With Thanksgiving a few days away, it’s the perfect time to talk about why it’s important to have a regular gratitude practice or “attitude of gratitude.” Being grateful has been found to boost your overall happiness and wellbeing — and there’s more. For those of you attending college while in addiction recovery, a gratitude practice can help enhance your academic experience and sober life.
Here’s how:
- You’ll improve your sleep. The pressures of school and rehab can take a big toll on your slumber. By counting your blessings instead of counting sheep, you’ll relax your mind and body and fall asleep faster.
- You’ll lessen anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression often co-occur with substance use disorders – and making gratitude a habit can help safeguard your mental health. Being thankful and focusing on the positives in life will strengthen your emotional resilience so you can better deal with any negative emotions that come your way.
- You’ll be more productive. The practice of writing down what you’re grateful for can help you relax and focus on your recovery and schoolwork. Plus, gratitude has been linked with greater self-esteem and confidence, which certainly can’t hurt when you’re trying to tackling a tough assignment or deal with an intense craving.
- You’ll have deeper friendships. A simple thank-you to someone you care about can go a long way in strengthening your relationship. After all, doesn’t everyone want to feel appreciated? It could also help you make new friends; for instance, a simple thank-you text to a classmate that helped you study.
Grateful for a Sober Life
When you trust us with your recovery, you don’t have to leave college behind or put career preparation on hold. We offer vocational training, college prep, and sobriety college options that allow you to pursue your dreams while you get clean. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673. 
