5 Ways to Manage Depression While Recovering from Addiction

Manage Depression While Recovering from Addiction

Depression can be one of the most debilitating experiences a person can endure. One of the hardest parts of dealing with depression is that on the surface, you might seem fine to most people. Since it’s a mental experience, it’s hard for people to recognize it from the outside. However, when you combine depression with addiction, the experience can feel impossible to beat.

Thankfully, there are ways to manage your depression when you’re recovering from addiction. In order to get started, consider the following tips.

 

1. Establish Your Daily Routine

Instead of waking up to reach over and grab your phone, be more mindful and intentional. If you have young children who tend to wake you up in the morning, wake up earlier in order to control your mornings.

This also allows you to have quiet time to yourself. Set your intentions for the day, and develop a reliable routine. Occupy your time with productive activities such as working, volunteering and exercising.

 

2. Professional Assistance

While there are plenty of people who can point to examples of people who walked these paths alone, don’t try to beat depression or addiction by yourself. When you’re recovering from an addiction, you’re more aware of your emotions because you’re not numbing them with substances.

In addition to exposing yourself to the chances of deep depression, you’re also more fragile. If you’re overcoming an issue like an addiction to fentanyl, working with a clinic or professional who specializes in fentanyl addiction treatment is vital to your success.

Though it’s a vulnerable experience to let someone in, trust the proven professionals to help you do the work.

 

3. Optimal Nutrition

When you put the right foods into your system, this can empower your mind and body in countless ways. Focus on eating anti-inflammatory foods in order to feel alive, refreshed and capable.

If you eat lots of comfort foods that are filled with sugar and sodium, you’re going to experience spikes in your blood sugar levels. This leads to sluggish behavior, lethargy and more. Try your best to fix your plate with lots of fresh vegetables and protein at each meal.

Whether you’re enjoying avocado toast or a green smoothie for breakfast, empower your mind and body to feel amazing by pouring in the right nutrients.

 

4. Stress Management Hacks

Even with including all of these tips in your regimen, you’ll still have challenging days. You’ll still have triggering moments. This is when it’s best to develop a sense of emotional buoyancy.

Knowing how to rebound and bounce back quickly will be important. In addition to paying attention to what triggers you, know what calms you down. Develop some stress management hacks in order to calm yourself down when you’re in a tight spot.

For many people, breathing techniques help to bring a sense of calm. Try alternate nose breathing in order to experience some relief. If you’re in a situation that’s escalating, knowing when to leave is important.

Sometimes, going for a drive with the windows down can be helpful.

 

5. Prioritize Exercise

In addition to serving as an excellent stress reliever, exercise is excellent for releasing endorphins. Endorphins are considered the feel-good hormone. Find workouts that you can genuinely enjoy.

Whether you’re going for a walk in the neighborhood or taking a kickboxing class, move your body on a daily basis.

 

Conclusion

It’s no simple feat to beat depression. It’s also not easy to recover from an addiction. Though it might be tough to do, always remember to give yourself grace. You’ll need it for the journey. If you want to maintain a healthy mind and free yourself from the chains of addiction and depression, use these tools and be kind to yourself.

 

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This article is published by our independent team of health and wellness pundits that publish original and informative content to empower readers to take charge of their health and embark on a physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced lifestyle.

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