Addiction recovery requires a great deal of personal desire, willpower, and outside support from family and friends. It is vital that recovery originates from within, but sometimes outside environmental forces can slow down the process.
The visual effects of television, for instance, can be detrimental to one’s health, especially while recovering from addiction. The various colors displayed on a high definition or LED screen actually trigger brain activity that lulls the watcher into a zombie like state. This explains the dull, sleepy feeling one has after watching a movie, sporting event, or other program for long periods of time.
It has been shown that a decrease in brain activity occurs even during shorter watching periods. This can be problematic for the recovering individual as it is necessary to maintain consistent brain activity during treatment.
Watching television brings the experiences of others, both real and imagined, into the mind of the watcher. The subconscious mind may be unable to filter what it receives through the senses, leading to a blurring of the real and the unreal.
Watching television can also expose the watcher to electromagnetic radiation which can affect them from 20 or more feet away. This radiation has been shown to break down the genetic structure as well as brain tissue and function.
For these reasons, it is best to have your own experiences: Read a book, or write you own. Journal, begin a new exercise regimen that includes proper breathing, like Taijiquan or Qi Gong, and enjoy time with family and friends who support you in treatment.
In recovery, it is best to read books that promote a peaceful lifestyle, health, and wellness. Novels can also be a great tool in the recovery process. Reading engages the mind and jogs the imagination. Even better, is to journal one’s experiences, which assist in communicating thoughts and ideas about life. This can help the individual to bring those experiences together to understand one’s life journey, and to move forward.