We hear it all the time. A combination of a regular routine of physical activity, attention to nutrition, and other forms of support and therapeutic techniques are the best way to stay sober. When life gets overwhelming, it’s beneficial to return to the most basic forms of support.

When you’re going through a rough time—no, when you’re going through a really rough time, you might hear someone say, “go back to basics.” What this means is that you take a step away from the problems you’re experiencing in life, and return to what should matter most, which is treating yourself well.

1. Sleep. One of the most crucial elements of living a centered, focused life. If you are trying to remain sober on a daily basis, feeling worn out and tired on a regular basis is not going to help with your physical health, let along mental. It’s crucial to let your body rest, in order to heal. When you’re recovering, certain parts of your body are recovering as well.
2. Diet. A diet that’s high in nutritional value, in the form of complex carbohydrates, plenty of colorful vegetables (especially leafy greens), healthy fats, and healthier forms of protein like salmon or chicken.
3. Exercise. Boosting your endorphins, healing your body, and improving your overall health is
4. Therapy. This is an extremely broad category, but a person can’t always survive on diet, exercise, and sleep alone. One specific element of a substance use disorder disorder
5. Support. We’re talking support in the form of friendship. Having a sponsor is a crucial element of many addiction recovery groups, and for some, relating to others who are also recovering from addiction is the cornerstone of staying sober. Being able to reach out to others—whenever you’re in need of some extra support, or even someone to ask you—do you really want to wreck your sobriety? Having someone who is in the “know,” or someone who is experiencing the same addiction that you are is a vital form of maintaining sobriety.