How to Use Gratitude as a Strategy for Recovery FHE Health

This app makes it easy to use technology to create a visual or list-style gratitude journal as you go about your day via iPhone, iPod, or iPad. When it comes to recovery, there are many benefits of gratitude to keep in mind. The biggest one is that it allows you to focus https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/6-ways-to-take-a-break-from-drinking-alcohol/ on getting better without the interference of bitterness, petty thoughts, and jealousies that often hamper recovery. It is often a lack of gratitude or general discontentment with the state of your life — or your current circumstances — that paves the way for addiction.

Gratitude is only one of the tools involved in successfully recovering from addiction. You’re going to need a team on your side to help you through various aspects of recovery and rehabilitation from addiction. Practicing gratitude in recovery is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Gratitude can help you heal from the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the future. It can also help you connect with yourself and others in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Increases happiness and satisfaction

Start by expressing your gratitude and appreciation towards the person or people you are addressing, then mention the specific things they did for you that you are thankful for. It is not necessary to describe everything the person has done, but serves as a reminder of when their impact was the greatest and how it made us feel. Also, while we should try to adopt timely appreciation, there is no statute of limitations on gratitude. This brief ‘check-in’ helps the client connect to their feelings of gratitude. After all, gratitude is more than knowing what you are thankful for; it is also an experience.

• You may feel that you have nothing to feel grateful for or that you don’t have the time or energy to express gratitude.
• We also provide continued connections to medical and psychiatric care for as long as you need it, giving you the ability to live independently, free of drug and alcohol use in long-term recovery.
• The key to practicing gratitude in recovery is to make it a habit.
• Anybody can practice gratitude in their lives, no matter how rich or poor they may be.

The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. gratitude in recovery People who are brimming with gratitude are generally more compassionate, helpful and generous than those who are not. When you are grateful, you are much more likely to want to help and support others.

Begin Your Recovery Journey Today

The important thing is that you learn how to focus on what’s important in the now rather than stressing about the past or future. Contact 12 Keys Rehab if you’re ready to end the loop of addiction and despair and embrace a sober, fulfilling life. If you aren’t into pencil and paper journaling and these ideas aren’t quite grabbing your attention, consider trying an app called Gratitude Journey.

Being around people who are optimistic, supportive, and encouraging can boost your mood and inspire you to perform gratitude more often. However, gratitude is not about pretending everything is fine when it is not. It is about paying attention to both the good and the bad in life without trying to change them. Gratitude is also an attitude that you can choose to adopt, regardless of your circumstances. It is a habit that you can develop through regular practice and reflection. A teacher will still be overjoyed to receive a note of thanks from a student from twenty years ago (Hamadey, 2020).

Appreciation Letter Example (Text Version)

It helps individuals focus on positive things in their lives instead of dwelling on negativity. Regularly practicing gratitude trains the mind to seek positivity in every situation. Interestingly, expressing gratitude may also have benefits for those on the receiving end. A study published in Emotion found that people who received letters of gratitude reported feeling happier and more satisfied with their lives than those who didn’t receive any such letter.

You can also seek out people in other areas of your life, such as hobby groups, volunteer groups, or spirituality groups. Try to avoid or limit contact with people who are negative, critical, or toxic. Meditation is the practice of focusing on the present moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It fosters connection and generosity, enhancing relationships on the recovery path. Many people think that gratitude is naive or unrealistic, especially in the face of difficulties or hardships. They may believe that gratitude is ignoring or denying the negative aspects of life or being overly optimistic.

The Healing Power of Gratitude Letters

You never know when someone who supported you will need a helping hand themselves. For example, offer to run errands for someone who comes down with the flu or suffers an injury. Small gestures of kindness are a wonderful way to let someone know how much you appreciate their support when you needed it. It’s also a great feeling when recovery enables you to be the support person someone else needs. This is normal and to be expected — after all, the person being treated should be at the center of any recovery effort. Get you or your loved one help for addiction or mental health issues today.