Overcoming Learned Helplessness

Many who have suffered from addiction have developed what is called learned helplessness. Often times, when life seems too difficult or out of control, we simply give up and stop trying to improve our situation. Over time, this creates both a thinking and behavioral pattern of learned helplessness that seems difficult to get out of. Moving beyond learned helplessness is possible once you make the decision to do so.

To summarize Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D., author of “The Body Keeps Score”, using yoga to overcome addiction and trauma is like going in the back door. When you strengthen the body, it also strengthens the mind. Practicing yoga can help lift you out of the habit of learned helplessness as it gently challenges you to get out of your comfort zone. Incorporating a consistent practice of yoga can dramatically increase your chances of sustainable recovery.

Strengthen Your Body and Mind

Meditation is also profound in its positive effects for those in recovery. Meditation helps you look within and notice the obstacles standing in the way of your success. It helps you learn to observe and manage your emotions and to use your emotions as fuel for forward movement. Meditation leads you down a path of finding your true and whole self again and guides you to live from there. I am forever amazed at how many participants have come up to me after class and told me that the meditation was the very first thing that has truly helped them deal with the root of their PTSD and addiction.

Combining yoga and meditation strengthens the body and the mind and boosts a person’s ability to make better choices because they simply FEEL better and stronger. Practicing yoga and meditation and seeing the results of this can change your life. I know. It has changed mine!

Rise Up Recovery Solutions offers yoga and meditation classes and workshops.

We currently run them at our locations along with coming to yours! Please call 215-480-1234.