4 “Go-To” Stress Management Strategies That Really Work

Sometimes “life” happens. Things like excruciatingly slow traffic during rush hour, disagreements with your significant other about finances, long lines at airport security and, well, you get the picture. Even with the best of intentions, everybody experiences stressful situations from time to time.

While you can’t control what happens, you can control how you react to certain situations, toxic people and uncomfortable events. And, being mindful about how you react under pressure is especially important for those on a journey to sober living since stress and anxiety are usually at the top of the list of addiction triggers.

But, there are proven strategies you can use to manage anxiety, reduce your risk of relapse and protect your sobriety. Here are four ways you can address stressful situations in a more productive way.

(1) Reach out to someone. If you start to get stressed out or anxious about your future, the simple act of talking to a friend or family member can work wonders. They can offer an objective perspective and possibly even share how they have dealt with similar issues in their past.

(2) Hit the gym. Exercise offers one of the most powerful forms of stress relief. It has been scientifically proven to lower stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, while boosting your body’s feel-good neurotransmitters.

(3) Focus on the solution – not the problem. It’s a natural response when something bad happens to think “Why me?” and concentrate on the negative aspects of your life. But, is that going to change anything? Take a moment to accept your feelings and transition into a more positive mind-set. Start to concentrate on the possibilities – and the solutions to the problem at hand to move forward.

(4) See the big picture. When you’re confronted with a stressful situation, it’s all too easy to blow the situation out of proportion. Instead, take a breath and reset your focus. How important is this issue in the long run – is this just a temporary set-back?

Discover Healthy Coping Habits for Stress Management

At 10 Acre Ranch, our focus is on treating the whole person throughout their passage from addiction to sobriety. As part of this holistic approach, we offer stress management group therapy which provides the social support, coping, and problem-solving skills needed to deal with stress in a more constructive way. To learn more about our CA men’s rehab program and how we can help, call 10 Acre Ranch at (877) 228-4679 today.

Sobriety. It Takes a Village.

10-Acre-Ranch-Sober-Living-Homes

We like to think that we are self-sufficient. Self-reliant. Self-supporting. While none of these are bad things, remember: Sobriety takes a village, so it’s time to kick those self-words to the curb for a while.

Community and Addiction Recovery

Drug addiction and alcoholism are isolating. It puts people in a precarious place where they begin:

  • Focusing solely on themselves and their needs.
  • Fixating on their chemical dependency to get through each day.
  • Withdrawing to protect others from the destruction of their addiction.
  • Hiding their addiction to continue drug use.
  • Feeling unworthy of healthy relationships.

To achieve and sustain sobriety, it’s important to surrender self-pride and begin to accept help from clinicians, therapists, peers, and family. Group support is critical during drug and alcohol rehab and will continue to be important throughout your sobriety journey… for several reasons.

  • You need a sounding board. When grief, self-doubt, and fear creep into your recovery experience, one healthy way to deal with these emotions is to share them with others. Sometimes, a trusted therapist plays the role of sounding board. Other times, you may need to share your frustrations with like-minded individuals who’ve been where you are.
  • You need accountability. Sobriety is a daily struggle, and will be for the rest of your life. When you complete active rehab, you must have an accountability partner, a roommate, or a well-meaning friend who can speak truth into your life and discourage you from falling back into old patterns.
  • You need a friend. Not the old friends you used to hit the bar with, but new friends who have your best interests in mind. Sober friends are people you can have fun with, share interests with, and rely on when your sobriety journey threatens to go off-road.
  • You need a mentor. This may be a sponsor, sober peer, or a recovery coach—but it should be someone intimately familiar with your addiction history and recovery journey. This role model will help you recognize and avoid addiction triggers and maintain your commitment to a chemical-free lifestyle.

Social Treatment for Drug & Alcohol Addiction

10 Acre Ranch is a residential men’s addiction center that utilizes a social treatment model. Through therapeutic group meetings, sports and recreation, and life skills workshops, residents learn to connect with and support one another during throughout addiction treatment and beyond. We emphasize the importance of living and thriving in community, and our success rates prove that this strategy works. To learn more about our recovery community or speak with an intake specialist about our affordable payment options, call 877.228.4679 today.