People who regularly practice mindfulness can decrease depression, regulate emotions, and improve cognitive functioning. Practices such as mindfulness have existed for thousands of years, but many people need help understanding what mindfulness is and how it works. Learn more about mindfulness and the benefits of this practice in a recovery treatment program.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is simply being aware and having a greater understanding of your circumstances or a situation. Understanding how you feel and why you feel that way can help you make more informed decisions.
When you are struggling with an addiction, it is easy to think there is no way to start feeling better. Practicing mindfulness can make it easy to recognize that emotions are temporary. No matter how overwhelming your thoughts might be, nothing lasts forever. Recovery treatment programs that embrace mindfulness practices teach new strategies for processing emotions.
Practicing mindfulness is simple and involves becoming aware of thoughts in the present moment. Over time, you will start to see your situation with more clarity. You will realize that it is okay to experience difficult emotions, and they will eventually pass.
The Relationship Between Addiction Treatment and Mindfulness
People recovering from addictions may think that mindfulness has no value. You are not alone if you think it is an ineffective new-age cure. The truth is that there is plenty of scientific evidence showing that mindfulness can help patients improve their mental health.
Many recovery treatment programs offer mindfulness-based therapies that can include cognitive therapy and stress-reduction therapy. Medical professionals have found that people who participate in mindfulness practices can change the structure of their brains. Once individuals change their brain’s structure, it will become easier for patients to stay sober.
Mindfulness and Recovery: The Main Components
There are three main aspects of mindfulness in a recovery treatment program.
Intentionality
Mindfulness involves creating intentional thought processes, which involve paying attention to your thoughts. You will need to accept that changing your thoughts is impossible, but you have control over how you frame these thoughts. Therefore, it is possible to frame ideas more positively; this practice can benefit those who struggle with PTSD.
Once patients realize that life is lived in a series of the present moment and not in the present or the future, it will become easier to reframe thoughts.
Acceptance
People’s thoughts come from the unconscious mind, and thoughts only become part of one’s experience after people become aware of them. Once you recognize that it is impossible to change your thoughts, you’ll start to accept them. Acceptance does not mean giving away control.
Through mindfulness, it is possible to learn that you will only feel more guilty and anxious by suppressing difficult thoughts. By reminding yourself that it is okay to feel this way, it is possible to start feeling more peaceful. You will also become more receptive to receiving effective therapies and treatments.
Non-Judgment
It will be difficult to overcome addictions if you are constantly judging yourself for the feelings that you are experiencing. You will likely experience many difficult emotions while in recovery. Many people miss the highs that substances help them to experience. It is also common for people recovering from addictions to feel like they are failures. Even though allowing oneself to experience these emotions is essential, you will also work towards withholding judgment.
Mindfulness involves accepting difficult emotions and thoughts without condemning oneself. In fact, self-criticism is the opposite of mindfulness. Treat yourself with softness and compassion, just as you would treat a loved one who is having a tough time.
Common Types of Mindfulness
One of the most common types of mindfulness is meditation, a practice that has been around for thousands of years. It is necessary to sit in silence and solitude to meditate. You must pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without reacting. As part of a recovery treatment program, therapists might guide patients through short meditations. A therapist will support patients during every step of this practice.
The Role of Mindfulness in a Recovery Treatment Program
If you or somebody you love is struggling with addiction, it is essential to understand the role of mindfulness in a recovery treatment program. If you are ready to take the next step to overcome addiction, then Comprehensive Wellness Centers in Florida can help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us once you are ready to start.
