The Power of Gratitude In Sobriety
Gratitude plays a significant role in your recovery, sobriety, and the rest of your life.
While it can be easy for us to dwell on what’s going wrong, consciously focusing on what we’re thankful for allows us to live more fulfilled and happier lives. The power of gratitude in sobriety is a truly influential force that can make a world of difference in your state of mind. Take a look at how to maintain this sense of positivity and implement it in your daily life.
Why Gratitude Matters
Gratitude is imperative in maintaining your sobriety. In the past, it may have been easy to return to your addiction when you were feeling down. Now, when faced with negative thoughts, gratitude becomes your coping method. Rather than dwelling on what’s bringing you down, focus your mind on all of the good that your sobriety has brought you: a new day, renewed relationships, enhanced health, and more.
While some of these things may seem small, they wouldn’t be possible without your sobriety. When you constantly remind yourself of what you’re thankful for, you’ll be less likely to fall back into your addiction.
How To Practice Gratitude
Just like learning anything new, gratitude requires practice. It will take time to rid yourself of negative thinking habits, but with these steps, you’ll be training your brain to think positively on a daily basis:
- Start with a gratitude list. The first step in practicing gratitude is creating a gratitude list every morning. Reflect on what’s important to you, big or small, and write it down. This act alone begins the day on a positive note.
- Identify negative thoughts. Next, you need to learn to identify your negative thoughts as they come up throughout the day. It’s easy to let them slip by, but in order to rid yourself of them, you must acknowledge their presence.
- Replace those thoughts. Once you can identify negativity, replace it with something you’re thankful for. You can think of something on the spot, or refer back to your handy gratitude list.
- Notice positivity in your day. Life can often feel mundane. However, it’s important to make an effort throughout the day to appreciate positive moments, no matter how small. Check in with yourself every few hours and make note of something good that happened to you during that time.
What To Do When You’re Feeling Down
Practicing gratitude isn’t a foolproof plan. Inevitably, you’re going to have a bad day—it happens to everyone. When you’re feeling down, consider these steps to help keep you calm and collected:
- Go over your list. If you’ve been keeping up with your gratitude lists, you’ll feel so much better after reading what you’ve been thankful for throughout the past few days or weeks.
- Try mindfulness. Mindfulness is taking time out of your day to accept and acknowledge everything you’re experiencing, feeling, and thinking. This technique allows you to slow down, take a breath, and let yourself know everything will be ok.
- Seek support. Never be afraid to speak with a loved one during difficult times. Getting everything off your chest can make a world of difference.
Practice Gratitude In A Positive Environment
Practice and experience the power of gratitude in sobriety at Myrtle Beach Recovery. Contact us to schedule a tour of our safe and welcoming sober living facility. We look forward to helping you on your journey to recovery.
