*Please note that I will be out of the office from December 22 through January 1, 2024. I will not be coaching that week. I will host my support group for an extended session on Wednesday, December 27.
Let’s look ahead to the coming week.
Here is what we are doing in the Benzo Withdrawal Help Premium Support Group:
Monday, December 11, 9 a.m. Pacific is our check-in. A 45-minute Q and A session. Fear, worries, concerns, but also sharing victories and celebrations!
Wednesday, December 13, 9 a.m. Pacific, our discussion topic is Who Will I Be After Benzo Withdrawal?
Friday, December 15, 9 a.m. Pacific, our discussion topic will be The Best Ways To Cope With Fear and Anxiety.
Join The Benzo Withdrawal Help Premium Support Group
Healing Tip of the Week: Journaling through Benzo Withdrawal
Journaling can be a personal sanctuary during the rollercoaster of benzo withdrawal. It allows you to process the complex emotions and thoughts that arise and can help manage the anxiety and mood fluctuations often experienced during this time.
Why Journaling is Helpful During Withdrawal:
Here are some reasons why journaling can be helpful:
- Emotional Processing: Journaling provides a safe, private space to express and process complex emotions, which can be especially intense during benzo withdrawal. Writing about feelings can make them more manageable and less overwhelming.
- Symptom Tracking: Keeping a daily log of symptoms can be insightful. It helps in identifying patterns or triggers in the withdrawal process, allowing for better management and understanding of one’s physical and emotional responses.
- Clarifying Thought Patterns: Writing down thoughts can reveal underlying patterns and beliefs. This awareness can enable more mindful and positive approaches to dealing with stress and anxiety, common issues in benzo withdrawal.
- Mindful Reflection: Regular journaling encourages reflection on personal growth and challenges faced during the withdrawal process. This can provide a sense of progress and achievement, even in small steps, which is crucial for maintaining motivation and hope.
- Stress Reduction: The act of writing itself can be therapeutic. It can help in reducing stress and anxiety by focusing the mind and providing a temporary distraction from distressing symptoms.
- Enhancing Self-Awareness: Journaling promotes a deeper understanding of oneself. It can help individuals recognize their strengths and coping mechanisms, which can be empowering during the recovery process.
- Goal Setting and Monitoring: Writing about goals and aspirations can provide direction and purpose. It also allows for tracking progress, which can be particularly uplifting during challenging times.
- Positive Affirmations: Incorporating positive affirmations into journal entries can boost self-esteem and reinforce a positive mindset, which is beneficial for emotional and mental well-being during withdrawal.
In summary, journaling during benzodiazepine withdrawal can serve as a therapeutic tool, aiding in emotional processing, symptom tracking, stress reduction, and fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and progress throughout the healing journey.
Plant-Powered Pick of the Week: Brussels Sprouts
🌱 Little Cabbages, Big Benefits
Brussels sprouts are like mini cabbages packed with nutrients that make them mighty allies for mental and physical health, especially for those recovering from benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: A 1-cup serving has about 38 calories.
- Vitamin C: One serving boasts 125% of the daily value, an immune system booster.
- Vitamin K: Crucial for bone health, with a serving offering over 200% of the daily value.
- Fiber: Provides 4 grams per serving, aiding in digestion.
- Antioxidants: High in kaempferol, which has numerous health benefits.
Why Brussels Sprouts Shine for Brain & Body:
- Brain Health: The antioxidants in Brussels sprouts can protect against oxidative stress that affects brain health, especially during the recovery phase of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
- Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties can ease symptoms of withdrawal by reducing inflammation in the body.
- Detoxification: Brussels sprouts support liver health, which is beneficial during detoxification processes, including withdrawal.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals, they support overall health, which is crucial during recovery.
For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Their high nutrient density can help support the body’s healing process, while the fiber helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome, crucial for brain health and mood stabilization.
Tip: Steam or roast Brussels sprouts to maintain their nutritional integrity and enhance their natural sweetness.
Vegan Recipe Suggestion: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
- Toss Brussels sprouts with a little drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until crispy.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving for a touch of sweetness.
- Here are some recipe links:
From My Heart to Yours
I hope the week ahead is filled with positivity, gratitude, and holding tight to the knowledge that you will recover! Every day forward is a day of healing. Keep up the good work! I love you!
