By Jennifer McDougall
When we feel overwhelmed with the amount of physical, emotional, and mental pain that can come at us in all channels of life, it’s no wonder people take to great strife for relief. Those suffering from physical, emotional, or mental pain often find themselves indulging in the use of drugs and alcohol to “ease the tension.” This is not the answer, though. Drugs and alcohol usually only make matters much worse. Rather than reaching for prescription drugs or consuming alcohol, here are 25 healthy alternatives to help manage the pain you’re feeling:
- Locate exactly where the pain is coming from
- Reflect on what it was that caused you this pain in the first place and what is causing it to get worse or not ago away
- Schedule acupuncture treatment by a professional
- Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol
- Learn to take control of stress with deep breathing methods
- Low impact exercises 30-60 minutes a day such as yoga, Tai Chi, walking, swimming, or scenic hiking
- Write in a private journal every day
- Avoid cigarettes and nicotine
- Take a scenic drive with soothing music and the windows down
- Eat healthy foods regularly (lots of omega-3 and whole grains)
- Drink plenty of water every day – hydration is so important
- Watch a funny movie or feel-good movie to bring comfort back into your life
- Read an insightful and thought-provoking book or novel
- Take a walk outdoors, if you can
- Talk to someone you can trust about the pain you’re feeling
- Indulge in a 20-30 minute warm Epson salt and lavender-infused bath with soft lights and music before bedtime
- Hypnosis and guided imagery
- Guided Meditation or Meditation of your choice twice a day
- Go for a light swim if you have permission to access one nearby
- Herbal remedies and supplements
- Massage therapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Go to your local Chiropractor to have your spine realigned
- Get enough sleep and allow yourself to relax
- Let go of any guilt or shame you have been carrying around
Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™
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