Have you ever given any thought to how your mindset can affect your recovery? Are you aware of just how powerful your attitude can be? It’s time you figure that out!
Your mindset can set you up for success or it can lead you to failure and defeat. It is how you view the world around you and how you respond to any hurdles you may face. In fact, your mindset can affect so many things – both positively and negatively.
Let’s discover the ways in which our mindset can impact us and ways that we can make our own choices for a positive, successful future.
Your mindset is your attitude
Your mindset is your attitude and it is such a powerful tool. They say that your attitude can make or break you. It is the way you view a specific person, thing, or situation. It may be the way you verbally express your feelings, how you physically express them, or how your body language relates. It may even be a combination of all three!
If you encounter struggles on your journey through recovery, how will you handle them? Will you confront them face to face? Will you sit down and let the struggles overtake all of your hard work? Or will you proudly stand up and wave the white flag of surrendering defeat in weakness?
Your attitude (mindset) can determine just how successful you will be throughout the recovery process. You have spent time learning the tools to succeed, but without a positive mind, your tools are of no use.
Who does it affect?
Your mindset affects you and everyone around you. Sometimes an individual who is weak or struggling can be easily swayed when encountering a negative nelly. It also means that if we meet someone who smiles, that positive move can spread, too.
Have you ever noticed how like-minded people tend to flock together? Someone who sees the world as negative my not want to be in the company of someone who is positive. And vice versa. Your attitude or mindset can only be decided by you – but can affect so many!
Impacts of a negative mindset in recovery
Negativity and a negative mindset in recovery can have a detrimental effect on your mind, body, and spirit. It can also set you up for relapse. For example:
- Negative attitudes have been proven to weaken the immune system.
- It can also increase anxiety.
- Negativity can lead to heart attack or stroke.
- When it comes to recovery, negativity can draw in others who are negative. Surrounding yourself with individuals who have low self-esteem and a lack of responsibility can make you begin to have that attitude (or amplify an already negative attitude).
- It is easier to give up when you have a negative outlook.
- The body experiences stresses that can then make sobriety more difficult.
Impacts of a positive mindset in recovery
A positive mindset during addiction recovery has many strengths. In fact, it can help with increasing your overall sense of healing. A positive mind can also do the following:
- It breeds positivity. Those who have a positive attitude tend to surround themselves with other like-minded individuals. For those who aren’t positive, the positivity can be contagious. This creates a great support system.
- Helps maintain a healthy immune system which means you stay and feel healthy.
- It keeps stress at bay.
- The ability to better reach goals in recovery and then throughout life.
- It can help you reduce your chances of relapse.
- Embracing sobriety is much easier. You will be able to find joy in your new life.
- Make you prepared for the hurdles that you will encounter through your sobriety because you will be able to face challenges with a smile.
- With a positive attitude, it is easier to face therapy and face challenges for inner growth.
How to find a positive mindset in recovery
Believe it or not, a positive mindset doesn’t just happen. You must make it positive. Optimistic individuals know this. For instance, when you wake up in the morning – you have a choice. Did you know that? A happy, sunshine day doesn’t just fall straight into your lap for no reason. No, no. You have the choice to view everything with open, optimistic eyes or with pessimism. The decision you make can affect your entire day.
- Focus on the now. Sure, maybe you have made a few mistakes or bad choices. Want to change that around? You live in the now. No more focusing on the past. Let it go.
- Begin a journey to discover gratefulness. Whether you start a gratitude journal or just keep a list by your bed or in your pocket – take time each day to write down the things that you are thankful for.
- Find joy in small things. Learning to celebrate the little things can make a huge difference in your mindset. Here is an example: You wake up freezing in the morning. Instead of being mad at your partner for turning the heat off, find joy in the fact that you woke up, that you had a bed to sleep in, and you have covers to use.
- Practice being happy. Smile. Laugh.
- Surround yourself with positivity. Yes, positive individuals usually hang out with other positive folks, but you can still seek them out. Learn from them – see how they choose to react in certain situations that is different from you.
Most importantly – take responsibility for yourself. You are the only one who can make yourself happy. Sure, someone can make you laugh, but they cannot change the inside – only you can. Like anything else in life, practice, practice, practice.
Your mindset can mean the difference between a successful recovery and a relapse. If you find yourself heading full throttle toward the negativity, then decide to stop and turn around. Call you sponsor, go to a meeting, look into living in a sober living home, sign up for counseling, or practice some relaxation techniques. The power is in your hands to be positive!
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
