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Recovery: Break Free from “What If’s ? & Yes But’s… “
The “What If & Yes But” syndrome is a variation on the same self-sabotaging mindset sometimes called the “but if” syndrome, “mental reservation,” or “escape clause.” It describes two closely related patterns of thought that can undermine recovery: Lately, I’ve been thinking back to a conversation I had with a counselor a few years ago—one that still stirs up a mix of shame and embarrassment. Counselor: “You could try attending a support group to help with your recovery.”Me struggling with addiction: “Yeah, but what if I don’t connect with anyone there?” Counselor: “You could talk to a therapist it might help you understand your triggers.”Me: “Yes, but I’ve done therapy…
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Mental Resilience : A Powerful Tool in Recovery
Mental resilience refers to our ability to adapt and bounce back when faced with stress, challenges or adversity. I’ve learned that discipline-building exercises, like taking cold showers or holding a plank pose, can have a surprisingly powerful impact on my resilience, especially as I work through my own recovery. Whether I’m facing addiction, mental health challenges, or overcoming physical injury, these small acts of controlled discomfort play a key role in helping me grow stronger. When I expose myself to manageable, short-term stress, like standing under freezing water, wild water swimming or pushing my body to stay steady in a tough pose; I’m training myself to confront discomfort head-on…
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The Forearm Plank : Simple Exercise for Fitness Gains
My recovery is a continuous journey and this simple yet powerful exercise routine plays a vital role in strengthening my mindset, keeping me focused and resilient every day. Holding a plank for two minutes as part of my daily routine does more than just build core strength, it reinforces my mental discipline and determination. Physically, this exercise activates my abs, glutes, legs, and shoulders, while also improving my posture, strengthening my lower back, and enhancing my balance. Each time I hold the position, I feel myself growing stronger; both physically and mentally, pushing through challenges with greater confidence and resilience. Mental & Physical Benefits Cognitive boost: Holding a plank requires…
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Swimming: It’s Low-impact is great for Recovery
A 77-year-old swimming 1,800 metres in an hour daily is a fantastic level of fitness, endurance, and discipline. Breakdown of His Performance: Health Benefits: Things to Watch Out For: **I am excited to share the captivating story of my extraordinary journey with you. Also my How-To Becoming a Fearless Adventurer
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Boost Your Morning: The Best Ways to Kick-Start Your Day
Starting your day right can have a massive impact on your productivity, mood, and overall success. Here are some practical ways to elevate your morning routine and improve how you kickstart your day: 1. Wake Up Early 2. Hydrate First Thing 3. Move Your Body 4. Fuel Your Body with a Healthy Breakfast 5. Set Clear Intentions 6. Practice Mindfulness or Gratitude 7. Avoid the Morning Scroll 8. Dress with Confidence 9. Incorporate Personal Growth 10. End on a Positive Note By focusing on these small but meaningful improvements, you can amplify the impact of your mornings and set the stage for success throughout the day. Which of these habits…
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Useful Guide for Setting Boundaries in Recovery
Boundaries in Recovery are essential for protecting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being as you heal from addiction, trauma, or any form of personal growth. They help you establish what is and isn’t acceptable in your relationships, behaviours, and environment. Healthy Boundaries Creating distance is one of the healthiest ways I can protect myself and nurture my growth without compromising my values. It’s not about control; it’s about honouring my needs and safeguarding my emotional space by limiting interactions with those who trigger stress, guilt, or self-doubt. Being mindful of the information, conversations, and influences I allow into my life helps shape a positive and resilient mindset. Boundaries, whether physical,…
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Practical guide How to Thrive in Recovery
How-To From Surviving to Thriving Professional SupportI’ve found that working with qualified professionals is incredibly helpful. Whether I’m exploring therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-informed counseling, having a trained guide allows me to process my emotions in a safe environment. In addition, staying consistent with my medical or addiction care team helps me monitor my progress and tailor my treatment plan when needed. Peer Support GroupsConnecting with others who share similar experiences has been invaluable. In these groups, I feel both validated and understood, which helps to reduce isolation. Listening to others’ journeys and sharing my own struggles and triumphs also…
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How Resentment Fuels Addiction: How to Overcome It
Resentment is the number one offender, wreaking havoc on the lives of those struggling with substance use and addictive behaviors. When you let myself get stuck in resentment, the chances of recovering from addiction diminish significantly. Resentment often feels like a wave of anger, bitterness, or dissatisfaction when we believe we’ve been wronged, treated unfairly, or disrespected. This emotion usually stems from a perceived injustice or insult, sometimes something as small as a look, and it has a way of lingering, festering over time. The more we hold onto it, the more it fuels negative feelings toward the person or situation we believe caused my pain. Recognizing this pattern is…
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Useful Safety & Emergency Contacts for the Outdoor Activists
A comprehensive set of contacts and safety messages for the outdoor activists Police, Fire or Ambulance (emergency) 999 NHS (non-emergency) 111 Non-emergency number for the police. 101 Coastguard 112 Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee The Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee (AAIAC), is the sector’s lead body for safety in adventure activities. It is representative of a wide range of stakeholders from the UK adventure activities sector and is supported by the Institute for Outdoor Learning. info@adventureactivityassociates.co.uk If you have an Accident in the Hills Dial 999 or 112 . Ask for Police then Mountain Rescue….To use the emergency SMS Service : text 999 and send Police the…
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Footwear is the ultimate Foundation of our Personal Kit.
Footwear is the essential gear that grounds me, supporting every step I take across diverse and challenging terrains. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a critical investment in my overall physical and mental well-being. Without the right footwear, even the most meticulously planned adventure can be derailed, as comfort, stability, and resilience are crucial for pushing forward. Since the age of nine, when I was told I would be a cripple, footwear has been of vital importance to me. From the lightweight running shoes I wore during two London Marathons in the mid-eighties to the rugged Baffin boots that provided cold comfort during my 650 km trek to the North…
