Why Giving Back Strengthens Your Recovery

Today is #GivingTuesday – and it’s a great time to talk about how giving your time to those in the addiction community can help others as well as strengthen your own recovery. 

For one, when you’re selfless, you’re much less likely to relapse. This is partly because being of service to others will help prevent you from being in service to your addiction. Spending time volunteering helps you to fill any downtime you have now that your life no longer revolves around using. It’s a healthy way to turn the negative emotions of addiction recovery -- including shame, guilt or anxiety -- into positive ones. You’ll get out of your head and into the community where you can really make a difference in someone’s life. 

5 Recovery Benefits of Volunteering

• You’ll repay society. A big part of building a new sober life is contributing to society in a positive way – and there’s no better way! 
• You’ll meet new friends. Through volunteering, you can develop bonds with new people who have similar experiences and can help support your recovery. 
• You’ll gain job experience. Depending on the capacity of your volunteer work, you can develop some skills that will be attractive to potential employers.
• You’ll gain confidence. It goes without saying that helping someone else will make you feel better about you! And confidence is a strong ally on the long road to recovery. 
• You’ll improve your health. Ever hear of “giver’s glow?” This is the phrase used to describe the many health perks of giving back. Some include lower blood pressure, decreased risk of depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem and increased happiness. 

Help Yourself and Others at Haus Recovery

During your stay at the HAUS, we hope you take advantage of the mentorship offered, and in turn, benefit fellow residents with your personal recovery insights. In time, everyone grows in strength and empowerment as they share both doubts and successes. To learn more about our mentoring services, call today: 888-551-4715.

4 Ways to Celebrate Your Recovery

Whether you measure your sobriety in days, weeks, months or years, these milestones are definitely worth celebrating. In fact, taking time to acknowledge your hard work and dedication to lasting recovery is a great way to stay motivated. Here are some fun and sober ideas to help you celebrate your sobriety milestones. 

1. Get together with loved ones. Spending quality time with those closest to you is the perfect way to celebrate your recovery and thank friends and family who have supported you along the way. It can be simple. Arrange a movie night or potluck dinner or afternoon in the park with snacks and Frisbee.
2. Participate in recovery events. September happens to be Recovery Month and there are plenty of in-person and online events going on. Visit Recoverymonth.gov to find an event near you. Celebrating your recovery with others in the community can also help to secure your sobriety as you develop a wider network of supporters. 
3. Volunteer. If you’re uncomfortable with a celebration that focuses solely on you, then why not reward yourself by giving back to others. After all, helping others feels good. Look up volunteer opportunities in your local newspaper – from community gardens to animal care, you’re sure to find a worthy cause that piques your interest.
4. Reward and enrich yourself. A smart way to celebrate your recovery is to reward yourself by doing something you’ve always wanted to do. Now is your chance, for example, to enroll in that photography class or to visit a new nearby city. Treat yourself – you’ve definitely earned it!

Recovery Activities at Haus Recovery
At Haus Recovery, we’ll help open you up to new experiences and joys as you embrace your new sober life. Sobriety is the beginning of a fun, fulfilling and lifelong adventure. To learn more, call today: 888-555-4715.

Why Spending More Time Outdoors Can Help Your Long-Term Sobriety

Did you know that nature offers one of the most reliable boosts to your mental and physical well-being? Here are just a few ways spending more time outdoors can help your overall health and sustained sobriety: 

• You’ll protect your mental health. Spending time in the great outdoors – especially when it involves exercise – has been shown to ease anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
• You’ll sleep better. There’s nothing like a healthy dose of fresh air to help you fall and stay asleep throughout the night.
• You’ll stress less. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reduce blood pressure and heart rate. This is partly because of scent. The smell of many flowers have been study-proven to decrease stress and increase relaxation.
• You’ll think more positively. In one study, Stanford scientists found that walking in nature helps reduce obsessive, negative thoughts.
• You’ll exercise more. The color green (found on trees, grass, plants) has been found to make exercise easier, according to research conducted at the University of Essex. 
• You’ll meet new people. And this is especially important as your rebuilding a new network of sober friends. 

Outdoor Fun for a Better Recovery

Make yourself a recovery promise to spend just 15 minutes or more each day in a natural environment. Here are some ideas:

• Bike to work.
• Go for a weekend hike.
• Start your morning with an outdoor walk, run, or jog.
• Tend a garden.
• Take your computer and work outside.
• Meditate outdoors.
• Picnic in the park.
• Read a book under a tree or on the beach.
• Go fishing.
• Take a stroll on the beach.
• Try your hand at tennis.

Get Nurtured in Nature

Our Southern California location is blessed with mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, making it the perfect place for outdoor recreation as part of your recovery activities. To learn more about our sober living services, activities, and amenities, call today: 888-551-4715.