Patience doesn’t come naturally for most people, but it is an important skill that can be practiced and developed over time. When you live without exercising patience, you are inviting excess stress and anxiety into your life, and making it difficult to treat yourself and others with compassion. When you are feeling impatient in response to something that is causing you an inconvenience or delay, your mind and body react as if you are facing an imminent threat. This creates a domino effect that changes the way you feel and behave and becomes a kind of self-inflicted torture. Practicing patience allows you to find peace in the difficult moments, and cultivate a kinder, softer approach to life. One of the first steps in fostering patience in your life is to begin to recognize your own impatience as it occurs. Every day we face small annoyances, as well as larger challenges, that activate our stress response. In the moment, it can feel as if you have no control over the situation, but it is important to remember that you can always control how you react to your circumstances. The next time you are feeling impatient, take a closer look at how this feeling manifests in your body. You may begin to tense your muscles and grit your teeth, or you may even begin mumbling swear words under your breath. Ask yourself if any of these actions are changing the situation or if they are only adding to your anxiety.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
For people who are in the midst of a major life change, practicing patience can be the key to success. Many people in recovery from addiction, for example, become very impatient with the process of treatment and recovery. They want their lives to get back to normal and to go on existing as if substance abuse never occurred. Unfortunately, addiction creates damage that can’t be undone overnight. Healing yourself and your relationships with those around you take a great deal of time and dedication. Practicing patience with yourself and others as you evolve can prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and falling into relapse.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. We use an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.