Every year, after a few dark months without their favorite sport, baseball fans get excited for the start of Spring Training. First, the pitchers and catchers report to camp. Soon enough, full squads are on site—including young players hoping to play their way onto a Major League roster.
But the new and the hopeful are not the only players in Spring Training. All the veterans are there, too, from the bench players to the starters to the superstars. You might think that after a while, the vets of the game could be excused from the yearly ritual of Spring Training. But that would undoubtedly be a big mistake.
Everyone on a baseball team needs time each year to really work on the fundamentals of the game. They need to get their timing back, reestablish their connections to their teammates, and get enough repetition in to enable them to make the tough plays when the regular season begins.
Every single ballplayer benefits from spending time working on the basics of baseball—just like every single person in recovery from a substance use disorder benefits from practicing the fundamentals that support the recovery journey.
That is why, from time to time (including in this blog post), we review some of the foundational ways you can keep your recovery intact over time.
A Triple Play: Eating Healthfully, Sleeping Restfully, and Exercising Regularly
When it comes to building habits that will provide consistent support to your recovery efforts, you can’t go wrong by making good choices around eating, sleeping, and exercising. Healthy eating, restful sleep, and regular exercise support your physical health, and your mental health—and good health in both areas strengthens the foundations of your recovery.
We have devoted an entire series to the importance of good nutrition and how you can achieve it one meal and one decision at a time (you can start the series here). For our focus on the fundamentals, we will simply say that thinking carefully about what you do—and do not—eat is a good strategy in recovery.
Sleep is another topic we have returned to time and again (here’s a link to our roundup of sleep-related content). Key points include that a regular nighttime routine supports quality sleep—as does a cool, dark, quiet, uncluttered sleeping space.
We have exercised the option to write quite a bit about exercise, too (here’s an example). We encourage you to remember that there are many different kinds of exercise to try as you search for something you enjoy and can commit to. You should also keep in mind that even a little exercise is better than no exercise at all.
Recovery Meetings are Foundational
At your job, you may dread all the meetings you find yourself having to attend. But when it comes to your recovery meetings, we encourage you to approach them with a spirit of anticipation. After all, your 12-Step or other recovery meeting gives you the opportunity to give and get encouragement.
The people in your meeting understand what you have been through while using drugs or alcohol—and they understand the challenges you are facing now. These are the people who will celebrate milestones with you and who will pick you up when you are struggling—and you will have the opportunity to do those things for them, too.
Take Care to Repair and Strengthen Your Relationships
When you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, many of your relationships likely suffered. You may have been unreliable at work or at home. You might have told lies. You may have said hurtful things—things you might not even remember saying now. You might have hurt someone physically, emotionally, or both.
When your recovery is underway, it is an excellent idea to start the process of repairing these broken relationships if you can. Some folks in your life may be slow to forgive, but others will be eager to reestablish a good relationship with you. The rebuilding of your relationships can help ensure you have a circle of support you can count on when you are struggling. Close friends and family members are an important part of your recovery team. Just remember that you have to be a good friend, too—something you can achieve now that you have left drugs or alcohol behind.
The Farley Center Is All About Treatment Fundamentals
Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, The Farley Center provides evidence-based, personalized treatment for substance use disorders. Our staff has the expertise, experience, and empathy you would expect from a great team. You can count on us to help you reclaim your life from drugs or alcohol.
Our program begins with a comprehensive assessment followed by medically supervised detoxification, allowing you to get substances out of your system in a safe, comfortable environment. Our rehabilitation program follows detox and is built around group and individual therapy sessions. During rehab, we can also address mental health disorders that may be entangled with your substance use.
When treatment comes to an end, you can still count on The Farley Center for ongoing support and resources. Our aftercare program keeps you connected with other Farley Center alums, ensuring you always have a supportive recovery community. It is fundamental!
