The response to the coronavirus outbreak has hit the job market hard over the past few months. If you’ve become unemployed during the crisis, the sober living skills learned in rehab can be put to the test. There is anxiety about money and finding work, not to mention the risk of contracting COVID-19. Isolation can also create another challenge for staying sober.
Tips for Staying Sober
There are many coping skills for substance abuse you can apply, no matter how long the pandemic lasts or when you might find a new job. They include:
- Meditation: Meditation exercises can help you practice mindfulness and cope with the stresses we’re all facing. Use the extra time you have for relaxation exercises that can help control your thoughts and reduce your anxiety.
- Exercise: Going for a walk or a jog can be a great stress reliever. You can also do aerobic exercises at home or even try yoga. All you really need is a yoga mat and a yoga video, of which there are many; some yoga workouts and classes online are free, but yoga instruction is available at all levels.
- Start/Keep a Routine: Without a routine, it is hard to focus and take care of yourself. Schedule times when you will tend to specific activities, including exercise and eating healthy meals. A routine will also help you focus on sobriety.
- Write in a Journal: Keep daily logs in your journal, as writing can be extremely therapeutic. It can help cope with stressful situations without resorting to substance use. Plus, it can enhance your creative process, and you never know what ideas you may come up with!
- Hobbies: Having extra time is a great opportunity to get back to old hobbies or find new ones. Hobbies to occupy your time and engage the mind include knitting, model building, or even cooking. You may discover something you never thought you’d be good at.
- Maintain Support/Connections: It’s important to stay connected with people. You can do so via a virtual support group or maintain contact with friends and family using the many video chat platforms out there. These let you interact while in isolation, which can help you cope with the situation.
- Schedule a Teletherapy Session: Apex Recovery provides teletherapy services that can help you deal with anxiety and depression. Our counselors can assist you in learning and practicing safe coping skills that are healthy for your mind and body. We are providing the support you need during this challenging time, including assistance with coping strategies for relapse prevention.
To learn more or schedule a teletherapy session with Apex Recovery, a Joint Commission Accredited Southern California addiction center, call 877-798-4404 today.