Summer is a season of warmth, light and growth. Thanks to these long, warm days full of sunlight and possibility, summer can be an especially beneficial time to focus on self-care, sobriety, and building a healthy lifestyle.
In this article, we will explore some ways that people can utilise addiction recovery in the summer months to their advantage.
There are so many benefits to sobriety, including improvements to your physical and mental health, better relationships with your friends and family, as well as improved productivity and financial stability.
In more detail, these benefits are:
The long sunny days mean it is easier to get out into nature, meet up with people and feel optimistic about the future. Ahead are some of the great ways summer can boost your recovery journey.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that increases the levels of serotonin in the body and boosts mood, and it’s created by the body when direct sunlight hits the skin. The boost to your mood and energy brought by the sunlight helps put your mind and body in a great place to progress along your recovery journey.
Summer is a great time to connect with others who are also in recovery or to strengthen relationships with friends and family who support your sobriety. Building connections and finding a supportive community is essential to long-term recovery, and summer provides ample opportunities to do so.
Attend outdoor recovery meetings or sober events, go on sober outings with friends, or volunteer at a local sober event or community organisation. These events provide an opportunity to build a support network, make new friends and have fun without the pressure of drugs or alcohol.
Self-care is essential for maintaining sobriety and overall wellbeing. Use the summer months to focus on self-care activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, such as getting a massage,
taking a yoga class, or spending time in nature. Take care of your physical health by eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.
The warmer weather also helps people reach for more fruits and salads than in the winter when heavy and fatty “comfort foods” are more popular; the healthier eating habits in the summer help to further boost your mood and energy.
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the many benefits of physical activity. The long daylight hours also make it much easier to spend time in nature. Exercise and spending time in nature have both been shown to boost mood, enhance mental health, improve sleep and reduce stress, all of which are crucial for those in recovery.
Try new activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, yoga or kayaking, or join a sports league or fitness class. Not only will you reap the physical benefits, but you will also meet new people and have fun in the process. Getting active in the great outdoors can provide a sense of accomplishment, boost self-esteem and reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for addiction recovery. By practising mindfulness, people in recovery can learn to stay present in the moment, recognise triggers and cravings, and make healthier choices.
Summer, as a time of beauty and wonder, is an excellent time to practice mindfulness, whether it’s through meditation, yoga, reading a book in the park or simply taking a walk in nature. Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing to help calm the mind and stay focused on the present moment.
Summer is a time for taking breaks from work or school and going on holiday. For people in addiction recovery, taking a break from stressful activities is critical for maintaining sobriety. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a more extended trip or even a staycation, taking time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy life can help people stay focused on their recovery goals.
Summer is a time of new beginnings, and it’s an excellent time to try new things. People in addiction recovery can use the summer months to explore new hobbies, travel to new places, and challenge themselves in new ways. Trying new things can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment, which can be especially important for people in early recovery.
Summer can be a great time to set and work towards new goals. Whether it’s completing a home renovation project, starting a new hobby, or planning a vacation, setting and achieving goals can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment that can be especially important in recovery.
Just make sure that your goals are realistic and manageable, and that they don’t put your sobriety at risk.
For people in addiction recovery, the summer months can provide a unique opportunity to make positive changes and establish healthy habits that will support long-term sobriety. If you or somebody you know is in addiction recovery, or may benefit from a rehabilitation service like ANA Treatment Centres, we offer professional help for people living with addictions. We provide treatment for people with substance issues as well as support for their families. Get in touch today to find out how ANA Treatment Centres can help your family.
