🕺How to H.A.L.T

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Here’s what's in store for you today:

• ☔️ Daily Motivation: Dealing with Rude People

• 🧐 Let's Learn: How to H.A.L.T.

• 🧘🏽 Daily Meditation

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• 😂 Meme of the Day

☔️ Daily Motivation: Dealing with Rude People

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🧐 Let's Learn: How to H.A.L.T.

One of the hardest things some face in recovery is recognizing the cues & triggers that made them want to use in the first place. Sponsors suggest to check in with yourself in those moments to see what may be causing the trouble or discomfort.

One of the best things you can do in those moments is H.A.L.T.

To halt, by definition, means to stop. When using the acronym H.A.L.T in recovery, this is exactly what you should do. If you are struggling with determining what factors make you want to drink or use, H.A.L.T. may help you figure that out. Use it to evaluate your current situation; what about right now is possibly triggering a craving?

Ask yourself: are you hungry, or angry, or lonely, or tired (H.A.L.T)? These feelings are common triggers that could lead to relapse.

H-HUNGER: Substance abuse & drinking have been known to lead to poor eating habits & even eating disorders. And not eating properly can cause hunger which is not beneficial for your current mood. It affects your decision making skills & can lead to past behaviors or former ways of thinking. One tip is to have quick & easy snacks available when you’re on the go to help you feel less irritable.

A-ANGER: Anger is a natural response to uncomfortable frustrating situations & it helps us recognize our own limits & boundaries. The trick comes with acknowledgement & then identifying ways to overcome that anger. Some tips to dealing with anger include journaling, talking with your support system, exercise, or even speaking with a professional like a doctor or therapist. Another great tip is a short prayer to your Higher Power such as, "God save me from being angry!"

L-LONELY: Loneliness can happen at any time, & you don’t even have to be alone to feel it. It’s easy to feel cut off or isolated as you step away from your old life into the world of recovery. We’re told to avoid situations that would cause us to use which means avoiding people that we once relied on for comfort & friendship. It may be hard for family to understand your situation which makes it hard for them to relate to what you’re feeling or going through. But acknowledging that you are feeling lonely can help you do something about it. One tip includes building a strong support system of sober friends that will understand your situation. Hit a meeting & express your loneliness & you will find an entire social circle ready to help you stay engaged.

T-TIRED: Nobody can think straight when they’re physically & mentally exhausted. Daily demands of life can add up quickly with work, meetings, treatment, stepwork, socializing, & more. But the truth is exhaustion can lead to relapse. You need an adequate amount of rest to think clearly & make good decisions. Focus on getting plenty of rest & good sleep. You can also nap, meditate, listen to music, or take up a pleasing hobby to improve energy & focus as well.

Using the H.A.L.T. acronym is a great recovery tool to prevent relapse but it’s also an excellent way to stay in touch with yourself. It’s a reminder to take care of your most basic needs which can help set you up for success. Remember recovery builds upon itself so you should start with a solid foundation like listening to your body’s needs.

🧘🏽 DAILY MEDITATION 🧘🏽

In recovery, developing an attitude of gratitude may come easier to some than others, & it may take some practice before it becomes a habit. But coming to accept & understand gratitude can transform your daily life from dim & dreadful to one of joy & contentment.

Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for & to return kindness. Essentially, it’s recognizing the good things in life & seeing goodness in others. 

The power of gratitude comes in how you can use it to view the world. When you see all the bad stuff, the negativity, & what is wrong in your life, you will continue to see & experience more of the same. But changing your perspective & having gratitude, even for the smallest things, can help you see the world from a more positive point of view. Over time, those good thoughts will grow & attract more good into your life.

Finding gratitude can be as simple as building a new thought process. Minor changes & simple practices can, over time, create new habits that improve your way of thinking. Here’s a list of ways to find more gratitude right now:

• Keep a gratitude journal to remind you what you are grateful for in this moment.

• Make a list of things you are grateful for each morning to start each day positively.

• You can find guided meditations that are free. Look for ones with a focus on gratitude & listen to them regularly.

• A simple thank you prayer to your Higher Power is a great way to open yourself up to more things to be grateful for. The more thankful you are, the more you will have to be grateful for.

• Being of service to others will give you some much-needed perspective. Volunteering in any capacity will help you to see & appreciate all the good in your life at this time.

Practicing gratitude by transforming negative thoughts into positivity can help keep you grounded in your recovery. When you choose to have a grateful mindset, you will improve your physical, mental, & spiritual health. This, in turn, makes for a healthier, happier, & more fulfilled version of you.

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