🥦It sounds cheesy and obvious but when someone we care about is going through a hard time we tend to forget our own needs and focus on them. Eating properly and drinking plenty can make all the difference to how we feel.
🚶♀️Exercise is also good I don't mean you have to take on a marathon but getting out for a walk not only helps get our body moving, it also helps clear the cobwebs away, especially in Scotland. I am very fortunate to have a garden which I am passionate about. I get plenty of fresh air and exercise out there, especially trying to get back up after pulling weeds.
📘Hobbies are also good for you and no matter what age you are there is always something you can do to keep a little bit focused on yourself for some time in the day. Apart from my garden I dabble in a lot of things. Not very good at many but it doesn't matter. It is the effort that counts and the distraction
🛏️Everyone raves these days about meditation and mindfulness but it is really just sitting quietly and trying not to let your negative thoughts, worries, stresses about the alcoholic in your life take over. It is really tough to do when we are emotional but it is just an idea.
😟Anxiety and Depression are serious issues among the family and friends of alcoholics. It is completely understandable and if it gets to the stage where you can't sleep and are constantly anxious, you must talk to someone. These things don't go away by themselves and time wont help, especially if the alcoholic in your life continues to drink alcohol.
💊After the death of my son I attended a psychiatrist who understood perfectly what I was going through, having gone through the same with a family member. No amount of talking and exercises could take away the grief and nervous anxiety and I ended up taking a pill.
🙂As someone who refuses even painkillers my husband was shocked. However, he calls them his happy pills now. I take them and he is happy, as are my children. Sometimes we just have to admit we can't control everything and that can be difficult. It is not easy to just give up and admit defeat but with alcoholism you have to let go.
📜In Al-Anon there are all sorts of little sayings and even though I don't go to meetings I still read their book and believe that the serenity prayer has really helped me.