Communication is an important skill at all phases of recovery, from articulating one’s needs in detox to communicating one’s goals and intentions for a sustained sober future after graduating from a recovery program. However, the ability to effectively communicate is a skill that needs to be actively practiced and harnessed to best benefit from it. Improving communication through daily practices can aid each individual in their sobriety.
Even small daily practices can be incredibly beneficial. Incorporating a few daily practices can ensure that an individual remains empowered to articulate their feelings and create the self-confidence needed to maintain their newfound sober lifestyle.
While communication is important at all phases of one’s sober journey, the reasons for it can change over time as one navigates each aspect of their recovery. Communication is also essential for articulating one’s needs and blights early on; communication continues to be necessary for more parts of one’s sustained sobriety.
From being able to communicate complex feelings to making specific requests for support, describing emotions, and continuing to adopt one’s goals, communication is a core part of every recovery strategy.
Not all forms of communication look the same, and it is crucial to explore the various ways one can communicate complex thoughts and emotions. For some, talking about emotions verbally can be the most direct way to communicate with others, though this isn’t always the case.
Communicating through body language, actions, writing, or other artistic endeavors is equally effective. Regardless of how each individual feels they can communicate best, it is important to practice one’s strategies daily to ensure their communication methods are effective for their needs and goals.
There are numerous ways that one can continue to practice communication. However, one of the core goals of these practices is to ensure that one communicates and their messages stay clear and concise, leaving little room for extrapolation, assumption, or misinterpretation.
For those who take a verbal approach to their communication, one’s morning routine can greatly benefit. Taking time to speak one’s feelings about the day ahead in the mirror can allow an individual to situate their thoughts before having to articulate them to supports, friends, or family members, ensuring that one has time to edit their words to best represent their intent.
Pausing before speaking to go over responses in one’s head is another daily practice that one can employ, allowing each individual with time to adjust their words, all while being aware of and eliminating filler sounds like the “ums” and “uhhs” that may otherwise dilute one’s message. Taking the time to practice these skills in more mundane conversations, such as discussing dinner plans or the routine happenings of the day, can help an individual be ready to employ them when more emotional, enigmatic topics surface.
Keeping a daily journal can also be an incredible resource, especially for those who excel in written communication. Daily use of a journal can further ingratiate the practice as a normal tradition while helping individuals streamline and process their thoughts after a trying or stressful day. This regular practice can also help an individual write more effective, direct letters, messages, or texts to support during stressful times, all while allowing them to see and edit their own words to ensure that their choices best reflect their intentions and needs.
Pathways Wellness Center understands that body language can also speak volumes, with a few key strategies helping to augment one’s other communication strategies. Maintaining eye contact with those with which one is speaking, holding one’s posture up, or even checking to see if one is holding their arms crossed or open can all convey unique messages that affect one’s other communication strategies.
By practicing maintaining this eye contact and posture, one can further eliminate misunderstandings by presenting their needs, goals, or wants in a confident tone, better aiding one’s tone of assured authority and allowing one to be better heard and understood.
However, while individuals may prefer one communication strategy over another, they will also employ a combination of techniques to convey their whole meaning. It is important to practice these strategies in tandem with each other. Journaling can help an individual better find the right words, and then rehearsing these words in one’s mind can improve one’s verbal communication.
Pathways Wellness Center believes that communication is crucial to maintaining a healthy sense of confidence and self-worth and to best continue to aid in sustaining one’s sobriety at all stages of recovery. Strengthening communication also strengthens relationships with self and others. It is a vital piece of the recovery process.
At Pathways Wellness Center, your time with us can be personalized to fit your unique needs and goals, regardless of where you are in recovery. We offer individual and group therapy, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices. We strive to help you begin creating your sustainable sober toolkit. Even if you have navigated recovery before, we can cater to your needs as an alumnus to further help you build on your sober journey. You'll find comfort in our home-like atmosphere and community of supportive peers and professionals. For more information on how we can help you, or to speak to a caring, trained staff member about your unique situation, call us today at (888) 771-0966.
