One thing I have been trying to incorporate into my daily routine are meaningful morning rituals. When I drink, my mornings are always chaotic and rushed. It's hard to have a peaceful morning when you are battling a hangover, or dealing with suffocating shame.
I have been doing this for a while now, and it seems to help. A tranquil start to my day can keep me strong well into the evening. It reminds me of all the reasons I am trying to kick AL out of my life for good.
This is my list so far. I try to do at least a few of these things each morning.
1. Get up earlier. This one took some practice. I have to go to bed earlier but so far it's worth it. Even an extra 15 minutes seems to help me feel less rushed.
2. Start my day with fresh juice or a smoothie. I still love coffee, but need to flood my body with nutrients as soon as possible in the mornings. Balances my blood sugar and improves my mood too. Although I still have a cup or two of coffee later in the day.
3. Pack a healthy lunch and some snacks for my work day. Sometimes I do this the night before. No more fast food!! It's expensive, unhealthy, and definitely makes me crave AL.
4. At least 10 minutes of stretching, yoga or the Five Tibetans. No excuses. I can always find 10 minutes.
5. Check in here, read and post.
5. Finally - make my bed before I leave for work. This one I never skip. I can't remember where I read this (Leo Babauta's Zen Habits blog, I think), but I have found this simple act very therapeutic. This ritual calms my mind, readies me for my day, and it is always so nice to climb into a freshly made bed at night.
I don't claim that this happens every morning. In fact, I overslept yesterday, raced around to get ready for work, and flew out the door. And I noticed a huge difference in the rest of my day. Everything was just a bit off-kilter. That's dangerous for me, because when I get stressed, the urge to drink is strongest.
Oh and one huge disclaimer - I do not have young children at home anymore! That puts a different spin on the mornings completely. I remember those days
Hard to be zen when you are getting little ones ready for their day.
Thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This is just one more tool I'm using to stay strong and sober.
I have been doing this for a while now, and it seems to help. A tranquil start to my day can keep me strong well into the evening. It reminds me of all the reasons I am trying to kick AL out of my life for good.
This is my list so far. I try to do at least a few of these things each morning.
1. Get up earlier. This one took some practice. I have to go to bed earlier but so far it's worth it. Even an extra 15 minutes seems to help me feel less rushed.
2. Start my day with fresh juice or a smoothie. I still love coffee, but need to flood my body with nutrients as soon as possible in the mornings. Balances my blood sugar and improves my mood too. Although I still have a cup or two of coffee later in the day.
3. Pack a healthy lunch and some snacks for my work day. Sometimes I do this the night before. No more fast food!! It's expensive, unhealthy, and definitely makes me crave AL.
4. At least 10 minutes of stretching, yoga or the Five Tibetans. No excuses. I can always find 10 minutes.
5. Check in here, read and post.
5. Finally - make my bed before I leave for work. This one I never skip. I can't remember where I read this (Leo Babauta's Zen Habits blog, I think), but I have found this simple act very therapeutic. This ritual calms my mind, readies me for my day, and it is always so nice to climb into a freshly made bed at night.
I don't claim that this happens every morning. In fact, I overslept yesterday, raced around to get ready for work, and flew out the door. And I noticed a huge difference in the rest of my day. Everything was just a bit off-kilter. That's dangerous for me, because when I get stressed, the urge to drink is strongest.
Oh and one huge disclaimer - I do not have young children at home anymore! That puts a different spin on the mornings completely. I remember those days
Hard to be zen when you are getting little ones ready for their day.Thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This is just one more tool I'm using to stay strong and sober.
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