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It does take a good deal of energy to build a solid recovery, and one reason that many people relapse is they just run out of steam. It is common for individuals to have low energy levels in early recovery, and this is most often due to nutritional problems or post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Below are seven tips for how to boost energy levels in early recovery to be able to do what needs to be done to safeguard this new life.
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
One of the most common reasons why many end up having low energy levels is that they are nutritionally deficient. What you eat not only influences your body but also your mind – after all, the brain is part of the body. Eating a lot of junk food will make you feel sluggish and unwell. This is why it is so important that you eat a balanced diet now that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables and as little junk and sugary foods as possible. The fact that you have been abusing alcohol or drugs for years can also mean that you are nutritionally deficient, so you may need to take some supplements as well – speak to a dietician about this.
2. Get Regular Exercise
People need to exercise on a regular basis or else they start to become overweight and lacking in energy. A common excuse for not exercising is the idea that you do not have enough time, but the reality is that exercising boosts your energy levels so that you can do during the day – in other words, thirty minutes of exercise can actually mean you have more spare time because you are able to get more done. Even just going for a 30-minute brisk walk every day may be enough to keep you healthy – it is better than nothing.
3. Have a Regular Sleeping Schedule
Insomnia is a common cause of low energy levels in early recovery, and this can occur due to post-acute withdrawal symptoms. You have to teach your body to experience sleep naturally again, so for this to happen you need a regular sleeping schedule – i.e. going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. It is also important to take measures to promote sleep, such as avoiding caffeine or heavy meals prior to going to bed.
4. Start Practicing Yoga or Tai Chi
Yoga and Tai Chi are a good option for people in recovery because these offer a number of benefits, including improved energy levels. Doing one of these practices in the evening can also make it easier to fall asleep at night. Yoga and Tai Chi can also be a type of mindfulness practice that can make life in sobriety much easier to manage.
5. Get Inspired
Reading inspiring recovery literature, watching recovery videos, or attending recovery meetings can boost your energy levels. If you believe that things are starting to feel a bit stale, you need to take action to get inspired as soon as possible.
6. Spend Time with the Winners in Recovery
Some individuals will be a drain on your energy levels while others will give you a boost. If you try to spend more time with those who are positive and doing well in sobriety, it will help to keep you motivated.
7. Develop a More Positive Outlook on Life
Negative thinking will be the biggest drain on your energy levels. Many people who fall into addiction have a tendency towards seeing the world in a negative way, so you may have to put in a bit of effort to become more positive about things. There does not have to be anything magical about positive thinking – thinking this way just increases your energy levels as it gets you excited about things.
