Got Bored? A Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Plan

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.  – J.R.R. Tolkien I question. I question my clients. “What’s been coming up for you?” or “How are you experiencing life these days?”  For many clients in addiction recovery, the experience of boredom will surface. Boredom, if not taken seriously, is a fast track to relapse.  When we remove elements of our life that we no longer have interest in (i.e. drugs, alcohol, people, places, and things) we are left with “empty space” — and many of us, not skillful with the use of our time, will call that empty space boredom.  A larger truth, is that the empty space is a luxury — it’s a gift — and if we can start to see it this way, our lives have potential to dramatically change.  Once we let go of x, y, and z (elements of disinterest), we can find ourselves with more time on our hands, not knowing what to do with it. We haven’t yet developed new areas of interest and this can feel uncomfortable. It feels like no man’s land, unknown, uncharted. We can’t see our way in or through this empty space.  The discomfort of not knowing how we should fill our newfound time and space can lead to feeling restless, antsy, and can lead to relapse. If there is nothing new, we can easily revert back to old habits and patterns.  Let’s consider that the empty space is good. If we find ourselves without new things or habits to fill our time and sp...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Addiction Habits Mindfulness Recovery Substance Abuse Boredom Habit Change Relapse relapse prevention Source Type: blogs