Organization is a skill that doesn’t come naturally to most people. It must be learned and practiced before it can shape and improve your life. When your life becomes overrun by substance abuse, a sense of chaos becomes a prominent theme. Whether it be a lack of time management skills, a messy home, or the inability to follow through on a promise, lacking organizational skills can have a severe impact on your stress level and overall wellbeing. Additionally, the people most vulnerable to addiction, e.g., extremely creative individuals and those with mental health disorders, are more likely to struggle with disorganization as well. Cultivating organizational skills is an integral part of recovery. It may even be the foundational tool you need to set yourself up for long-term success and a sober lifestyle.
Time Management
Many people go through life with big dreams but fail to make their visions a reality because of their inability to manage time. Time is an essential resource and is immensely valuable when it comes to making money, building relationships, and achieving growth. One common mistake that people make when it comes to managing time is over scheduling their lives. Poor time management leaves them overwhelmed and unable to fulfill their obligations. Especially in early recovery, it can be easy to feel supercharged and fall into a productivity trap. You may be excited about how much time you have on your hands now that you are sober. Still, try to add only one thing to your plate at a time. See how well you can manage each new task before jumping into more responsibilities.
Additionally, try planning as much as possible by writing down a schedule for daily tasks. Include time for leisure and relaxation, as well as time for self-care such as meditation and exercise. In this way, you can begin to find what works best for you and become as productive as possible while still maintaining balance.
Cleaning and Decluttering
Most people don’t love to clean, but research shows that people who keep a tidy home tend to live happier, more productive lives. Your environment can have a powerful impact on your mood and mental state. Living around constant mess and disorganization can lead to symptoms of depression and a lack of motivation. Cleaning can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you have allowed your home to become overrun with clutter. A great way to start improving your living space is to practice leaving each room in a better state than you found it. The next time you enter your living room, dust the coffee table, organize the bookshelf, or vacuum the rug. Do just one thing every time you enter a room. Before you know it, you will have a much more manageable environment.
Organizing Your Thoughts
You may not think of organization as something that happens in your mind. The truth, however, is that creating more focused and spacious thought patterns is an essential step towards a more organized life. This is especially true when it comes to accomplishing goals and improving relationships. By organizing your thoughts regarding an idea or challenge you would like to overcome, you increase your chance of success. You may want to do this by writing your thoughts down or making lists that create a concrete roadmap to follow. When it comes to relationship building, organized thinking is essential. Try to organize your thoughts before having a meaningful conversation with a loved one. This plan will foster productive discussions that lead to positive change. For example, let’s imagine you are angry with someone who has hurt you. You choose to talk to them about it with a thousand different thoughts and emotions are running through your head. In this angry and disorganized setting, you may end up saying something you regret and worsening the situation. You can begin to organize your thoughts and feelings through meditation. If you’re not spiritually inclined, take time to reflect on what it is you would like to change in your relationship. Then, plan out what you can say to help bring that to fruition.
Organizing Your Recovery
Lastly, developing steady habits when it comes to addiction recovery is essential to maintaining sobriety. Good practices include: checking in with your care providers, seeing a therapist, and staying on any necessary medications for mental health issues. You should also focus on working the steps, attending support group meetings, and practicing all forms of self-care you find helpful. Many people begin to let these activities fall by the wayside as life becomes demanding and stressful. Don’t fall into this trap. Prioritize recovery by organizing your life around these essential resources. These tools become increasingly necessary for maintaining sobriety and wellness.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and mental health issues, now is the time to reach out for help. At Burning Tree, you will find knowledgeable and compassionate professionals that structure treatment to fit individual needs, including the identification of co-occurring disorders. Through accountability and commitment to the 12 Steps, each client will develop the tools to create a sober lifestyle and find lasting recovery. We specialize in the treatment of chronic relapsers and believe with the right support, you can experience real and permanent healing. For more information, call us now at 866-287-2877.
