Often, the critical decisions we make are thought through for days or weeks. We sit and ponder the pros and cons of each action to determine how it will play out in the long run. When it comes to recovery from substance use, we must make decisions that further our recovery and keep us on the right track. Sometimes, however, our gut can tell us if something is good for us. We sometimes have that pit in our stomach that tells us the situation isn’t okay, or that we shouldn’t go through with the thoughts we’re having. Other times, we feel great and know that a decision will improve our mental health and recovery. It’s not always this easy, though. Here’s the thing: if you aren’t nurturing your intuition, it won’t work for you. You’ve got to feed it and let it do its job.
“Make your intuition work for you” by Annika Rose
Annika Rose, author of “Make your intuition work for you” for In The Moment magazine, writes on this very subject. She reports that “intuition is the gift of guidance that can show up in many forms, including an inner voice, gut feel, a sixth sense, visions, signs or signals.” You’ve got to be open to your intuition for it to help you. Rose calls intuition “powerful and loyal.” If you let it help you, it can be “guiding, advising, and protecting you as best it can.” Acting on your instincts can be a scary thing, but when you know, you know. For example, you may be invited out with your friends for a night on the town. Your gut feeling is probably telling you that going to a bar or club isn’t in your best interest. Follow that feeling and let it guide you. You don’t need to say yes to every invitation you receive. Tell your friends that you will join them on their next outdoor adventure, instead of bar-hopping on a weekend night. Your gut knows what’s right for you. Let it guide you.
How can I nurture my intuition?
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“Make space.”
Setting aside time to feel your feelings is essential to your recovery. Often, we find ourselves trapped in a “go, go, go” mentality. “By making space to embrace the quiet, you’re more likely to create a flowing inner connection to the present, and hear the messages meant for you,” says Rose.
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“Get creative.”
Your creative side can help nurture your intuition. Let yourself practice a hobby you love or try something new. Rose says that “Letting your creative side take over can shift you from a state of ‘doing’ to ‘being,’ helping you to intentionally tune in to your senses, and use the parts of your brain associated with feeling instead of reasoning.”
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“Feel it.”
Give yourself a question that can be answered with a yes or a no, and “feel the physical response your body gives you to guide your next steps,” says Rose.
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“Life lessons.”
“Learning from past experiences can help you to make better choices in the future,” says Rose. Let your past experiences help your intuition flourish today.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you today. Call us now at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you on your journey today!