Imagine living inside yourself with the constant negative desire to fulfill a dark void with a quick fix of drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex. What many people don’t realize is that every human was created with a void- a void that, by human nature, we will fill in order to have feelings of satisfaction, comfort and enjoyment.
We are given the choice to fill that void with positive habits or negative habits that inevitably lead to self-destruction, sabotaged relationships, job loss, and poverty.
But what if, just what if, we could redirect the pull of destructive behaviors and habits with another temptation- one that leads to healthy relationships, healthy lifestyle, and a healthier YOU.
Learning how to substitute an addiction with positivity takes commitment, engagement, drive, and ambition. Let’s explore a few ways to give this a try!
Learning to Engage in New Interests
When we suffer with the agonizing pain of addiction, we feel this endless pit of hopelessness and, often times, cannot fathom that anything else would give us the pleasurable rush that substances and destructive habits do.
But, giving something positive a try might just be one solution to help us on our path to wellness.
- Explore a hobby or new interest: Brainstorm a list of ten hobbies on a piece of paper that come to your mind.
This does not mean you have to commit to them all, but if they come to mind, that means that intrinsically you might have an interest in it.
- Narrow down your list of hobbies: Circle three hobbies on your list that you would like to try- examples might include journaling, taking a painting class, engaging in a bible study, or just reorganizing a room in your house.
- Set a Goal: Remember to give yourself some grace! Research has proven that many addicts are overachievers, so set a goal that is small, measurable, and achievable of how you want to begin your journey of exploring new interests.
By learning to engage in new interests, we rewire our brain to channel the need for a euphoric rush into more positive things such as hobbies that interest you.
Exercise and Release of Endorphines
According to Harvard Health, Exercise can and will bring unthinkable changes to your mind and body.
Exercise can be so hard to achieve and stick with, but exercise releases the same endorphins that are released when you are addicted to a substance.
Additionally, one of the most prominent reasons that addicts begin down the wrong road is attempting to cope with poor self-esteem and body image.
When you begin seeing the results of exercise, confidence increases and the void of addiction begins to fill with positive self-image.
Positive Self Talk and Mindfulness
- Mindfulness- Find a quiet place each morning when you wake up and at night before you go to bed.
Reflect on how you are truly feeling and be honest with yourself.
Perhaps journal each feeling you discover through reflecting and look for patterns so you can figure out what triggers your positive and negative emotions.
- Positive Self Talk- As individuals, we create the habit of negative self talk. We are our own worst critic, so we say things in our mind that aren’t realistic or the truth.
Pay attention to what you say to yourself and make an effort to correct with a positive word or thought.
For example, if you might say that you are not good at anything.
Make an effort to replace that by creating a list of what you ARE good at.
Everyone is gifted with talents abilities.
By making a conscious effort to replace our addictions with healthy habits will allow you to get enjoyment out of the things in life that are meant to be enjoyed.
Our brain will become rewired to release positive endorphins out of the new interests that become part of our new way of living.