As mentioned in the last article, a host of natural remedies helped me get clean.
Exercise. Yoga. Meditation.
But when that wasn’t enough to help me calm down at night, I started trolling the holistic aisle at my local grocer. And I wasn’t disappointed. From Tulsi rose tea with holy basil to magnesium citrate supplements, I found there was a whole world of non habit forming, feel-better stuff I could use to counter the icky feelings making me crave the wrong thing in the first place. Also, I’d started my vegan journey pretty soon into recovery as well. Now, I’m def not saying that you need to be vegan. (I know; that runs counter to what you’d hear most vegans say.) But what I am saying is this: whatever it is you eat, make sure you’re eating clean and non-processed. Because I can’t tell you how many’ve my mood swings and depressive episodes resolved by finally getting a healthy balance of the foods I’d been missing out on – and finally annihilating the high sugar body holocaust that was my diet before. Sometimes (often, actually) it’s not about adding a drug of any kind; it’s about subtracting something bad we don’t need.
(Sometimes just the warmth from a cup of tea’s all the comfort you need.)
And then, once I took care of myself, I could finally do it. I could finally go out and connect with others. My relationships improved infinite-fold once my “me” was sorted out. And I can’t tell you enough how much we need this. Phone a friend. Grab coffee. Serve the homeless. Do something that gets you back in touch with your fellow species members – just make sure none’ve ‘em are the ones you used to get lit with. ‘cause if you do, that’s a slope you’d better have your X-mas sled ready to ride into relapse on.
And what about when you’re all alone? Stay engaged. For me, evenings alone are when I’d find something belly burning-ly funny. Russell Brand (the man who personally urged me into recovery) is one’ve the funniest dudes I know. Try his “Messiah Complex” standup on for size.
Or, better yet, slay two avians with one stone to keep from getting stoned; you can get your laughs and sober inspiration in one place with his new book, “Recovery”. Not into Russ? That’s okay. (I’ll try to forgive you.) Just find something that’s sure to make you lose yourself in levity. From Louis C.K. to old school George Carlin, something’s bound to un-frown your brain.
(Just remember to moderate any and all the things you do. ’cause new fixations can easily lead into older ones.)
So, if you’re set on giving yourself the gift of sobriety this holiday, try out these tips.
And if you’ve been clean for a while, give us a gift too – and comment your own below.