Mindfulness Stress Relief and Relapse Prevention

Emotional Stability, Resilience and Hope

Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; emotional strength.

Reducing Fear and Stress Habitual Reactions

You must DO the things YOU THINK you cannot do. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

In these times of COVID-19 ‘shelter in place‘ and ‘stay at home‘ – common reactions are fear and stress. These are difficult times.

And yet – there are some things that can be done to change personal experience of the coronavirus lockdown. While fear, stress and panic are the first reactions to new, dangerous and stressful situations – panic, fear and stress are not the only possible reactions.

For those in addiction recovery – it is critical to maintain sobriety and avoid relapse.

Fortunately, the ancient practices of Mindfulness and Stoicism have a wealth of techniques to offer when dealing with difficult times.

Mindfulness, Stoicism and Inner Balance

We are in the habit of exaggerating, or imagining, or anticipating, sorrow. You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength. ~ Seneca

Many think of the philosophy of Stoicism as meaning ‘no emotion’.

However, stoicism has a lot in common with Mindfulness. And in this time of sickness and uncertainty – the combination of Mindfulness and Stoicism may be just what is needed.

Stoicism doesn’t concern itself with complicated theories about the world. Stoicism encourages us to overcome destructive emotions. And to act on what can be acted upon.

Stoicism is built for action, not endless debate.

The single most important practice in Stoic philosophy is differentiating between what we can change and what we can’t. And, what we have influence over; and what we do not.

Mindfulness Exercise

 Findings from studies suggest that over the course of meditating – long-term practitioners of meditation actually altered the structure and function of their brains, ‘Neuroplasticity and Meditation’.

Below, some instructions to get started in the practice of mindfulness.

If you are feeling overwhelming stress or pressure –
do the following:

1. Stop what you are doing. If you need to excuse yourself and walk away to another room or outside – do it.
2. Breathe deeply and hold the breath as long as you can. ‘Watch’ your breath. That is: concentrate on breathing as if this is your only activity in the world. And for now, it is.
3. Slowly release the breathe. Breathe in slowly and again hold the breath.
4. Repeat  concentration on slow breathing for 1-2 minutes.
5. When it feels comfortable – listen. Just…listen. If you are outside, hear the wind moving in the trees. Notice birdsong or even car noise. Just listen to sounds in your surroundings without making a good/bad judgement.
6. The combination of centering by concentrating on the breath and listening to surroundings without involvement – will bring you back to your ‘center’.
7. Our center is the place where we can just ‘be’ for a few moments, without any judgement. This is who we really are.
8. Centering works to ‘break’ the connection with physical and emotional stress. It returns us to a place of inner peace.
9. If an unsettled state of mind cannot be brought back into perspective through this mindfulness exercise – mindfully walk or do something else for a few minutes.
10. Repeat Steps 2-5. Inner balance and calm are critical factors to implement during times of severe stress.

East Bay Medical Detox and SUD Rehab Admissions 24/7
• Addiction Never Takes Time Off – and Neither Do We •

Medical Detox Northern California

Bay Area, East Bay, Silicon Valley, Northern California

To free up local hospitals – we admit patients into our Medical Detox Program 24/7.
Same Day Admission 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Integrated Substance Abuse Rehab.

Medical Detox is the first step to regaining sobriety – and the importance cannot be underestimated. Recovery support begins with detox from drugs and alcohol.

In most cases, we can arrange for same day admissions.

New Start Recovery Solutions has 24/7 medical supervision during detox. Our medical detox program helps individuals through physical withdrawal symptoms and provides the medical assistance needed during this rough time.

Providing Treatment to Individuals Whose
Lives Have Been Impacted by Addiction

We have implemented all COVID-19 protocols as outlined in CDC Guidelines –
and actively monitor for any needed changes.

New Start Recovery Solutions
Addiction Treatment Programs Available

Medical Detox, Residential Rehab Program,
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Functional Alcoholic Rehab, Relapse Prevention, Veteran and Military Dual Diagnosis Center
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