It’s no secret that giving up sugar, carbs, and processed foods is a challenge. Anyone who has ever tried to make a change in their diet can attest to the intense cravings and feelings of deprivation that often accompany it. In this blog post, we will discuss some healthy tips for coping with cravings and dealing with relapse. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to conquering your cravings once and for all!
Coping with cravings and dealing with relapse – How to do it in a healthy manner
It is never an easy thing to deal with your addictions. However, much like all things in life, this too shall pass. Addiction, regardless of the sort, is a disease. And, like all diseases, it needs to be dealt with in a professional and serious manner. After all, you are trying to rid your body of unhealthy dependence. On the other hand, specialists from olympusrecovery.com/treatment/php/ say that addiction is not just a physical disease. It is also a mental one, which means that you need to be prepared for the challenges on both fronts. So, what can you do to make sure that you are ready?
Keep your body hydrated
Water is essential for our bodies in so many ways. When it comes to addiction and cravings, water can help to flush out the toxins that have built up in your system. It can also help to reduce the intensity of cravings. So, make sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day! Hydration is more than just a buzzword – it’s essential for your health and well-being. Firstly, water helps to flush out toxins from your system. Secondly, it also prevents you from overeating by filling up your stomach.
Eat healthy, balanced meals
A healthy diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for those in recovery. Eating nutritious meals helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which can minimize cravings. It’s also important to make sure that you’re getting enough protein, as it helps to repair and rebuild the damage caused by addiction. So, make sure that you’re eating plenty of healthy, balanced meals! Some good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, tofu, beans, and lentils. On the other hand, you can also get your fix from Greek yogurt, eggs, and cheese.
Make sure you sleep well
If we want our bodies to be able to withstand our daily challenges, then we must ensure good sleep. When we don’t get enough sleep, it can lead to a whole host of problems – including cravings. That’s because sleep deprivation increases the levels of the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for triggering hunger. So, ensure a plethora of rest on a regular basis. Try to maintain a regular sleeping pattern, and try to stick to anywhere between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. The more you can get, the better!
Start being actively active
Exercise is a great way to cope with cravings. Not only does it help to release endorphins, but it also helps to reduce stress levels. And, when we’re stressed, our bodies tend to crave unhealthy foods. So, make sure that you’re getting plenty of exercise! Even just a 30-minute walk each day can make a world of difference. If you are uncertain of how to start, there are plenty of online resources and videos that can help get you started.
Stay positive and focused on your goals
Prioritizing your goals above everything is essential, especially when dealing with such a big issue, as an addiction. However, prioritization is much easier when you are maintaining a positive outlook. So, make sure that you are staying positive and focused on your goals! This might mean making a list of all the things you want to achieve or setting up a daily reminder on your phone. Whatever it is, find something that works for you, and make sure that you stick to it!
Avoid triggers
One of the best things you can do to avoid relapse is to avoid triggers. Triggers are anything – people, places, things, or situations – that remind you of your addiction and make you want to use it again. So, it’s important to identify your triggers and find ways to avoid them. This might mean changing your routine so far or even trying to avoid going to certain places or seeing certain people. Whatever it is, make sure that you do what’s necessary to stay away from your triggers!
Occupy yourself in a healthy way
When you’re trying to cope with cravings, it’s important to find healthy ways to occupy yourself. This might mean picking up a new hobby or volunteering your time. It’s also important to make sure that you’re staying connected with your friends and family. So, make sure that you are occupying yourself in a healthy way! This will help to keep your mind off of your addiction and make you feel good about yourself.
Learn to appreciate the journey
After several days, weeks, and even months of being sober, you will start to realize how much your life has changed. And, it’s important to learn to appreciate the journey. This means being grateful for the progress you have made and recognizing that relapse is a part of recovery. So, make sure that you are taking the time to appreciate the journey! Additionally, by being appreciative of how far you have come, it will be much easier to, not push away, but ignore the cravings that come along.
Try to avoid things that make you crave
In most cases, addiction can easily be tied to a location, person, or even thing. So, it is important to try your best to avoid places that make you crave. For example, if you are trying to stay sober from alcohol, then it would be in your best interest to avoid bars or clubs. However, this does not mean that you have to live in complete isolation. There are plenty of other places and things that can occupy your time. So, try to find things that make you happy and avoid places that only serve as a reminder of your addiction.
There are a few healthy tips that can help you cope with cravings and avoid relapse. First, it’s important to get enough sleep. Second, make sure that you’re staying active and exercising regularly. Third, stay positive and focused on your goals. Fourth, avoid triggers. Fifth, occupy yourself in a healthy way. And finally, learn to appreciate the journey. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to recovery!
