Controlled Breathing: Simple, Powerful Strategy for Resisting Addiction Relapse
11/28/17: Addiction
In the process of any recovery, the body experiences drastic changes and often pain. The body's reaction to sobriety are different for every person because no two addictions are the same, but they can include anxiety, emptiness, brain fog, physical pain, depression, lack of motivation, and insomnia. These unfortunate triggers can be overwhelming and make living a sober life seem daunting, but it is dire to remember that these are only temporary. There are a many tools to keep in mind when a stressor is creeping in on the positive recovery journey, and we highly recommend controlled breathing.
Controlled breathing not only keeps the mind and body functioning, it also lowers blood pressure, promotes feelings of calm and relaxation, and helps de-stress. Breathing techniques have been encouraged to help increase awareness and mindfulness by may wellness professionals.
How to practice controlled breathing:
Start by inhaling through the nose for 4 counts - then exhale through the nose for 4 counts. Your nose adds a natural resistance to the breath providing a more focused breathing effort.
Practice this pattern of breathing for 5 minutes at anytime and anyplace. The goal of this practice is to calm the nervous system, increase focus, and reduce stress. All leading to an increased strength and ability to overcome the mental struggles of addiction recovery. This practice puts you in to a zen-like state and is a great way to utilize the recovery tool of meditation.
Everyone can benefit from a sound strategy for managing these any of life's stressors, whether in recovery or not. Humanity is subject to these emotional and physical pains, and controlled breathing is a simple and effective way to reverse the symptoms of stress and bring relief. If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, contact 602-737-1619 or email [email protected] to get the help you need. Our acclaimed recovery environment merges upscale, luxury accommodations with affordability, clinical expertise and an unwavering commitment to patient care and aftercare.
