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Dealing with nerves & boredom

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 21

I'm one month sober now and I'm learning lots of ways to keep my mind occupied and happy. The first month can be hell. Listening to the voices of alcohol trying to get me to drink again. I finally got mad about drinking. I released a lot of anxiety and frustration in the process. Since my temper tantrum (hahahaha) I have found new happiness that I haven't felt for along time.

I decided to exercise more and set goals for myself. I've been a runner for almost 20 years and I've dabbled in bike riding too. I've always loved to watch bike races on Tv. I watch the Giro, Tour de France and Vuelta Espana every year. After taking a break from my bike for 3 years I decided to start biking again this year. I've set a goal of riding a century (100 mi) in May with a group of my friends.

Even after all the exercise that I do I still need other things to occupy my mind. I've found that listening to my favorite music helps me release tension when I'm not exercising. I like to just turn on the stereo in the evenings with my wife and relax. I used to get drunk and listen to music. Now I listen to music that moves me. I like to go to YouTube and find play lists of my favorite artists. It's amazing what is available for free to listen to.

I've been a graphic artist for 10 years now. Leaving a job that I hated to begin working on what I love to do. I got side tracked when I began drinking and my work and creativity suffered because of it. I've been slowly improving and getting my creativity back again. Just doodling with pen and paper is quite relaxing. The mind stops focusing and gets to wander where it may.

I like to meditate for 20 minutes first thing when I get up in the morning. I think this sets the tone for a good day. As the mind becomes clearer and calmer I find real happiness. I take the time to notice and appreciate the little things in life. Taking walks and noticing the trees, listening to the birds, watching the sun rise and set, watching the seasons change, appreciating the strides I have made not drinking.

Attitude of Gratitude and Appreciation : )

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1562

Oh another suggestion. LOL. You may email

cumminggroup.firststepmaterial@gmail.com

And get a link back for a thorough understanding of the Vicious cycle. At the bottom of the material, there are some great workshops that immensely helped me. Which laid a sound foundation for my recovery.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1562

Congratulations on your 13 days. There are no musts in AA, only suggestions

. You may request a temporary sponsor

at http://www.e-aa.org/form_sponsors.php . The sponsors role is to help understand the 12 steps. Communication is all over email. Some people use Skype when they get comfortable. And you can always fire and get a new one if the one assigned doesn't suit your well.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 17

I'm not up to going to a meeting yet.

I appreciate the suggestions you are giving.

I will check out the online suggestions you have given.

I'm on day 13 - I never thought I'd be counting days.

Thank you Foxman

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1562

Thats the case with most of us. We lubricated ourselves with alcohol and when it stopped working we are vulnerable. For me the fellowship helped much. A meeting a day then. Today I don't do that much. But with the age of the internet we are just a click away. You can stay connected 24/7. Youtube, there are so many spiritual discourses. Sadhguru, Eckhart Tolle and whole gamut of AA speakers. All help us live in the moment rather than in the head.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 17

Hi CantFailThisTime,

Congratulations on reaching 22 days??

You are making such healthy choices.

Lots of fluids and exercise and going to meetings.

I think as alcoholics we have overactive thirst reflexes and can drink large volumes of fluids. I too am drinking lots of water, herbal tea and soda water. I haven't tried the instant oatmeal yet:)

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and strategies- it helps me.

Ali

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 110

Hi Everyone!

So, today is the three week anniversary of when I stumbled in here, and I'm glad to say that I have not had a drop of alcohol in the past 22 days.

This weekend has been the most challenging time of my recovery. Boredom and restlessness set in pretty badly. I can't really sit still. Got a meeting tonight and then TG for work tomorrow lol

When the 5 gallon bottle for my water cooler went dry, I realized how much I have been using the water cooler. I have really missed it today, while I wait for the new bottle to cool/heat. I think the water cooler has been a surprising part of me staying sober because it doesn't only dispense cold water, but also instant hot water for soups and tea. I've relied on a lot of tea and soup to keep me occupied. And instant oatmeal. mmmm

Also, I found myself very thankful for the Fitbit my ex bought me. I've been challenging myself to walk a ridiculous number of steps in a day, so this weekend I've been just getting up and going for a long walks when I get bored. Or going to stores and parking super far away. Takes time, burns energy. Counting steps gives me some motivation. I stress "some." (Plus, the app forces me to keep an eye on my calories... when it is so easy to PIG OUT! lol)

Just my thoughts...

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Dealing with nerves & boredom