Summary: <a href="http://therecoveryshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Jackrabbit-Version-2.jpg"></a>The pit of my stomach is churning.<br> My neck and shoulders are tense.<br> I don’t have any energy.<br> My whole body is out of whack.<br> Do you feel this way? Have you felt like this? Let's take a look at how living with alcoholism or addiction can our bodies and our health.<br> <br> * How was my body affected by the alcoholism in my house?<br> <br> * Laying awake at night worrying — tired and sleepy all the time.<br> * “Knot in my stomach” — From “awfulizing” and “catastrophizing” the future and worrying about the present.<br> * Anger and resentment — tension in my body — muscle pain<br> <br> <br> * I had no energy for anything other than stewing about my situation.<br> <br> * No exercise<br> * Poor eating habits (junk food)<br> * Weight gain<br> * Resulting in even less energy<br> <br> <br> * The things I did to try to dull the pain.<br> <br> * Eating<br> * My own drinking<br> <br> <br> * Feedback effects<br> <br> * Not taking care of my body leads to loss of energy<br> * Leading to depressed feelings.<br> * And worry about my health.<br> * Without the energy to “fix” it..<br> * Leading to more not taking care of my body.<br> <br> <br> * How does recovery change things?<br> * Letting go<br> <br> * When I can “let go and let God”, I can loosen the knot of worry. I can relax the tension of anger and resentment. I can get go bed at a reasonable time, because I’m not sitting up late with worry or anger (or both!)<br> <br> <br> * “Take care of myself”<br> <br> * Easier to do when I start letting go of taking care of my loved one.<br> * Eat “right”.<br> * Get some exercise.<br> * Getting enough sleep.<br> <br> <br> * Breathe<br> * Meditate<br> <br> * Practice being still<br> * Relaxing physical tension<br> <br> <br> * HALT — Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired — When I am these things, I am more likely to “act out”. Being aware of the state of my body can help me live a calmer, more serene life.<br> * Putting myself (my health, my well-being) first<br> <br> * Putting on my own oxygen mask<br> * Learning to support rather than control<br> * Practicing gratitude and acceptance<br> <br> <br> <br> Readings<br> From <a href="/book-courage-to-change">Courage to Change</a>: January 21, July 21, August 16, December 19.<br> From <a href="http:///book-how-alanon-works">How Al-Anon Works</a>: Chapter 12, Taking Care of Ourselves.<br> <br> * Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email <a title="Send us mail" href="mailto:feedback@therecoveryshow.com">feedback@therecoveryshow.com</a> with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.<br> <br> <br> Music from the show<br> Lissie: In Sleep<br> <br> R.E.M: Aftermath<br> <br> Télépopmusik: Breathe<br> <br> Spotify playlist<br> <br>
