The renowned German philosopher Eckhart Tolle famously said, “Wherever you are, be there totally. If you find your here and now intolerable and it makes you unhappy, you have three options: remove yourself from the situation, change it, or accept it totally. If you want to take responsibility for your life, you must choose one of those three options, and you must choose now.” This is vital advice, especially when it comes to mindfulness-based stress reduction. Mindfulness-based stress reduction comes in many forms, and it can be integral for long-term success in recovery.
Utilizing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Recovery
Now, what exactly is mindfulness-based stress reduction? Essentially, it can be a low-cost option for recovery. However, most professionals agree that it should be a supplement to evidence-based therapies rather than a sole treatment.
According to the peer-reviewed journal IBRO Neuroscience Reports, “One potential stress alleviation strategy is the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a psychological therapy that offers intensive meditation practice to guide participants to cope with acute stress and decrease distraction. With the availability of its curriculum and online adaptation by the Palouse Mindfulness, MBSR represents a low-cost stress alleviation therapy.” Of course, the cost of mindfulness-based stress reduction can vary depending on the types of modalities chosen, of which there are many.
A Focus on Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an essential part of finding peace and serenity in recovery. It is a way of alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression, while also working to maintain vital physical levels (like heart rate and blood pressure).
Mindfulness also often encompasses spirituality. However, it is important to note that spirituality (or religion, for that matter) is not a requirement, but rather an option. The key is to find the type of mindfulness that works for you and stick with it.
There are many types of mindfulness-based stress reduction modalities. This includes yoga therapy, surf therapy, horticulture therapy, journaling, and mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation can actually be employed with all other types of mindfulness practices.
Utilizing Meditation for Mindfulness
Meditation has been utilized for thousands of years. Initially, it was utilized as a spiritual or religious practice, but it has since moved into the realm of recovery. This is because it is so versatile and offers so many benefits.
According to the International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda (AYU), “During the process of meditation, accumulated stresses are removed, energy is increased, and health is positively affected overall. Research has confirmed a myriad of health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in pain (both physical and psychological), improved memory, and increased efficiency.” Surf therapy has also been shown to have similar benefits.
Utilizing Surf Therapy for Mindfulness
Connecting to blue spaces like the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans has long been thought to have healing properties. Now, with research on modalities like surf therapy, it has been shown to be scientifically true.
Surf therapy offers a myriad of benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Carefully planned water activities tailored to the needs of the individual can contribute to correct psychosocial and cognitive development. The International Surf Therapy Organization summarizes the benefits of adequately indicated surf therapy as follows: improved physical health and mobility; improved mental health, including reduction of specific symptoms, such as posttraumatic stress and depression; improved well-being (strengthening of trust and confidence, encouragement of independence, resilience, and protective coping strategies), and improved social skills.”
Utilizing Yoga for Mindfulness
Unlike surfing, yoga does not require a specific setting to be practiced (though many people feel more comfortable in a yoga setting). Ultimately, all one really needs is a mat and knowledge of various asanas (yoga postures). This makes yoga a very economical option for mindfulness-based stress reduction.
The benefits of yoga therapy are vast and varied. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent, reduce, or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional, and spiritual pain, suffering, or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”
It is important to note that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one mindfulness-based modality; they often work better when utilized in tandem. Many of them are also very enjoyable when practiced with others.
Creating Peace of Mind at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe that serenity is essential for recovery. That is why we are big proponents of mindfulness-based stress reduction.
It’s time to stop the stress. It is time to recover. You can do this! We can help.
Stress and stressful situations can be devastating to one’s recovery. They can quickly lead to a relapse. This is why learning to manage stress in an effective and easily accessible way is so vital. There are many mindfulness practices for stress reduction in recovery. This includes mindfulness meditation, surf therapy, horticulture therapy, and yoga. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about mindfulness-based stress reduction, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
