When you are making an effort to get sober one of the biggest concerns is experiencing setbacks in life while going through treatment. In particular, people worry most about losing their jobs and not being able to continue their education.
The stability that is created by work and school is extremely important during recovery. It provides a sense of purpose and helps build positive relationships. Simply having a career or the pursuit of education can be the motivation for getting sober and staying sober.
Transitioning to Sober Living in Dallas after an IOP treatment program is a huge step for our patients. Although it’s progress, some patients are understandably apprehensive as they make the transition and start reconstructing their daily life.
At our Sober Living Homes in Dallas one of the priorities is to help patients maintain healthy activities that support recovery. If you want to continue working or attending school it will impact your choice of sober living homes. Here’s some advice on how to make it all come together while you’re staying in a sober living home.
Choose a Sober Living House Near Home
Even though staying at a sober living house isn’t intended to be long-term, the location can be very important. Patients often ask us, “should I consider sober living houses near me?” We also hear people say, “I’m not sure if sober living homes near me is the best option.”
There are pros and cons to being at a sober living house near home, and if you need to attend work or school the benefits tend to outweigh the drawbacks. These are positive parts of your “regular” routine that are good to maintain during recovery, and that may only be possible at a sober living house near your home.
Luckily, modern technology makes finding a nearby sober living home remarkably easy. All you have to do is type “find sober living near me” into Google and you’ll get the information you need.
Don’t Take on Too Much at Once
Feeling stressed by an overloaded schedule can quickly become a trigger that makes maintaining sobriety more challenging. When you are transitioning to a sober living home it’s already a big change that takes work. It may be best to limit your activities to just school or just your job. Or maybe attend only a few classes while working part-time. Slowly adding on new activities and responsibilities is the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Make Time for Yourself
When you work and/or go to school while in a sober living home you are giving a lot of yourself. You’re giving yourself to the program, to your employers, to your courses and to your family. It’s important to make time for yourself to relax outside of individual clinical therapy sessions.
Quiet time on your own allows you to reflect and explore your thoughts. Some things that can be easily done in a sober living home include:
- Meditation – Just five minutes of meditation can make a difference. It’s enough to improve your focus, increase productivity and reduce stress.
- Tai Chi – Tai Chi is a form of martial arts that’s known for its relaxing qualities. Even the Mayo Clinic recommends tai chi for stress relief.
- Walking – Walking is by far the most underrated physical activity. It’s a great low-impact form of exercise that can be even more beneficial for your well-being if it’s done out in nature.
- Reading – Studies have found reading is one of the most relaxing activities a person can do. It’s so relaxing, experts recommend reading before bed to fall asleep faster.
- Journaling – The flip side to reading is journaling. Putting your thoughts down on paper has so many upsides during a sober living program. In addition to reducing stress, journaling helps boost confidence, track progress and improve communication skills.
Build Relationships With Other Residents
The residents at a sober living home can be a powerfully supportive community. And that support isn’t limited to inside the home. When residents get to know one another they are more likely to hold each other accountable both inside the house and outside of it.
At Lighthouse Recovery’s Sober Living Homes in Dallas we have bi-monthly recreational events for residents. It’s a great way for residents to have some fun and get to know one another. This is a benefit not just for maintaining sobriety but also for meeting your work and school obligations. As you get to know one another and your goals outside of sobriety you’ll find support for all aspects of your life at a sober living home.
