Whether or not you are in addiction treatment, the chances are high that this year has been rough. From political and conflict issues to the novel virus sweeping across the globe. There’s no doubt that we need all the help we can get to stay grounded. 

The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the very way we exist. With social distancing and lockdown rules in full effect, feelings of uncertainty plus anxiety can creep in. With addiction services in Vancouver changing the way they work, it is important to find new ways to stay in control.

This is where the benefits of meditation and mindfulness come in. These addiction treatment techniques have been around for a long time. The best part is that mindfulness and meditation are perfect for this lockdown period. They are practices best done alone and can help you deal with feelings of anxiety.

As addiction treatment experts, we understand well how negative feelings can impact addiction recovery. Thankfully, there are ways to remain wholesome all round. Mindfulness and meditation practices have benefits that can be harnessed. What’s more? We are going to show you how to harness these benefits.

Related Article: 5 Ways Yoga for Addiction Recovery Can Help

Mindfulness and Meditation: The Need for Self-Control

The human mind is so busy. Most of the time, we take in so many thoughts at a speed that is difficult to control. For many people in addiction treatment, this often results in overthinking and over worrying. With the pandemic in full swing, it is very possible for these feelings to maximize. 

However, a still mind is a catalyst that can help deal with these feelings. A still mind should not be mistaken as a mind without any thoughts. After all, this is impossible. Our bodies are designed to create thoughts. However, the key is to let these thoughts pass through and not fester. 

One of the major benefits of mindfulness and meditation is that it helps you control these thoughts. This therapeutic pastime has the power to help you let go. Instead of overthinking, you breathe. As a result, you can avoid counterproductive thoughts like negative self-talk, excuses, blaming others and more. All of these unwanted thoughts can be negative to the process of addiction recovery.

Self-isolation and social distancing have given us more time to sit with ourselves. Inevitably, we are having to spend more time alone. For most people, these moments are spent playing video games, binge-watching series or consuming any other form of distraction. For an individual in addiction treatment, this can be a bad sign. Now more than ever is the time to self-regulate and stay in control. By practicing certain mindfulness and meditation techniques, you can learn how to stay in control. More importantly, you will enjoy benefits that will do wonders for your addiction treatment process.

Over the next couple of sections, we will discuss some helpful mindfulness techniques. We will also show you how these techniques can be useful during this lockdown.

Mindfulness Meditation: Learn To Sit With Discomfort

This is probably the most important mindfulness trick that you need to learn. In this context, we are not just talking about physical discomfort. We are talking about emotional discomfort. Due to the lockdown, it is very possible to become confused and frustrated due to the disruption to your daily activities. Thankfully, there’s a silver ray of light that can be useful during the pandemic. You can actually sit through the emotional discomfort.

The first step is to sit cross-legged. Do this with your knees at a height lower than your hips. Stay in this position and breathe. With time, you will begin to feel slight discomfort in your knees. The key is to give in to discomfort and relax. 

With the negative thoughts swirling around in your mind, take a deep breath and try to refocus your mind. As much as possible, acknowledge every disruption and discomfort and move on from it immediately. As much as this will help your body relax on its own, it will also remind you that nothing is permanent. 

In practice, doing this for at least ten minutes every day can change the way your mind works during this lockdown. Instead of focusing on negative thoughts, you learn to accept them as a part of the process — a process that will soon be over. Without worries and discomfort, social distancing and addiction recovery can be managed properly for the best results.

Moving Meditation: Strengthening Your Mind by Moving

For many people, sitting perfectly still in the same position may not be their cup of tea. However, you can also enjoy the benefits of mindfulness even without sitting in the same position. A moving meditation practice helps those in addiction recovery by increasing awareness. It may be something as simple as noticing the way you walk, feeling wholesome as you lift each foot off the ground.

To enjoy the benefits of mindfulness for addiction treatment, you can combine it with disciplines such as yoga and dance. It may seem like you’re only distracting yourself with body movements. However, by paying more attention to the way you move your body, you’re actually increasing mind-body connection.

You can enjoy the benefits of moving meditation without any form of equipment. In fact, you can do it as long as you are moving around your home. All you need to do is make sure that you maintain full awareness with every movement. You can do it while brushing your teeth or doing the dishes.

The benefit of this mindfulness practice is a heightened state of awareness. In fact, this awareness can affect brain chemistry, boosting your ability to reason and think. You take increased control, helping your mind declutter the negative thoughts. Doing this regularly can be the impetus you need to take control, even without an addiction service near you.

Related Article: Alcohol Detox: 5 Facts that Will Make You Stop Drinking for Good

Final Takeaway

The ultimate goal of mindfulness especially in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic is to maintain full awareness of your sensations and existence. In doing so, you will realize that you control your thoughts and actions. This can free you up to focus on your addiction treatment process.

Meditation and mindfulness train the brain and mind. And with increased control of the mind, you will be able to improve every area of your life – including addiction treatment. However, if you’re still struggling with addiction treatment, Addiction Rehab has taken special steps to ensure that we are still open. Call Inspire Change Addiction Rehab in Vancouver for addiction treatment programs. Simply call us via 888 508 9802 or send us a message at info@addictionhealingcentre.ca. We’d be more than happy to help!