Importance of Disciple and Routine in Recovery

Sticking to a routine and maintaining self-discipline are two of the most important aspects to recovery. There are many ways to build a routine and a habit of self-discipline as listed below:

Settle for less difficult challenges

It’s much better to set small and not too difficult tasks that are easier to achieve than larger more challenging tasks early in the recovery process. It helps build confidence and you could slowly increase the difficultly of the tasks as you go along. For example, setting a goal of walking just 30 minutes a day is easier to achieve and less intimidating than setting a goal of running 10 kms a day.

Develop self-monitoring skills

The more you are aware of how your urges are driving your behaviour, the more likely you will be able to control it. Maintain a journal and make regular notes on things that affect your urges – both things that are under your control and things that are outside your control.

Find ways to motivate yourself

Setting goals and rewarding yourself for achieving these goals can help motivate you and build confidence in yourself.

Work on developing a positive attitude

One of the most important pre-requisites to conquering your addiction is having a “can do” attitude. Believing that you can overcome your addiction is likely to help you build the routine and self-discipline to conquer it. A positive attitude does not mean ignoring the facts or lying to yourself but remaining positive and upbeat, nonetheless.

Become Active

Exercising daily by taking a walk, playing your favourite sport or taking up a karate or martial arts class can greatly aid your recovery.

Write a Journal

Maintaining a journal and penning down your thoughts everyday can be a cathartic experience. On paper, admitting to your daily struggle can be a therapeutic experience and help you deal with your struggle rather than give in to it.

Cultivate New Thoughts

No one cares for you more than you do yourself. And developing a healthy way of talking to yourself can help build self-discipline. When faced with a challenging situation, it’s helpful to consider the consequences of your past actions to help overcome the situation.

Make New Friends

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn has famously said that you are an average of your five closest friends which means that we are greatly influenced by those closest to us. They affect our thoughts, our self-esteem and our decisions and during recovery it’s recommended to spend time with people who have a positive influence on you.

Find a Hobby

Finding constructive ways to spend your free time can help you learn a new hobby or skill. It could result in finding something you love while keeping you away from drinking or doing drugs.

Eliminating temptation

Being around old pals in the places that you used to hang out with and doing the things that you used to do can only eventually result in going back to old ways. Staying away from such friends, places and habits can help stop you from making bad decisions. Frequent readjustment and realignment are a part of life. To be the best version of yourself, you need to surround yourself with the best people, places and activities that inspire you to be your best self.

Healthy eating

Eating can provide you opportunities for exercising discipline and making good or bad decisions. Skipping meals and indulging in junk food is common among people struggling with substance abuse disorder. Healthy eating is a critical part of staying sober and can help curb urges associated with skipping meals or low blood sugar. It is essential to commit to a healthy meal plan that nourishes your body with essential nutrients especially early on in your recovery.

Forgive yourself

Forgiving yourself and moving on is a crucial part of addiction recovery. Regret, guilt and frustration can be baggage that keep us shackled to our past. Suffering and failure are not a conducive mindset for cultivating self-discipline.