How Can Daily Reflection Help Me Stay Sober?

Daily reflection can be a vital key component in maintaining lifelong sobriety, especially when you participate in Alcoholics Anonymous or another 12-step recovery program to overcome addiction. Reflecting can help you identify things you’re doing correctly in your life, as well as things you can improve on to make your life better. When executed properly, daily reflection can keep you on the path to healthy living and sobriety, and empower you to help others on their own journeys to overcoming addiction.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, understand that help is just one phone call away. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-781-0748 (Who Answers?) to learn more about 12-step recovery programs and rehab centers devoted to helping you or your loved one overcome substance abuse.

Here are several ways daily reflection can help you stay sober and complement your addiction recovery program.

Learn From Past Mistakes

Writing your daily reflections in a journal can help you stay accountable.

Reflecting on past mistakes allows you to determine what went wrong in the first place, and how to prevent yourself from making those same mistakes again in the future. Those who avoid facing their mistakes due to feelings of embarrassment or shame often end up repeating history, which is why reflection can be helpful at keeping you on track with sobriety.

Gain New Perspective

Reflecting at the end of the day can often make big problems seem much smaller and easier to overcome, especially if you’ve had time to evaluate, think about, and reflect on those problems. In the midst of certain troubles, mistakes can seem tremendous and overwhelming, but reflecting can help you gain new perspective on how to manage those problems.

Generate Great Ideas

Daily reflection can help you identify new ways to conquer old problems, especially those surrounding addiction. For instance, you may reflect on something you did earlier that day that made you feel happy and excited, and end up adopting that activity as your new hobby to replace substance abuse.

Focus More on Happiness

Overcoming addiction can be an arduous journey that makes you feel emotional at times. But reflecting on your successes and on the things you do right can make you experience feelings of satisfaction and happiness, which is important for recovery. Every day, focus on finding new, small things to celebrate and be thankful for.

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Tips for Practicing Daily Reflection

Daily reflection is often included in most 12-step recovery programs. To get started with daily reflection, schedule between 10 to 20 minutes of reflection time into your morning or evening. Find your preferred, relaxed meditative state in which to reflect — whether it be sitting in your living room or going for a walk.

Allow your mind to roam freely, and try being open and honest with yourself about your feelings, thoughts, and mistakes. Consider keeping a journal in which to write your daily reflections so you can hold yourself accountable and review what you’ve learned from past mistakes. Some 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, even have their own Daily Reflections books to guide you through the process.

If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, understand that 12-step recovery programs and rehab centers can help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-781-0748 (Who Answers?) to learn more about your treatment options, and to find 12-step programs that incorporate daily reflection into recovery.