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4 Ways to Stay Grounded in Recovery During a Pandemic Resurgence

As the Delta variant of COVID-19 leads to more regulations, lockdowns, and public health concerns, it can be difficult to keep going and stay sober. Here are 4 ways to stay grounded.

By Hailey ParksPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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As if a year of social distancing, work from home, and travel concerns wasn't enough, a new and more transmissible (and potentially more dangerous) variant of COVID-19 is striking concern among public health officials. According to a Denver news channel, the number of delta variant COVID-19 cases is expected to double every two weeks.

Whether you are in recovery from addiction or not, you may have found it difficult to cope with stress and stay grounded throughout the last year. And, with concerns about a virus resurgence and another round of lockdowns, people are fearful that this year will be similar to the last. You may be dreading another wave of the virus and wondering whether or not you'll be able to stay sober this time around. Unfortunately, states across America saw increases in overdose deaths, drug use, and alcohol use during COVID-19.

While it may seem exhausting with the thought of having to deal with another round of COVID, and it may be tempting to pick up a drink or a drug, nothing is ever worth sacrificing your precious sobriety. Here are 4 coping skills you can use to stay sober, grounded, and healthy during the pandemic.

1. Meditate

Meditation takes on many different forms, but all can help you stay sober and deal with pandemic-related stress and anxiety. Just a few ways meditation can help you in recovery include:

  • Reducing stress and anxiety
  • Improving sleep
  • More energy
  • Improving mental health
  • Reducing cravings
  • Heightened sense of spirituality and self-connection
  • Reducing blood pressure
  • Improving your immune system

Just a few minutes of meditation each day can help you feel better mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

2. Connect With Others

Social distancing can also be called physical distancing. Just because you are supposed to keep your distance in certain situations doesn't mean you can't use other methods of communication to connect with those you love. Be sure to spend time chatting with your loved ones and support group online, on the phone, or on video calls so you don't become isolated. Sober support is one of the best relapse prevention tools.

3. Get Outside

According to Northwell University, one of the best things anyone can do during the pandemic is take a walk outside. Even short contact with nature can reduce stress and make you feel calmer. That's because nature helps reduce stress hormones, making you feel more at ease. Spending time outside can also help you become more mindful, productive, and creative - all of which can help boost your mental health and your recovery! The best part of all is that nature is completely free.

4. Maintain a Routine

When you are working from home or social distancing, it can be easy to let go of your normal routine. However, doing so can through the rest of your life and mental health out of wack. If you stay out of your routine long enough, you may begin to lose touch with your recovering self and be tempted to turn back to drugs and alcohol. Do your best to stick to your daily routine and healthy habits.

It's All About Self Care

Like much of addiction recovery, staying sober during a pandemic comes down to self-care. When you meditate, you listen to your mind and body's needs so you can keep them healthy. When you connect with others, you stay accountable to your loved ones and find purpose in your recovery. When you take time to get outside and appreciate nature, you remember that the little stressors in life just aren't worth it. And, lastly, by keeping a routine, you hold everything else together.

Although the last year and a half may have not been easy, nothing is harder than starting sobriety from scratch again. Practice these coping skills to keep yourself on track.

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