| People often turn to alcohol or drugs when they're | | | | you may have. |
| feeling bad about themselves. If you've made the | | | | 4) Get a quick workout in. Exercising releases a |
| choice to become sober, don't let a bad day or mood | | | | chemical that alleviates pain, both physically and |
| ruin all the hard work you've put in to get there. Use | | | | mentally, enhances your mood and gives you a sense |
| these tips to quickly feel good about yourself. | | | | of well being. These endorphins are so powerful that |
| 1) Keep a certain memory handy for anytime you | | | | exercise can easily become addictive and take the |
| need a reminder of how good you are. Think of a | | | | place of any unhealthy addictions in your life. |
| compliment someone paid you that really meant a lot | | | | 5) Make a list of positive affirmations to repeat over |
| or the day you reached 30 days sober. The trick is | | | | and over. Instead of telling yourself you're sad, |
| to try and remember as many details as you can | | | | depressed, an addict, lazy or stupid, turn your |
| about the event so you can quickly get back to that | | | | negative thoughts around and write down what you |
| feeling. | | | | would like to be instead. "I am happy, full of energy, |
| 2) Scratch something off your to-do list that nags at | | | | healthy and sober." Put this piece of paper up where |
| you every day. Procrastination often goes hand in | | | | you will see it frequently and repeat it as much as |
| hand with addiction. Putting things off is used to | | | | you can. It's going to feel silly at first, but keep it up |
| avoid anxiety but it can backfire and make us feel | | | | and you'll start to believe those affirmations and see |
| more stress in the long run. We build the task up to | | | | positive results. |
| be worse than it actually is and feel bad about not | | | | 6) Put a big goofy smile on your face. Hold it there |
| completing it. Once you jump into the task, it usually | | | | for at least a minute and you'll see your mood start |
| turns out not to be nearly as bad as you thought. | | | | to change. Normally your brain gives your body |
| 3) Feel better about yourself by committing an act | | | | commands; I'm upset, make a frown, but it can work |
| of kindness and making someone else feel good. | | | | the other way around too. Fake a smile or a laugh |
| Focusing on someone or something else takes the | | | | and trick your brain into actually feeling that way. |
| focus off of you and any self deprecating thoughts | | | | |