. Go easy on the coffee; especially late at night. Carry a candy bar with you. In early recovery, sweets are encouraged and can fight off unwanted cravings. Don't worry about those extra pounds just yet. Your body is going through a lot of changes. As you map out your day, invite a friend in recovery to join you for a meal before or after a meeting. And remember to go easy on the caffeine before bed.
Angry- Frustration and irritability are to be expected in early recovery. Remember, we are no longer numbing our thoughts and feelings with alcohol or drugs and our emotions are very raw. Try some physical exercise and fresh air. Even some light stretching and deep breathing can have a calming effect on our emotions. "Move a muscle change a thought", is the old adage. I like that one better than, "This too shall pass" when I'm really angry. There are numerous tools available to help us cope with anger in recovery. Above all, don't pick up and don't isolate. When ever possible, remove yourself from the situation causing you anger. A trip to the lavatory, some cold water on the face, and the serenity prayer is a good place to start. Reach out as soon as you can. Go to a meeting. Call your sponsor or another friend in recovery. If no one answers, leave a message. And remember, both AA & NA have 24 hour a day help lines if you need to talk with another recovering person immediately.
Lonely- Too much loneliness and isolation is a definite recipe for relapse. Whether you're new or old, no one recovers alone. We need to stay connected with others that are doing the same thing we are; not drinking or drugging one day at a time. Going to meetings helps us from isolating. However, many of us can emotionally isolate ourselves even in a room full of people. Get involved and get out of yourself. Show up early. Volunteer to make coffee or chair a meeting. Introduce yourself to someone new. We can always help ourselves by helping someone else. Have you tried a live-voice online 12 step meeting yet?
Tired- When tired we need to rest. Many if not most of us kept strange hours while drinking and drugging. Of the 24 hours in a day; 6 to 8 hours minimum need to be dedicated for sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, don't panic. No one has ever died from lack of sleep. Try some meditation techniques or read some recovery literature. Your body's internal clock will regulate itself if you develop and maintain consistent habits. Finally, remember to be grateful for another day without a drink or drug. Even if you had a rough day, you made it. And that's a gift.
 |
Show/hide comment form