Everyone who is going through recovery from an addiction must find ways to keep themselves busy. When a person has too much free time they can experience boredom, depression, loneliness and other feelings that can trigger them to engage in substance abuse again. Preventing relapse can depend a lot on a person’s ability to find activities that keep them focused and healthy.
At some point in recovery, an individual must brainstorm and think of a list of activities that can keep them busy when they are experiencing cravings or simply have too much empty time. It can help to write down ideas and reference them whenever you are not sure what to do to stay busy. Make sure to focus on activities that you know from past experience are helpful in making you feel calm and happy.
Stay-busy activities can be anything that helps keep your mind off of triggering feelings. It can be things like calling a friend, going to a movie, exercising, playing sports or games, cooking a healthy meal, listening to music, writing in a journal, meditating, taking a bath or even going for a walk. The possibilities for activities are unlimited and can include anything that helps motivate you to improve your health.
These kinds of activities can be useful whenever you are feeling stressed, anxious, upset or depressed. Focusing too much on negative feelings and not being active can be dangerous for people with addictions. Over time you will find new and effective ways to deal with triggers and stay busy whenever problems come up.
For those in recovery, talking to your therapist can help give you ideas on how to stay busy and cope with your feelings when they come up. Having a plan and a strategy for triggers can be crucial to preventing relapse.
References
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery