One of the sad reasons for a poker problem is that normally it takes a lot of the happiness out of life. Many people with addictions say the worst section of the problem and controlling it joker123 is that life seems so dull and drab. You can see it in their eyes and their mannerisms, they have lost their spark. Any chronic condition, such as pain or an addiction, can wear you down and leave you listless, sad, feeling unattainable.
One of the problems, of course, is that you be spending a lot of time ruminating about the past or perhaps dreading another of abstinence. Looking at the position of controlling an addiction can be daunting, but here are a few thoughts, first of all, how do you eat an elephant? Silly question? Maybe, but there is a lot of truth in the answer, which happens to be, one bite at a time.
Many 12 step problems advocate living life one day at a time. Staying focused and in the moment really helps to do just that, but the trick is staying focused and in the moment. It is easier said than done. One way to ease your anxiety and suffering is to practice mindfulness relaxation. It is a way to train your brain to stay focused on the here and now and to relieve yourself of the chit chat in your mind.
Like learning anything else in life, learning mindfulness is done slowly and steadily, a little at a time at first. You can use a good relaxation guide, such as a cd or mp3 format file, or simply close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing and be aware of your body. Don’t judgmental, just aware. In a way you are searching for your thoughts from outside them. It isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
Sit in a comfortable way and concentrate on your breath of air. Feel it enter your body and fill your bronchi and then concentrate and follow it as it leaves your body. Continue to pay attention to your breath of air. Your brain will take off, that is okay, just gently and firmly guide it back to your breathing, seeing each exhalation and inhalation.
You can start doing this for only five minutes a day and gradually increase the time. If you have odd moments in the day, why not fill them by paying attention to your breath of air and body, be aware. When you’re standing in line at the supermarket, why not practice mindfulness with your eyes open? Having a stressful moment? Practice mindfulness.
The time spent in knowing of here and now is time that will relieve you of the stress of thoughts for the future or past. So many people live their lives with their feet in our while their minds are in the future and their paper hearts are in the past. It is okay to spend time imaging or planning, but you have to attend for this most of the time or you will miss a lot of your life and suffer useless worry and pain.