The Crazy Walk of Early Recovery

 The Crazy Walk of Early Recovery: Finding Balance Without Losing Your Mind

Early recovery is a whirlwind. It's like being dropped into the middle of a tornado and expected to build a sturdy house. There's the physical detox, the emotional rollercoaster, and the daunting task of rebuilding a life. It's no wonder that stress and overwhelm are constant companions for many of us in the early days.

And yet, boredom is a threat too. We've all heard the saying, "Idle hands are the devil's playground." Too much downtime can lead to rumination, anxiety, and a greater risk of relapse. So how do we strike a balance? How do we keep ourselves occupied without taking on so much that we end up face-planting into a heap of stress and resentment?

Enter the power of routine.

The Pros of Routine

Routine gets a bad rap. It sounds boring, restrictive, the enemy of spontaneity and fun. But in early recovery, a well-crafted routine can be a lifesaver.

Research shows that having a daily structure helps reduce stress, improve mood, and increase a sense of control. When everything else feels chaotic, a routine offers a comforting sense of predictability. It's like having a map when you're lost in the woods.

A good routine ensures that you're taking care of the basics – getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising, attending meetings or therapy sessions. It helps you prioritize self-care, whether that's meditation, reading, or a relaxing bath. And it leaves some room for fun and spontaneity, because let's face it, no one wants to feel like they're just marching through a series of chores every day.

The Cons of Over-Rigid Routine

But here's the thing: while some structure is helpful, too much can be damaging. An over-rigid routine can start to feel like a prison. It can lead to feelings of burnout and resentment, especially if you're scheduling every single moment of your day.

Recovery is not about becoming a robot. It's about finding freedom, flexibility, and learning to navigate life's ups and downs with grace. So how do we walk this tightrope?

Finding Your Sweet Spot

The key is to find a routine that supports you without suffocating you. It's about setting priorities, not creating an unbreakable set of rules.

Start by identifying your non-negotiables. What has to happen every day for you to feel okay? This might include time with loved ones, exercise, a few minutes of quiet reflection. Then, what are your goals? Do you want to start taking classes, pursue a hobby, volunteer? Make time for those things too.

But here's the crucial part: leave some whitespace on that schedule. Leave room for spontaneity, relaxation, and unexpected adventures. Because the truth is, even with the best laid plans, things don't always go as expected. And that's okay.

Learning to Say No

One of the hardest lessons in early recovery is learning to say no. We want to please people, avoid conflict, prove that we're not useless screw-ups anymore. But taking on too much is a recipe for disaster.

Saying no to things that drain your energy and say yes to things that fill you up is crucial. This might mean bowing out of social events that feel overwhelming, delegating tasks when possible, and being honest with others about your limits.

As the recovery saying goes, "You can't pour from an empty cup." Take care of yourself first, even if that means saying no to things you wish you could do.

The Art of Imperfection

Recovery is messy. It's two steps forward, one step back. It's figuring things out as you go and making a ton of mistakes along the way. And that's okay.

The goal isn't to create the perfect routine, it's to create a routine that works for you, most of the time. It's about being kind to yourself when things fall apart and gently guiding yourself back on track.

Early recovery is hard. It's a time of massive change and adjustment. But with patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to learn and adapt, we can find a sense of balance. We can build routines that nourish us, learn to set healthy boundaries, and discover a sense of purpose and meaning.

And even on the toughest days, that's something to hold onto.-Belle-