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Navigating Recovery with Calm: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Anxiety

Embarking on the path to recovery, whether it’s from addiction, a major life change, or chronic stress, often feels like stepping onto an unpredictable landscape. There’s this profound sense of hope, a new dawn, but let’s be real, it also brings a surge of complex emotions. Among them, anxiety often takes centre stage, a constant companion, whispering worries about the past, uncertainties about the future. It’s like a relentless hum beneath the surface, isn’t it? That feeling can be overwhelming, I know.

But here’s the genuinely good news, and it’s something I want you to truly absorb: you absolutely don’t have to face it alone, nor do you have to be at the mercy of those anxious thoughts. Integrating a robust toolkit of relaxation techniques into your daily routine can be an absolute game-changer, a cornerstone, really, of sustainable well-being. Think of them as your personal calm-creation devices, always there, ready to be deployed.

We’re not just talking about quick fixes here; these are practices that, when consistently applied, can fundamentally shift your relationship with stress and anxiety, fostering a deeper sense of peace and resilience. Let’s delve into some truly effective methods that can empower you to manage anxiety, fortify your recovery journey, and frankly, help you reclaim your inner peace.

Anchoring Yourself: The Power of Presence

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Finding Your Still Point

Imagine, if you will, closing your eyes, perhaps just for a few moments, and consciously shifting your attention. Not to the endless to-do list, not to that awkward conversation from yesterday, but solely, deliberately, to the simple, rhythmic act of your own breathing. This isn’t just some airy-fairy concept; this deep focus, this practice we call mindfulness meditation, is a powerful mental training exercise. It’s about cultivating a profound awareness of the present moment, without judgment.

Think about it: so much of our anxiety stems from either rehashing past mistakes – the ‘should haves’ and ‘could haves’ – or fretting about future uncertainties. Mindfulness gently but firmly pulls you back to the ‘now.’ It teaches you to observe your thoughts as they arise, like clouds drifting across the sky, rather than getting caught in their stormy grip. You notice them, acknowledge them, but crucially, you don’t judge them, and you don’t necessarily engage with them. This simple act of observation, of non-attachment, diminishes their power over you, allowing a space for calm to emerge.

Getting Started:

The Small Steps Principle: Don’t feel you need to sit cross-legged for an hour right away. Begin with just 5-10 minutes daily. Seriously, that’s all it takes to start building the neural pathways for calm. Set a timer.
Find Your Spot: A quiet corner, your car during lunch, even a few minutes before bed. Consistency trumps duration, especially at the start.
Focus on Breath: Your breath is your anchor. When your mind inevitably wanders – and it will, that’s just what minds do – gently guide your attention back to the sensation of your inhale and exhale. Feel the air enter your nostrils, fill your lungs, and then leave your body. It’s a beautifully simple, always-available tool.
Guided Meditations: Plenty of apps and online resources offer guided meditations. These can be incredibly helpful for beginners, as a calm voice directs your focus, making it easier to stay present. They literally talk you through it, which is fantastic when your mind feels like a chaotic marketplace.

Why it’s a Game-Changer in Recovery:

Mindfulness builds a crucial skill: the ability to pause. That tiny space between a craving or an anxious thought and your reaction. In that pause, you gain agency. You learn that a thought is just a thought, not a command. For instance, if a craving hits, instead of immediately reacting, you can observe the physical sensations, the mental urge, without identifying with it or acting on it. This can make a noticeable, tangible difference in managing triggers and preventing relapse. It’s like building a mental muscle that says, ‘Hold on, let’s just see what’s really happening here,’ before you respond. And honestly, it feels good to have that kind of control.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): Unwinding Physical Tension

Have you ever caught yourself hunching your shoulders, clenching your jaw, or tightening your stomach without even realizing it? It’s astonishing how much stress our bodies absorb and hold onto, isn’t it? This physical tension often becomes so ingrained we barely notice it until we’re walking around feeling like a coiled spring. Progressive Muscle Relaxation, or PMR as it’s often called, is a brilliant, systematic technique that helps you become acutely aware of this hidden tension and then, crucially, teaches your body how to release it.

The premise is straightforward: you intentionally tense a specific muscle group, hold that tension for a few seconds, really noticing how it feels, and then consciously release it, allowing yourself to feel the wave of relaxation wash over that area. By methodically working through different muscle groups, you train your body and mind to recognize the contrast between tension and profound relaxation.

How to Practice PMR:

Find a Quiet Spot: Lie down or sit comfortably where you won’t be disturbed. Take a few deep breaths to start.
Start at Your Toes: Begin with your feet. Curl your toes tightly, really squeezing them for about 5-7 seconds. Notice the sensation. Then, suddenly release, letting your feet go completely limp. Pay attention to that wonderful feeling of looseness and warmth.
Work Your Way Up: Slowly move up your body, systematically tensing and relaxing each major muscle group: calves, thighs, glutes, abdomen, chest, arms, hands, shoulders, neck, and finally, your face (squint your eyes, clench your jaw, then release). For your face, it’s about making a silly face and then letting go, it can be a bit amusing actually, which helps.
Breathe Through It: Remember to breathe deeply and steadily throughout the exercise. Don’t hold your breath while tensing.

The Benefits Beyond the Obvious:

PMR isn’t just about loosening up; it’s a powerful tool for reducing generalized anxiety. By engaging with your physical body in this way, you ground yourself, diverting your mind from anxious thoughts. Many people find it incredibly effective for falling asleep, as it releases the physical knots that often keep us awake, tossing and turning. It’s a wonderful way to cultivate a deeper body awareness, which, let me tell you, is hugely beneficial for recognizing early signs of stress before they escalate.

3. Guided Imagery: Your Personal Mental Escape Pod

Ever just wanted to hit a ‘reset’ button on your mind, especially when worries feel like they’re closing in? Guided imagery is almost like that, but much more powerful and personal. It’s a fantastic relaxation technique that uses vivid mental pictures and scenarios to transport you, at least in your mind’s eye, to a calming, serene place.

Close your eyes for a moment and really picture it: maybe you’re on a pristine beach, the sun warm on your skin, the rhythmic sound of waves gently lapping at the shore, a soft, salty breeze whispering through your hair. Or perhaps you’re in a tranquil mountain meadow, surrounded by wildflowers, with the crisp, clean scent of pine in the air. The key is to engage all your senses in this mental journey. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel?

This isn’t just daydreaming; it’s a focused, intentional mental exercise designed to pull your mind away from stressors and negative thought patterns. By immersing yourself in a peaceful, imagined environment, you actively shift your emotional state.

How to Engage in Guided Imagery:

Find a Quiet Space: As with most relaxation techniques, find somewhere you won’t be interrupted. Earbuds can help block out ambient noise.
Choose Your Scene: Select a place that genuinely brings you peace. It could be real or entirely imaginary. The more detailed you can make it, the better.
Engage All Senses: Don’t just visualize. Hear the sounds, feel the textures, smell the aromas, taste the air. If you’re on that beach, imagine the sand between your toes, the coolness of the water, the cry of a distant seagull.
Utilize Guided Recordings: Many apps and online platforms offer guided imagery scripts or audio. These are incredibly helpful, as the narrator’s voice guides you through the scene, prompting you to engage your senses and deepen your relaxation. It’s like having a personal tour guide for your internal calm.

The ‘Why’ in Recovery:

Guided imagery can be particularly effective during moments of intense cravings or acute anxiety. When your mind is racing, or you feel that familiar pull towards old habits, mentally transporting yourself to a place of peace can interrupt that cycle. It provides a constructive, healthy escape, redirecting your mental energy from destructive patterns to constructive, calming ones. It’s not about avoidance, mind you, it’s about creating a safe mental haven, a powerful alternative to acting on impulses. And it’s always accessible, no matter where you are.

Moving Your Body, Still Your Mind: The Physical Path to Calm

4. Regular Physical Activity: Boosting Mood Naturally

When we talk about managing anxiety, exercise often gets relegated to ‘general health tips,’ but honestly, that’s a massive understatement. Physical activity isn’t just about building muscles or shedding a few pounds; it’s a profoundly powerful, scientifically-backed tool for mental well-being, especially in recovery. Engaging in activities like a brisk walk, a flowing yoga session, or even just dancing wildly in your living room releases a flood of endorphins, your body’s natural mood-lifters. Think of them as your internal pharmacy, dispensing feel-good chemicals without a prescription.

Beyond endorphins, exercise helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which, if left unchecked, can keep your body in a constant state of fight-or-flight. It also improves sleep quality, boosts self-esteem, and provides a healthy outlet for pent-up energy and frustration. Even a short, consistent daily walk, just 20-30 minutes, can significantly reduce stress levels, clear your head, and improve your overall outlook. Seriously, I’ve seen people transform just by committing to a daily walk; it’s that effective.

Making it Stick:

Start Small, Stay Consistent: Don’t aim for a marathon if you haven’t run in years. Start with short, manageable bursts. A 15-minute walk around the block, a few sets of bodyweight exercises, or stretching in the morning.
Find What You Enjoy: This is key. If you hate running, don’t run! Love music? Try dancing. Enjoy nature? Go for a hike. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Schedule It: Treat your exercise like an important appointment. Put it in your calendar and commit to it.
Buddy Up: Exercising with a friend can provide motivation and accountability. Plus, it adds a social element, which is another layer of support.

The Recovery Connection:

For someone in recovery, physical activity offers a healthy, positive coping mechanism. It redirects energy that might otherwise be spent on ruminating or engaging in unhealthy behaviors. It establishes a constructive routine, provides a sense of accomplishment, and helps rebuild physical health that may have been compromised during active addiction. It’s a powerful way to feel good in your own skin again, naturally. And let’s be honest, feeling physically strong often translates to feeling mentally strong too.

5. Yoga: A Holistic Dance of Mind, Body, and Breath

Yoga isn’t just about bending yourself into a pretzel shape; it’s a profound, ancient practice that offers a holistic approach to relaxation and well-being by meticulously weaving together physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. It’s a beautiful dance between strength and flexibility, breath and movement, body and mind. Regular practice can drastically reduce stress, improve overall flexibility and balance, and significantly enhance mental clarity and focus.

What I love about yoga is its adaptability. Whether you’re drawn to a gentle, restorative flow that focuses on deep stretches and calm, or a more vigorous Vinyasa session that builds heat and strength, yoga can be tailored to meet your individual needs and energy levels. There’s a style out there for everyone, truly. The emphasis on breathwork is particularly potent for anxiety management; by consciously regulating your breath, you directly influence your nervous system, shifting it from a state of fight-or-flight to one of rest and digest.

Integrating Yoga Into Your Life:

Find Your Style: Explore different types of yoga – Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin, Kundalini – to see what resonates with you. Many studios offer introductory classes, and there are countless online resources like YouTube channels and apps (e.g., Down Dog, Yoga with Adriene).
Start with Basics: Don’t feel intimidated by complex poses. Focus on fundamental postures and proper alignment. It’s about finding comfort and connection, not perfection.
Listen to Your Body: This is paramount. Yoga isn’t a competition. If something hurts, modify it or skip it. The goal is to nurture, not punish.
Consistency Over Intensity: Even 15-20 minutes of daily yoga can yield significant benefits. Make it a ritual, like brushing your teeth.

Yoga’s Unique Role in Recovery:

Yoga cultivates a deep sense of self-awareness and self-compassion, both of which are vital for sustained recovery. It helps individuals reconnect with their bodies, often a disembodied experience during active addiction. The focus on the present moment, much like mindfulness, helps to interrupt rumination and provides a healthy way to process emotions. Moreover, the discipline and routine of a yoga practice can instill a sense of structure and self-care that reinforces recovery principles. It’s a gentle, yet powerful, path to inner harmony and self-acceptance.

Harnessing the Senses & Inner Work: Beyond the Physical

6. Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent and Memory

Have you ever caught a whiff of a particular scent – maybe freshly baked cookies, or rain on hot pavement – and been instantly transported back to a specific memory or feeling? That’s the power of olfaction, our sense of smell, and it’s something aromatherapy cleverly taps into for relaxation. Aromatherapy utilizes concentrated essential oils, derived from plants, to promote well-being and reduce stress.

Our olfactory system is directly linked to the limbic system in our brain, which is responsible for emotions and memory. This is why certain scents can evoke such strong, immediate responses. For relaxation, specific essential oils like lavender, chamomile, frankincense, and bergamot have long been lauded for their calming, soothing properties. Using a diffuser to disperse these calming scents in your home, adding a few drops to a warm bath, or even applying a diluted blend to pulse points can help alleviate anxiety and create a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a subtle yet incredibly effective way to shift your mood.

Ways to Incorporate Aromatherapy:

Diffusers: An electric diffuser disperses essential oils into the air. This is a great way to scent a whole room.
Topical Application: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like jojoba, almond, or coconut oil) before applying them to your skin. Rub a drop or two on your wrists, temples, or the soles of your feet.
Bath Time: Add 5-10 drops of essential oil (mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil or a dispersant like Epsom salts to help them mix with water) to your bathwater for a wonderfully relaxing soak.
Pillow Sprays: Create a calming mist for your pillow with distilled water and a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil before bed.

Aromatherapy in the Recovery Context:

For someone in recovery, aromatherapy offers a non-pharmacological, gentle way to manage anxiety and promote relaxation. It can be particularly useful during moments of restlessness or difficulty sleeping, which are common challenges. Creating a calming sensory environment can also help to establish new, healthy routines and associations, replacing old triggers with soothing cues. It’s a simple, enjoyable addition to a self-care routine that can make a real difference in your daily emotional landscape. Just be sure to source high-quality, pure essential oils and consult with a professional if you have any underlying health conditions.

7. Journaling: The Unburdening of Your Soul

Ever felt like your mind is a tangled ball of yarn, thoughts and worries all mixed up, making it impossible to see clearly? That’s precisely where journaling swoops in as a therapeutic superhero. Putting pen to paper – or fingers to keyboard, though there’s something uniquely tactile and grounding about handwriting – provides a safe, private space to unload your thoughts, express your feelings, and untangle that mental mess.

Journaling allows you to externalize what’s swirling inside, giving it form and perhaps, some perspective. It’s not about writing perfectly or even neatly; it’s simply about getting it out. This practice can help you track your moods, identify triggers, and gain clarity on recurring emotional patterns. By writing about your experiences, your fears, your hopes, and even your small victories, you create a narrative of your journey, which can provide an immense sense of control and empowerment over your emotions. It’s like having an unbiased confidante who’s always available, never judges, and always listens.

Tips for an Effective Journaling Practice:

No Rules, Just Write: Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or structure. This isn’t for anyone else’s eyes. Just let the words flow.
Regularity is Key: Try to set aside a specific time each day, even if it’s just 5-10 minutes. Morning pages (writing stream-of-consciousness first thing) are popular, or you might prefer to journal before bed to clear your mind.
Prompts Can Help: If you’re stuck, use prompts like ‘Today I feel…’, ‘What’s worrying me right now?’, ‘Three things I’m grateful for…’, or ‘What’s one small step I can take towards my goal?’
Re-read (Sometimes): Occasionally, go back and read previous entries. You’ll often be surprised by the insights you gain into your own patterns and progress.

Why Journaling is So Powerful in Recovery:

In recovery, emotional regulation is paramount, and journaling is an incredible tool for it. It helps you process difficult emotions rather than suppressing them, which is a common pitfall. It allows you to vent frustration without harming yourself or others. Furthermore, by identifying triggers and early warning signs of relapse through your written entries, you gain invaluable insight for developing proactive coping strategies. It cultivates self-reflection and self-awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of your internal landscape, which is truly foundational for lasting change. It’s truly a form of self-therapy.

8. Biofeedback Therapy: Learning to Control Your Inner Realm

Biofeedback therapy might sound a bit like science fiction, but it’s a very real and incredibly effective technique that empowers you to gain voluntary control over your body’s involuntary physiological responses. Think about it: your heart rate, muscle tension, skin temperature – these are usually functions your autonomic nervous system handles without your conscious input. But what if you could ‘see’ them in real-time and, with practice, learn to influence them? That’s exactly what biofeedback helps you do.

During a biofeedback session, electronic sensors are attached to your body to monitor these physiological functions. For instance, a sensor might track your heart rate variability (HRV), or another might detect muscle tension in your forehead. This information is then displayed on a screen in front of you, often as a visual or auditory cue – maybe a line that moves up and down with your heart rate, or a tone that changes pitch as your muscle tension decreases. You then learn, through various relaxation techniques (like deep breathing or meditation), to consciously alter these readings, seeing the immediate results on the screen. It’s incredibly empowering to realize you can actively lower your heart rate or relax a tense muscle just by shifting your mental state.

What to Expect and How it Helps:

Guided Sessions: Biofeedback is typically done with a trained therapist who guides you through the process, helping you understand your body’s responses and teaching you the techniques to influence them.
Variety of Measures: Common measures include:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV): A higher HRV generally indicates better adaptability to stress.
- Electromyography (EMG): Measures muscle tension.
- Skin Conductance (GSR): Measures sweat gland activity, indicating emotional arousal.
- Temperature: Measures skin temperature, often linked to blood flow and relaxation.
Learning and Transfer: The goal isn’t just to control these functions in the therapy room. With practice, you learn to recognize the internal sensations associated with tension and relaxation, enabling you to apply these skills in real-world, stressful situations without the equipment.

Biofeedback’s Specific Power in Recovery:

For those in recovery, especially individuals who might feel disconnected from their bodies or struggle with generalized anxiety, biofeedback offers a tangible, evidence-based approach to gaining control. It provides immediate, objective feedback, which can be highly motivating. It’s particularly useful for individuals who prefer a more scientific, data-driven approach to relaxation, allowing them to literally see the impact of their efforts. By reducing physiological arousal, it can help manage cravings, improve sleep, and significantly lower overall anxiety levels, building confidence in one’s ability to self-regulate.

External Support & Structure: Building Your Foundation

9. Connecting with Nature: Your Ultimate Grounding Force

There’s something undeniably primal and profoundly calming about being in nature. It’s not just a nice idea; countless studies point to the therapeutic benefits of green spaces and natural environments. Spending time outdoors, whether it’s a mindful walk in a bustling city park, a challenging hike through ancient woods, or simply sitting quietly by a babbling brook or a vast, calm lake, has an almost magical effect on the mind. The sights, the sounds, the invigorating smells of the natural world – they conspire to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote a deep sense of well-being. It helps you remember that you’re part of something much bigger than your immediate worries.

Think about it: the rhythmic sway of trees, the chirping of birds, the earthy scent after rain, the vastness of the sky. These elements naturally pull us out of our heads and into the present moment, grounding us in a way that little else can. It’s a potent antidote to the relentless pace of modern life and the internal chaos of anxiety.

Ways to Immerse Yourself in Nature:

The Daily Dose: Even a 10-15 minute walk around your local park can be incredibly beneficial.
Mindful Nature Walks: Instead of just walking, consciously engage your senses. Notice the texture of tree bark, the various shades of green, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the way the light filters through the canopy.
Find Your Spot: Identify a specific natural spot near you where you feel particularly at peace. Make it your personal sanctuary for quiet reflection.
Bring Nature Indoors: If getting outside isn’t always feasible, bring elements of nature into your home: houseplants, natural light, even nature sounds played softly can help.

Nature’s Healing Touch in Recovery:

For someone in recovery, connecting with nature can be incredibly grounding. It offers a clean, healthy escape from the stressors and triggers of daily life. It provides a sense of perspective, reminding you of the beauty and resilience of life. Furthermore, engaging in outdoor activities can provide a healthy alternative to destructive behaviors, fostering new, positive habits and offering opportunities for quiet contemplation and self-reflection, which are critical for processing emotions and reinforcing recovery goals. It’s about remembering your place in the world, and that’s a powerful thing indeed.

10. Building a Support Network: You Are Not Alone

This journey, particularly one of recovery, can feel incredibly isolating at times, can’t it? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re the only one experiencing certain struggles or emotions. But trust me, you are not alone in this. Building a robust, compassionate support network isn’t just a ‘nice to have’; it’s an absolute necessity. Connecting with others who truly understand your experiences, who have walked a similar path, provides an unparalleled source of emotional support, validation, and practical advice.

Whether this connection comes through formal support groups like AA or NA, individual or group therapy sessions, or simply leaning on trusted friends and family members who genuinely care, sharing your feelings and experiences can lighten your emotional load in ways you might not even imagine. It’s in these shared spaces that vulnerability transforms into strength, and isolation gives way to connection. There’s immense power in hearing someone say, ‘Me too,’ or offering a word of encouragement when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Cultivating Your Network:

Explore Support Groups: Attend a few different meetings to find one where you feel comfortable and connected.
Lean on Trusted Individuals: Identify a few key people in your life – a family member, a friend, a sponsor, a therapist – whom you can call when you’re struggling.
Be Open (Within Reason): Sharing your feelings and challenges with your network is crucial, but remember to set healthy boundaries about what and how much you share with different people.
Give Back: Supporting others in their journey can be incredibly therapeutic and empowering for your own recovery.

The Anchor of Support in Recovery:

Anxiety thrives in isolation. A strong support network acts as a crucial buffer against this. Knowing you have people to call when anxiety flares up, or when cravings hit, can be the difference between navigating a difficult moment successfully and succumbing to old patterns. These connections provide accountability, a sense of belonging, and a constant reminder that you are valued and capable. They offer different perspectives, celebrate your successes, and provide a safety net when you stumble. Never underestimate the healing power of genuine human connection, it’s truly transformative.

11. Maintaining a Healthy Routine: Structure as Your Superpower

When life feels chaotic, especially in the early stages of recovery, one of the most effective strategies for managing anxiety is surprisingly simple, yet profoundly impactful: establishing and maintaining a healthy daily routine. A structured routine provides a sense of control, predictability, and stability, which are all vital anchors when your internal world might feel tempestuous. It reduces the mental load of decision-making and creates a framework within which healthy habits can flourish.

Think about it: if you wake up at a different time every day, eat erratically, and have no set plans, your body and mind are constantly guessing. This uncertainty can amplify anxiety. Conversely, when you build consistent habits – like waking at the same time, having regular meals, scheduling exercise, and winding down with a consistent bedtime ritual – you create a predictable rhythm that soothes your nervous system. It’s like creating a reliable roadmap for your day, which in turn, helps to manage anxiety and support all your recovery goals.

Building Your Restorative Routine:

Consistent Sleep Schedule: This is paramount. Go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day, even on weekends. Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
Regular Meals: Fuel your body with nutritious, balanced meals at consistent times. Avoid skipping meals, which can lead to blood sugar crashes and increased anxiety.
Integrate Self-Care: Intentionally schedule time for your relaxation techniques – your meditation, journaling, exercise, or time in nature. Treat these as non-negotiables.
Limit Stimulants: Be mindful of caffeine and sugar intake, especially later in the day, as they can exacerbate anxiety.
Wind-Down Ritual: Create a relaxing routine before bed: a warm bath, reading, gentle stretching, or listening to calming music. Avoid screens for at least an hour before sleep.

The Stabilizing Force in Recovery:

A structured routine acts as a powerful buffer against the unpredictability that often triggers anxiety in recovery. It provides a foundation of healthy habits that support physical and mental well-being, reducing the likelihood of impulsive decisions or falling back into old, destructive patterns. It builds discipline, fosters self-care, and ultimately reinforces your commitment to your recovery journey. When you know what to expect from your day, your mind has less to worry about, and that’s a truly liberating feeling.

The Journey of Integration: Patience, Practice, Progress

Incorporating these powerful relaxation techniques into your daily life can, without a doubt, significantly reduce anxiety and bolster your recovery journey. But here’s the kicker: it’s not a one-and-done deal. It’s not a magic pill. It’s a consistent, evolving practice, much like recovery itself. Some days, your meditation might feel profound; other days, your mind will race like a squirrel on caffeine. That’s perfectly normal. The key, truly, is finding what resonates most deeply with you and then committing to making it a consistent, non-negotiable part of your routine.

Remember, your journey is unique. What works wonders for one person might not be the perfect fit for another, and that’s absolutely fine. Experiment. Be curious. Try a few different techniques, give each one a fair chance, and then gravitate towards those that bring you the most peace and a sense of calm.

By proactively taking these steps to manage stress, by consciously building your toolkit of calm, you’re not only enhancing your overall well-being and finding a more peaceful existence, but you’re also incredibly strengthening your path to lasting sobriety. You’re investing in your future self, and that, my friend, is one of the wisest investments you could ever make. Keep going; you’ve got this.

References

Calming the Mind: Relaxation Techniques for Recovery