By Adam Cook @ Addictionhub.org
Positive hobbies and coping mechanisms are key aspects of recovering from addiction. Many people have abused a substance in order to escape reality or relieve the symptoms of a mental illness. This usually means the person does not know how to cope with reality or mental illness in a positive way. As a loved one, you may not know how to help someone struggling with addiction. Fortunately, it is easier than you think. In fact, there are a few positive activities to do with a loved one on the road to addiction recovery, and we share our favorites below.
Meditation Is a Useful Tool
Setting up a regular time to attend meditation classes or sessions can be a positive way to spend time with your recovering loved one. Meditation has been shown to help with a wide variety of problems including addiction, stress, depression, and anxiety. Learning to quiet the mind and spend some of his day in peace is possibly one of the best things a recovering addict can do. Try suggesting a meditation workshop as a fun activity for you to do together. For particularly resistant people, you might want to phrase it as something you want to do for your well-being.
Yoga Classes Have Several Benefits
Traditional yoga combines exercise with meditative practice, providing both inner peace as well as the benefits of exercise. Exercise is one of the best ways to combat an addiction, as it improves physical health, reduces stress, and releases mood-lifting endorphins. Yoga is ideal because it can be practiced regardless of skill level or fitness level and will create a positive headspace for you and your loved one. If classes go beyond your comfort levels, there are also instructional videos available free of charge online.
Learning a Craft is a Fun, Stress-Busting Activity
Keeping stress levels low is an important part of recovering from addiction. Interestingly, one of the best ways to reduce stress at home is to take up a craft. Working with the hands to create something enjoyable can be fun for both you and your loved one as you reduce stress and learn a new skill. You might even consider a crafting class such as learning to crochet, scrapbook, whittle, or even design an indoor succulent garden.
Though the hobby choice does not necessarily matter, an activity such as knitting or sewing clothes can have the added effect of helping your loved one feel useful. People who struggle with addiction and depression may feel as though their daily lives are meaningless, which opens the door to relapse. Making and donating clothes or toys to those in need can be a good way to combat that feeling.
Watching a loved one struggle with an addiction is extremely trying. You may feel a little uncomfortable getting involved, or you may not know how to respond to the situation. Though talking openly is important for someone in recovery, you do not necessarily have to take on the therapist role to help your loved one get well. Instead, plan on attending some classes with your loved one. Learn how to meditate effectively or make weekly yoga a consistent part of your routine. You also can sit down together and simply learn how to make something fun. It’s a matter of giving your loved one some time to take his mind off his addiction and do something positive that helps him feel better.
Related Online Continuing Education (CE) Course:
The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction is a 5-hour home study course based on the book “The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction: A Guide to Coping with the Grief, Stress and Anger that Trigger Addictive Behaviors” (2012, 232 pages). This workbook presents a comprehensive approach to working with clients in recovery from addictive behaviors and is unique in that it addresses the underlying loss that clients have experienced that may be fueling addictive behaviors. Counseling skills from the field of mindfulness therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy are outlined in a clear and easy-to-implement style. Healthy strategies for coping with grief, depression, anxiety, and anger are provided along with ways to improve interpersonal relationships. Course #50-14 | 30 posttest questions
Professional Development Resources is approved to offer continuing education by the American Psychological Association (APA); the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy; the Florida Boards of Social Work, Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology & School Psychology, Dietetics & Nutrition, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy Practice; the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board and Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs; and by the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists and State Board of Social Worker Examiners.