I love people in recovery. Especially those who have been in recovery for a long time. Why? Some of the healthiest emotional people have been through recovery. They are open, honest, and self-aware. And the most mature ones have many tools in their toolboxes.

Everyone needs a toolbox full of restful skills. We all need periodic help with self-regulation. Life is hard. It’s overwhelming at times. We get stressed and stretched to our limits.

We need tools to ground ourselves when we become dysregulated. What tools are in your toolbox? How do you regulate or self-soothe? Here are some ideas.

• Take several long, slow, deep breaths
• Go for a walk
• Pray
• Meditate on a Bible verse
• Have a good cry
• Call a friend
• Journal
• Sign up for a class
• Find a counselor
• Go to group
• Exercise
• Walk in nature
• Practice solitude

And there are many more.

How well do you self-soothe? Are you getting better at bringing your system to rest? Can you quiet your mind and calm your stress? Many addicts are learning, training, and weekly practicing the topic of self-regulating.

The choice comes down to using spiritual and emotional tools to practice being restful or using a vice to avoid and cope.

Prayer

Father, I need peace and rest in my soul. Can you help me? I want to grow more restful in my soul. I give you all my stress, pain, shame, and struggles. You are Lord of this body. Today. I will rest in your peace and wisdom. Amen.

Bible

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 (LSB)