Body in Recovery
What is one physical change you've noticed since getting sober?
“We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free.”
Big Book- page 133
What's one food or drink you enjoy now that you didn't care much about while using?
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
Robert Brault
What kind of physical activity do you actually enjoy, or at least don't hate?
“Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.”
Jim Rohn
You're exhausted but keep telling yourself, “I'll rest when everything is done.” What part of that sounds familiar to you, and what would taking care of yourself look like instead?
“Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.”
Audre Lorde
What's one thing you're doing for yourself today that you weren't doing six months ago?
“The steps are a new beginning!”
Narcotics Anonymous introductory guide
What is something your body needs today that you didn't pay much attention to during active addiction?
"Our lives are at stake. We found that by putting recovery first, the program works."
Narcotics Anonymous literature
When you're stressed, angry, sad, or bored, how does it affect the way you eat?
“We cannot selectively numb emotions. When we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”
Brené Brown
What usually keeps you from being more physically active?
“You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
Someone is sober but spends almost all of their free time alone. When does alone time help you, and when can isolation become unhealthy for you?
“Surrounded by fellow addicts, we realized that we were not alone anymore.”
Narcotics Anonymous introductory guide
What does “healthy” mean to you today beyond simply not using drugs or alcohol?
“Now we are doing much more living than surviving.”
Narcotics Anonymous introductory guide
How do you know when your body is telling you that you need to slow down or rest?
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
Anne Lamott
Have you noticed yourself replacing substances with sugar, caffeine, food, or something else? What do you think you're getting from it?
“Obsession, that fixed idea that takes us back time and time again to our particular drug, or some substitute.”
Narcotics Anonymous white booklet
When you're stressed or irritated, what happens if you get up and physically do something instead of sitting in it?
“Feelings are much like waves. We can't stop them from coming, but we can choose which one to surf.”
Jonatan Mårtensson
You've had a terrible day and want something that makes you feel better immediately. What do you reach for today, and how is that different from active addiction?
“We must face our problems and our feelings.”
Narcotics Anonymous introductory guide
What part of yourself is easiest for you to take care of: physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual? Which is hardest?
“We learn to respect ourselves.”
Narcotics Anonymous introductory guide
What is one part of your physical health you would like to improve, and why?
“Progress not perfection.”
Alcoholics Anonymous
What is one eating habit you would like to change, not because someone told you to, but because you think you'd feel better?
“Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely.”
Alcoholics Anonymous page 58
What kind of physical activity could realistically fit into your life right now?
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
Arthur Ashe
Someone takes care of everybody around them but rarely asks for help or makes time for themselves. Where do you see that pattern in your own life, if at all?
“You cannot transmit something you haven't got.”
Alcoholics Anonymous page 164
What's one unhealthy behavior you've stopped that had nothing directly to do with drugs or alcohol?
“We found that by putting recovery first, the program works.”
Narcotics Anonymous intro guide
If your body could tell you one thing about how you've treated it over the years, what do you think it would say?
“We eventually have to stand on our own feet and face life on its own terms.”
Narcotics Anonymous white booklet
Besides hunger, what are some reasons you sometimes reach for food?
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Carl Rogers
How do you think taking better care of your body could affect your recovery mentally or emotionally?
“We feel that our lives have become worthwhile. Spiritually refreshed, we are glad to be alive.”
Narcotics Anonymous introductory guide
You're doing everything you're “supposed” to do in recovery, but mentally, emotionally, or spiritually you're running on empty. What would you need to change?
“We find that bit by bit we can discard the old life, the one that did not work, for a new life.”
As Bill Sees It quote
If recovery gave you your life back, what are you doing with that life now?
“We do recover to live clean and happy lives.”
Narcotics Anonymous