My Body, My Codependency – Episode 204
The pit of my stomach is churning. My neck and shoulders are tense. I don’t have any energy. My whole body is out of whack. 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. * How was my body affected by the alcoholism in my house? * Laying awake at night worrying — tired and sleepy all the time. * “Knot in my stomach” — From “awfulizing” and “catastrophizing” the future and worrying about the present. * Anger and resentment — tension in my body — muscle pain * I had no energy for anything other than stewing about my situation. * No exercise * Poor eating habits (junk food) * Weight gain * Resulting in even less energy * The things I did to try to dull the pain. * Eating * My own drinking * Feedback effects * Not taking care of my body leads to loss of energy * Leading to depressed feelings. * And worry about my health. * Without the energy to “fix” it.. * Leading to more not taking care of my body. * How does recovery change things? * Letting go * 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!) * “Take care of myself” * Easier to do when I start letting go of taking care of my loved one. * Eat “right”. * Get some exercise. * Getting enough sleep. * Breathe * Meditate * Practice being still * Relaxing physical tension * 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. * Putting myself (my health, my well-being) first * Putting on my own oxygen mask * Learning to support rather than control * Practicing gratitude and acceptance Readings From Courage to Change: January 21, July 21, August 16, December 19. From How Al-Anon Works: Chapter 12, Taking Care of Ourselves. * Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here. Music from the show Lissie: In Sleep R.E.M: Aftermath Télépopmusik: Breathe Spotify playlist