For people in recovery, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy social life. Many of us associate being social with going out at night, having a few drinks, or partying with the help of substances, and while that can be true in some cases, it doesn’t have to be for you.
Being social and having healthy relationships with friends and loved ones is imperative when you’re in recovery; it can help the process go more smoothly because you have a support system, but it’s also simply good for your mental and emotional health to get out and have fun. The key is to find ways to interact with others that won’t interfere with your recovery; think of places you can spend time that won’t involve temptation or send you down the path of a bad memory.
Often, it can help if you make plans during the day. Going out for coffee, heading to the park, or spending a day at the spa can all be great ways to bond with your friends and family without feeling uncomfortable. Here’s some additional advice from LindasDateList.com.
Go shopping
Many people in recovery find that they have lost confidence in themselves or in their ability to make a new, healthy path for themselves. One way you can boost your self-confidence is to go shopping for some new clothes. Find some things to wear to work, or buy a cute outfit that makes you feel pretty. Ask a couple of friends along and make an afternoon of it, stopping for breaks to grab a bite or have a coffee.
Go to the park
Getting out into nature is great for individuals suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression, three common issues during recovery. If you have a dog, he can help you get more social at the local park; take him for a long walk and strike up a conversation with some others in your community who have pets. Or you might take him (on a leash) into a nearby pet store for a treat and let him socialize with some of the other animals there. Having a dog is a great opportunity to find common ground with someone and possibly make a new friend.
If you don’t have a dog, consider taking on a part-time job as a dog walker. Not only will you earn extra cash, but you’ll be doing it while spending time with a sweet animal who can give companionship in return.
Start a club
If you’re an avid reader, an artist, or are taking your workouts more seriously, think about starting a club to get like-minded people together. You can meet once or twice a week to make art, talk about the latest good mystery novel, or take a run through the neighborhood. Gathering small groups of friends to engage in something fun is the perfect way to keep your social life healthy and strong.
Take up a hobby
Many people in recovery find that they are interested in things that never occurred to them before, such as painting, writing, photography, sewing, or cooking. Being creative is wonderful for individuals in recovery and can be a useful therapy for those who are battling depression or other mood disorders. Taking up a hobby can help you be more social, especially if you find a class that pertains to it.
Keep in mind that many of these practices are going to require that you create a work-life balance in your life. ZenBusiness explains that this means prioritizing boosting your social life (if that’s what’s most important to you), delegating when your plate is too full, and saying “no” so that you don’t take on too much. With a work-life balance, you’ll be able to give attention to all aspects of your life without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Once you’ve put in place methods to help you achieve work-life balance, you can think about the best ways to get out and meet people in your area; sometimes, you may have to push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Just take it slow and remember to enjoy yourself.
By Guest Blogger,
Michael Stephenson
how-to-improve-your-social-life-when-you-re-in-recovery-by-michael-stephenson
XOXO,
Linda