Here are three quick updates to earlier posts, with several hyperlinks to excellent resources.

Progressives: What Does Abortion Have To Do With Economic Policy?

The movie Unplanned is now available on streaming video and on DVD.

Whatever your thoughts on the subject, please watch it.

 

 

Can Anyone See What China is Really Doing? Only If You Look.

A good friend sent a link to an important unclassified paper on China by the U.S. Department of Defense:

Assessment On U.S. Defense Implications of China’s Expanding Global Access.

It’s an excellent resource and confirms our earlier conclusions. The current unrest in Hong Kong may help focus more world leaders on China’s true long term goals for the rest of us.

 

 

Where Have All the Fathers Gone?

Monica Smith of recoveringworks.org sent this helpful information:

As someone who has struggled with substance abuse, I sincerely appreciate all of the compassion on your site for those who are fighting addiction. This page in particular stuck out to me, I don’t know if you’re making any updates to it right now, but if you are, I think these might offer some additional support for those who are trying to get healthy.

How To Incorporate Healthy Habits Into Your Life After Addiction Treatment

For many individuals who are in recovery, it can be difficult to learn how to step back onto a healthy track, and it truly is a learning period. You have to take time to let your body and mind heal, and you have to allow yourself to slowly feel out the best ways to learn how to live your life in a way that will focus on a healthy you.

One of the best ways to do that is to incorporate healthy habits into your everyday activities. If you can find a way to do this while also doing something you already enjoy — such as biking, practicing a hobby, or playing a sport — all the better, because you’ll be taking care of your mental health at the same time. Learning how to take care of yourself so you can remain sober is absolutely essential, so it’s important that you do what feels right for you.

Here are a few tips on how to get started.

Get some rest. Sleeping well is one of the best things you can do for your body. Not only does it help you feel better physically, it can have a major impact on your mental health, mood, and even your ability to perform simple tasks. If you’ve found that it’s difficult to focus on your work or schoolwork, or if you feel exhausted all day, it might be time to take another look at your sleep habits and your mattress. Set a sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time every night, and establish a routine where you turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed. Sleep is crucial for all of us, but even more so for those in addiction recovery, and sleeping on a comfortable mattress is key to getting a good night’s rest.

Exercise regularly. Maintaining your sobriety can be difficult to do when you don’t feel well, and one of the best ways to boost your physical and mental health quickly is by exercising regularly. Finding a good routine that makes you happy while you get fit can be tricky, so try a few different exercises to find one you like, or consider changing things up so your routine won’t get stale. You might try a yoga class or go for a swim at the local YMCA. Seniors can be eligible for special access to these facilities by signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the SilverSneakers program. This type of coverage grants access to over 13,000 facilities nationwide, where seniors can enjoy a variety of exercise classes and programs like sports teams and outdoor activities.

Eat well. Many individuals who go through addiction treatment find it hard to maintain a well-balanced diet. The urge to eat sweets and junk food can be strong, and it can be hard to break that habit while staying sober. Instead of making a lifestyle change all at once, like becoming vegan or giving up red meat, try one thing at a time. Baby steps are important during this time. Look online for meal ideas that incorporate vegetables, and think about making trips to the local farmers market part of your weekend routine.

Consider different treatments. There’s no one treatment that works for everyone in recovery, so you might consider trying different things to see what works best. For some, in-patient treatment is the only way to go, because it removes temptation, negative environments, and people who can be a bad influence. It allows you to focus on your needs without distraction.

Incorporating healthy habits into your daily life can help you on multiple levels, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before you make any big changes, especially when it comes to activities that will affect you physically. Making sure that your mind and body are in good shape will help you stay on a sober path no matter how stressful life gets.

More excellent resources:

How to Repair Relationships Broken by Addiction

Guide to Relapse Triggers

Resources for Veterans and Their Families: National and Local Programs for Health, Housing and Financial Help

Drug Addiction Treatment Assistance Programs

How to Choose the Right Addiction Rehab Program for You

Relapse Happens: Never Give Up Hope of Recovery

Long-Term Strategies for Overcoming Addiction

Thank you.

Monica Smith at recoveringworks

Thanks to our readers for these resources. Please comment on these and other posts at your convenience.

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