Coping Strategies for Stress Without Resorting to Substance Use

Stress is normal; however, chronic stress that harms your overall physical and mental well-being is not normal. Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental disorders, impacting millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, stress and anxiety, left untreated, can lead many people to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn healthy coping strategies for stress you can use. 

At Terra Nova, we are a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center in Arizona that uses evidence-based treatment approaches and individualized care so you can effectively achieve sobriety. We understand that every recovery journey is unique. That’s why we offer several substance abuse and mental health treatment options so you can receive the best care for your exact recovery needs. Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today!

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

Stop resorting to drugs and alcohol to cope with feelings of stress and anxiety! Below are several healthy coping strategies for stress you can incorporate into your daily life. 

Prioritize Exercise

Exercising is a great way to relieve stress while improving your physical and mental health. Whether it’s playing a pickup basketball game with friends, joining a running club, or walking around your neighborhood, consistently exercising each day can naturally lower stress levels.

Journal Your Thoughts

Journaling down your thoughts about the day and how you are feeling is another effective way to relieve stress without resorting to drugs or alcohol. Journaling is great for several reasons. It helps you better understand yourself and what you’re going through, and it’s a simple and affordable activity you do anytime, anywhere. 

Build Supportive Relationships

Building supportive relationships with friends and family is another excellent way to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Your loved ones are a support system that is there for you no matter what. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize growing these relationships, whether it’s a quick call to a relative or catching up with a friend over dinner, to help continue growing these relationships while lowering your stress levels. 

Get Quality Sleep

Getting quality sleep each night is also important. Sleep, whether you realize it or not, significantly impacts your overall mental health and well-being, including your stress levels. So be sure to make it a consistent habit to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. 

Seek Professional Support to Overcome Addiction

If you’ve used substances in the past to help relieve your stress, and you have been doing so for a while, chances are you may be struggling with addiction. If you suspect you may be struggling with an addiction or a mental illness, it’s critical you seek professional support to safely and effectively overcome your addiction. 

Practice Deep Breathing

Breathing is another simple yet highly effective strategy you can use to relieve stress without resorting to substance use. Deep breathing exercises are great because they are practical and can be done at a moment’s notice, so if you are suddenly feeling stressed or anxious, you can practice your breathing exercises. 

Prioritize Self-Care and Taking Breaks

Last but not least, to keep your stress under control, it’s important to practice self-care and prioritize breaks into your routine. Self-care can look different for everyone. You may find doing a calm activity indoors can help relieve stress, such as reading a book you’re genuinely interested in or baking your favorite recipe. Or, self-care can be more active, such as walking your dog, rock climbing, swimming, or another physical activity you find fun. 

Premier Drug Rehab in Arizona

Stress reduction in recovery is crucial to help you progress along your recovery journey. The above coping strategies for stress are practical yet highly effective ways to manage stress well. From exercising to getting quality sleep, these healthy habits can go a long way in relieving stress and reducing your risk of resorting to substance use to relieve your stress.At Terra Nova, we’re committed to helping every patient achieve long-term sobriety. Using a range of treatment options and programs, we offer tailored care so you can receive the best possible treatment to support your recovery journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery.