Why A Morning Routine is Essential for Long-Term Recovery
- Michael Romano
- Mar 11, 2023
- 4 min read
A Blog By Michael Romano CARC/CRPA-P 3/11
Recovery from addiction and alcoholism is a challenging journey. It requires a significant amount of effort, dedication, and perseverance to achieve and maintain sobriety. One of the key factors that can contribute to success in recovery is the implementation of a morning routine. A morning routine can help establish structure, accountability, and self-care into daily life. I do not know where I would be without a morning routine. For me, a morning routine is a large key to my success. In this blog post, I, Mikey, SoberSuccess Coach, will discuss the importance of having a morning routine in recovery, including statistics and practical tips for implementation.
The Importance of a Morning Routine in Recovery:
Establishing Structure:
Structure is essential in recovery, especially during the early stages. A morning routine can help establish structure by setting a schedule for the day. When we wake up at a consistent time and have a set routine to follow, it can provide a sense of predictability and stability. This can be particularly helpful in the early stages of recovery when there may be a lot of uncertainty and instability.
Promoting Self-Care:
Self-care is essential in recovery. It is important to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally to maintain sobriety. A morning routine can include self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling, or reading. These activities can help promote physical health, emotional well-being, and mental clarity.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety:
Stress and anxiety are common triggers for relapse in recovery and two things I have struggled with in the past and currently. A morning routine can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a sense of control and routine. When we have a set routine to follow, it can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and anxiety. Additionally, morning routines that include meditation or mindfulness practices can help calm the mind and reduce the stress of every day life.
Increasing Productivity:
A morning routine can also help increase productivity. And I am All about productivity. When we start the day with a set routine, it can help us feel more focused and motivated. Additionally, morning routines that include goal-setting or planning activities can help us prioritize our tasks and stay on track throughout the day. It is a great thing to schedule our day the night before.
Improving Sleep:
Sleep is essential for physical and mental health. However, sleep disturbances are common in early recovery. A morning routine can help improve sleep by establishing a consistent wake-up time and incorporating activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation or reading.
Statistics on Morning Routines in Recovery:
There is evidence to support the importance of a morning routine in recovery. According to a study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, individuals who engaged in regular exercise and self-care practices, such as meditation, were more likely to maintain sobriety than those who did not.
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that individuals who established a daily routine were more likely to remain in treatment and achieve long-term recovery than those who did not.
Tips for Implementing a Morning Routine in Recovery:
Start Small:
Implementing a morning routine can be overwhelming, especially in early recovery. Start small by incorporating one or two activities into your morning routine, such as stretching or reading or even a quick prayer. As you become more comfortable with the routine, you can gradually add more activities.
Make it Sustainable:
A morning routine should be sustainable and realistic. Choose activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle. It is better to have a simple routine that you can stick to consistently than a complex routine that is difficult to maintain.
Set a Consistent Wake-Up Time:
Setting a consistent wake-up time is essential for establishing a morning routine. Lately I have been struggling with this. Choose a wake-up time that allows you enough time to complete your morning routine before starting your day. Try to stick to this wake-up time, even on weekends or days off.
Include Self-Care Activities:
Self-care activities are essential in recovery. Include activities such as exercise, meditation, or journaling into your morning routine to promote physical and emotional well-being.
Incorporate Goal-Setting:
Setting goals can help increase motivation and productivity. Incorporate goal-setting into your morning routine by writing down daily goals or intentions. This can help you prioritize your tasks and stay focused throughout the day. Some goals can be as simple as making the bed. Small accomplishments over time lead to Big results.
Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help reduce stress and increase mental clarity. Incorporate mindfulness practices into your morning routine to promote overall well-being and reduce the risk of relapse. It is also a good piece of advice to incorporate mindfulness practices into our daily routine and not just in the morning to keep you on track.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a morning routine can be a valuable tool in recovery from addiction and alcoholism. By establishing structure, promoting self-care, reducing stress and anxiety, increasing productivity, and improving sleep, a morning routine can help individuals maintain sobriety and achieve long-term recovery. With the tips and statistics provided in this blog post, individuals can begin implementing a morning routine that is sustainable, realistic, and tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Remember, recovery is a journey, and establishing a morning routine can be a crucial step towards success. If you would like to check out some of the resources we have or to schedule a FREE one on one virtual coaching session with me today, just tap the link below:
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