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Nicole

5 Coping Mechanisms To Use During Addiction Recovery

If you’re on the road to recovery from an addiction, congratulations. Roughly 75% of those who seek addiction treatment are successful, so you have a good chance of making it. But the challenge is far from over. Addiction recovery is a life-long process often plagued with stress, exhaustion, frustration, and even loneliness. It’s more of a mental battle as you try to deal with withdrawal symptoms while battling the urge to return to your source of addiction. Thankfully, you can master a few skills to make your rehabilitation process more rewarding and successful. Here are some helpful coping mechanisms to use during addiction recovery.

1. Be proactive about stress management 

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It’s important to learn how to manage stress during your recovery process, as it has the power to derail your progress and send you running back to your addiction. Studies show that relapses happen within the first few weeks to two months, with 85% relapsing within the first year. Stress is one of the main causes behind most of such relapses. 

So, be proactive about stress management. In other words, don’t let stress get the better of you before dealing with it. You can use several methods to control your stress levels, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, massage therapy, yoga, and relaxing hobbies. Also, try to get enough sleep at night. 

2. Consider professional support and guidance

You’ll need all the help you can get during recovery, especially when coping with challenging withdrawal symptoms. Trained professionals like counselors and therapists understand the psychological and emotional hurdles most people must overcome during recovery. Their experience and knowledge can help you develop personalized coping strategies tailored to your unique needs. They also understand what you’re going through, so their assistance is without judgment.

You can also consider behavioral health consulting services to help you address the behavioral aspect of your addiction. You’ll find a safe environment to assess and explore your emotions and identify what behaviors trigger your urges. 

3. Keep busy

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It’s easy to fall back into old habits when you’re idle. With nothing to occupy you, the urge to return to your source of addiction will be constant, and it will only be a matter of time until you yield. So, don’t wait things out-start getting busy. 

It would help if you had something positive and productive to do, especially activities that bring joy and a sense of fulfillment. Something else should give you a reason to wake up each day.

Consider learning a new skill or language. If you have travel destinations on your bucket list, now is the time to start planning your trips. You can also join a local team to play sports. Do anything that will uplift your spirit daily.

4. Embracing Mindfulness in Recovery

In the journey of overcoming addiction, mindfulness emerges as a powerful coping mechanism, fostering a deep sense of awareness and presence. This practice involves focusing on the current moment and acknowledging thoughts and feelings without judgment. Engaging in mindfulness can significantly reduce the overwhelming urges that often accompany recovery, helping individuals remain centered and resilient. Whether through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simple daily reflections, mindfulness offers a path to enhanced mental clarity and emotional stability, subtly supported by the nurturing environment of an alcohol rehab setting for example, where one can learn and grow in a supportive community.

5. Wait before you respond 

Addiction can cause you to act impulsively, making rushed decisions, and this behavior can persist even during your recovery stage. In most cases, the consequences of such decisions can leave you depressed, angry, anxious, and depressed, making it easy to relapse. 

It helps to wait before responding to any situation or before making decisions. Give yourself time to breathe, clear your mind, and weigh the consequences of each decision first before you act.

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How to Protect Your Financial Data

Do you want to protect your financial data at home? Maybe you have had issues with security before and want to take steps to protect yourself. Either way, if you want to make a change then take a look below.

Use a Strong Password

Choose a strong password that is difficult to guess. Change your password often if you can, and do not assign the same password to every account you have. This way, if one of your accounts becomes compromised or if it is hacked, you have the assurance of knowing that everything is still going to be protected. It may seem obvious but make sure that you do not keep a list of your passwords in an unsecured location either. If you do then you may find that it becomes very difficult to keep everything secure.

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Keep your Operating System up to Date

You also need to try and keep your operating system up to date and secure. Implementing security fixes is so important here, as is enabling automatic updates across all of your devices. You should be using a good internet provider and you should also be investing in a VPN if you can. In terms of browser, Firefox or Chrome are the best options because they tend to be the most secure and they are also updated regularly to keep hackers at bay.

Never Click on an Email You’re Suspicious Of

Many criminals use phishing email schemes as it allows them to solicit personal information. They also use emails in an attempt to install malware on your PC as well. If you find that you have an email that looks to be a bit suspicious then you need to avoid it. Don’t click on it and don’t divulge any personal information either. If you happen to receive an email regarding your finances from a banking institution then call the number from the institution. Make sure that you are dialing the one that is listed on the website if you can, because if you don’t then you may find that you end up calling the scammer which will not do you any favors.

Don’t Share Personal Information

You also need to make sure that you don’t share any information across a public WiFi network. One thing to take note of here is that public WiFi networks are not secure at all and any information that is shared can be intercepted. If you are using a public WiFi connection then one thing you can do is use a VPN to protect yourself more.

Maintain Software

Your internet devices have to be equipped with security software that checks for harmful activity from time to time. Make sure that your software has firewall protection and virus protection. If it doesn’t then now is the time for you to update that. Never connect to the internet if you do not have a strong system in place. If you do then you may be leaving your PC open to viruses which is the last thing you need.

Shred your Documents

It’s not just your online data that you have to worry about. Fraudsters often comb through people’s rubbish in an attempt to find bank statements and other important documents. Bills can give criminals the information they need to access your account, which can leave you in a bad situation. They can use this information to steal your identity which can have major consequences.

Monitor your Accounts

One of the easiest ways for you to identify any fraudulent transactions would be for you to monitor your accounts. You need to make a point of trying to log all of your accounts a couple of times a week, so you can make sure that you do not have any transactions coming out that you do not approve of. So many people don’t check their bank as often as they should, but this is a major mistake. Take advantage of reports and also make sure that you keep an eye on your credit score. If you see that you have taken out a credit card that you did not approve of or if you see any red flags that could indicate that someone is using your card without you knowing about it then take action immediately. You need to freeze your accounts to stop any more spending and you also need to make sure that you keep an eye on how things change going forward. If you can do this then you will soon find it easier to keep yourself safe.

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Rent or Buy The Prince of Egypt: The Musical & Giveaway

Disclosure: Many thanks to NBC Universal for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

Growing up as an adopted child, I loved few stories more than The Prince of Egypt. The ultimate rags to philosophical riches story ever told. The Prince of Egypt: The Musical, is told from the point-of-view of the ultimate onlooker, viewing an Egyptian queen, widowed, and much in need of a personal blessing, who finds a child in a humble reed basket along the Nile River.

Believing her prayers were answered by the God of the River, Hapi, the god of the Nile, said to bless both valleys and women, with the annual river floods. Moses, the child placed in the wild river beds by his Hebreic slave mother, Jochebed, wife of Amram, and mother of Miriam, the older sister of both Moses, himself, and Aaron, the future leader of the Hebrew people. Found by his sister and servant of Pharoh’s daughter, Tuya, while she bathed in the river. Calmed the cries of the besotten queen who miraculously acquired a son, striking down an edict of her father, who decreed that all first-born Hebreic sons must be put to death to circumvent the prophecy of the yet-to-be-born slave prince, destined to lead Egyptian slaves to freedom.

Moses’ magnificence was first seen by his favored father figure, Pharoh, and an even closer bond with his Egyptian brother, Ramses, whose connection was forged stronger than that of his Hebric past. Despite his upbringing, the highly-favored prince kills an Egyptian guard, who mercilessly attacks an unarmed slave. To avoid being seen as a murderer, Moses is banished from Egypt.

Moses, cast out as a murderer, finds solace, safety, and community in the family of nomads. Marrying Zipporah, daughter of Moses employer and friend, Jethro, despite their religious differences. They marry and have two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. Later, after G-d speaks to Moses through a burning bush, Moses sets out with his family to return to Egypt-freeing his people from slavery.

After returning to Egypt, Moses is unsuccess in convincing both his brother, Pharoh Ramses, and Egyptian High Priest, Hotep, to free the Hebric people. Later, G-d sets forth a series of ten catastrophic plagues upon the people of Egypt-slaves and masters alike. Nothing moves the heart of Pharoh until the tenth and final plague, killing his firstborn son, Amun-her-khepeshef. A devastated Ramses curses both the Hebrew slaves and the death of his son. Then, despite the previous warning’s Pharoah father figure, Seti, that the political chain forged over his reign, linking the throne with the power of the army, nobility, and priest-class, Ramses lack of political sophistication, begrudgingly agrees to pardon his slaves-culminating in their exodus from Egypt.

Following the Hebric exodus, a faliled recapturing of their Hebrew slaves by Pharoh, a mismanagement of the blessings of G-d, and the following of false gods, God’s people are made to wander the desert for forty years. Following this, the chosen people are presented with the Ten Commandments, and after Moses inflicts wrath upon the Hebrew nations, for worshipping false Gods while Moses sojourned with G-d on Mount Sinai, he is punished by being prohibited from entering the promised land.

Culminating in the tribes of Isreal reaching the promised land by Moses’s brother, Aaron., ends in the bittersweet reality that it is Moses, the son of slaves, and prince of Egypt, responsible for forging both his people’s freedom from Egypt and his ultimate barring from the lands of Milk and Honey-simultaneously forsaken and favored, by G-d.

A scene from The Prince Of Egypt by Stephen Schwartz and Philip LaZebnik @ Dominion Theatre.

While this stage performance is both awe-inspiring and Biblically accurate, with its choreographed design, we the audience are privy to the story’s propensity for staged innuendo reigns supreme. Seen in the opening of the show- featuring a dance illustrating the killing of the firstborn Hebrews and a doll slashed with a knife and red ribbons signifying blood, the killing of the Egyptian guard is both distant and demanding. As are the depiction of both plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. Sweeping stage projections of death and destruction. Both staged and choreographed fights convey the pain felt all of Moses’s life.

While numerous productions have portrayed the biblical story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, The Prince of Egypt: The Musical, rises above previous productions-film and stage alike. This enjoyable production bases its view of Moses’ tale, as seen in the 1998 animated Dreamworks film, The Prince of Egypt, from both a biblical and political humanistic view.

Featuring time-honored tracks from composer Stephen Schwartz’s namesake songs, including “Deliver Us,” “All I Ever Wanted,” the Oscar-winner, “When You Believe, ” and ten new-to-viewers score tracks.

A scene from The Prince Of Egypt by Stephen Schwartz and Philip LaZebnik @ Dominion Theatre.

If you loved the 1998 Prince of Egypt movie, you’ll likely enjoy this live production of The Prince of Egypt: The Musical, filmed live at the West End’s Dominion Theatre, London. Featuring a cast and orchestra of 60 performers, making it one of the biggest musicals ever
staged. From its talented cast to its musical score, this stage play is worthy of all the praise its casting and orchestral departments have thus far received. Timely in its modern-day evaluation of two brothers, from opposing worldviews, who ultimately find a way through societal turmoi, through G-d’s uniquely positioned power to move humanity towards a better future.

While G-d’s power is a part of the equation here, the direction is less evident in its usage of set design and theatrics that leave much of the production’s backstory to innuendo and chance. A dichotomy some secular viewers may find disheartening. Overall, I like The Prince of Egypt: The Musical– I think you will, too.

For those looking to see this production of The Prince of Egypt: The Musical digitally, the perfect musical to watch with your kids this season A film adaptation sure to spark priceless family conversations about Moses and the Old Testament, practical information from a biblical worldview, can buy or rent this production starting December 5th!

Plus, thanks to Momentum Media, you can enter to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card. To enter, leave a comment, here, or on social media, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, sharing why you want to watch the The Prince of Egypt: The Musical. Please note, that this giveaway is limited to winners in the United States, only. This giveaway ends 12/5/23 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Good luck!

Now, I have to ask: Why do you most want to see The Prince of Egypt: The Musical? Leave your thoughts below.

#PrinceOfEgyptMIN #PrinceOfEgyptMusical #MomentumInfluencerNetwork.

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The Shift Movie Review & Ticket Giveaway


Disclosure: Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a product sample for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

Few things bring about the Advent season like new movies and films, This season is no exception with the new Christian thriller, The Shift, an eerily-set dystopian drama from Angel Studios, the film studio that brought you The Chosen, and Sound of Freedom, a must-see 2-hour, PG-13 film sure to pack energy enough for all members of your family and friends. Get tickets to see The Shift in theaters this season-starting Friday, December 1st weekend!

The Shift shares the story of a mysterious stranger, Kevin Garner, a man with seemingly otherworldly powers, including the ability to banish tyrannical characters set on disturbing the fragile social systems already on Earth and greater chaos that follows the path of regulating his former life including finding his wife. During this time our lead also meets a nefarious foe, “The Benefactor.” Upon offering and later an initial refusal, and with humankind’s survival on the line, Garner must escape his newfound totalitarian realm, fight to reenter the world he formerly knew and save the woman he loves most.

The Benefactor and his shifters each wear a reality-altering wristband, a “deviator.” The Benefactor has other supernatural powers, such as telekinesis, used to swap individuals from one reality to another. Each choice breeds a different reality, where we chose path A, set in the first reality, or path B, into the next. Leading the audience to wonder where each character will find themselves and if the ultimate goal, the choice between good and evil, plays into the reality we each, individually, interpret.

Featuring Kristoffer Polaha, as Kevin Garner, Sean Astin, also starring in The Goonies, Rudy, and The Lord of the Rings, as well as Neal McDonough, Elizabeth Tabish, and Paras Patel, and directed by Brock Heasley, this movie is a modern, fresh take on his short film “The Shift” (2017). The film’s lead, Kristoffer Polaha leads the franchise’s latest adaptations’ foremost protagonist, and Neal McDonough’s is a clever take on a modern dystopian lead.

If you’re a sci-fi fan, or C.S. Lewis’s The Space Trilogy, this movie will provide you that sci-fi thrills you crave with thought-provoking Christian themes. The Shift portrays the everlasting themes of man-the complexities of fighting sin and the paths of man, itself.

The Shift is a movie that you’ll not want to miss. Buy tickets today to see The Shift in theaters starting December 1st, here, Pay-It-forward for others to see the film, here, or enter the giveaway below. To enter, please leave a comment for a chance to win two free tickets to see The Shift in theaters! Please submit your full name and email address by 11:59 pm CST on 12/3/23. We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date. Please note: This giveaway is limited to US residents only. Good luck!

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Old Testament Handbook Review & Giveaway

Thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the below-reviewed product for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Throughout my lifetime, there have been many occasions I’ve studied the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. This can be, obviously, a challenging task, both in terms of time and interest. So, when allowed to review the Old Testament Handbook, I could not think of a better time of year to consider the roots of my faith in the coming months ahead.

The Old Testament Handbook features a reader-friendly text of the Christian Standard Bible. Showcasing both the Bible’s original meaning, its original Torah teachings, and new, easy-to-follow, engaging scripture designed to highlight thought and individual Biblical responsibility. Allowing readers to quickly immerse themselves in the Old Testament Handbook, with its elegant, full-color Biblically-minded handbook styling that provides readers with a robust summary of conceptualized charts, maps, Biblical studies, illustrations, and summarized teachings. Something every member of the family can use as a daily Biblical reading, too.

Constructed with high-quality cloth covering and a double-sticked binding, the Old Testament Handbook is
designed to last a lifetime. The companion resource necessary for modern Biblical study for ongoing discipleship at home.

Plus, the text, beyond its durable, easily-cleanable, cloth binding and covering, can lay flat- a true necessity for late nights of Biblically study at home. The book is both elegant and sturdy in design. Including, a rich fabric ribbon marker perfect for easy referencing, teaching, gifting, or sharing. A gift that will bring meaning to its recipients for decades to come.

Making the Old Testament Handbook both a true companion for your personal bible studies and library, as well as the ultimate holiday gift for those looking to gift your nearest and dearest this holiday season-you’ll want to purchase your copy of the Old Testament Handbook this Christmas, too. For those looking to gift this book, please click here.

Moreover, you can also enter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card between today, and 12/2/23. Be sure to click here, to enter! Friends, I now want to ask, what would you most want to research in your copy of the Old Testament Handbook? Please leave your comments below.

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Navigating Life’s Rocky Roads: Your Guide To Simpler, Healthier Living

So, you’ve hit a bit of a snag in life’s journey, huh? Well, join the club! We’ve all been there – stuck in the mud, feeling like we’re on an episode of “Survivor,” except the prize isn’t a million dollars, but just getting through the day without screaming into a pillow. Now, let’s talk about turning those lemons life threw at you into some top-notch lemonade (or lemon meringue pie if that’s what tickles your fancy). Here are some tips to navigate those tough times.

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Find Your Inner Zen with ‘Gardening Therapy’

Ever tried talking to plants? It’s surprisingly therapeutic! Gardening isn’t just about growing veggies or flowers; it’s about nurturing something from the ground up. It’s like building a Lego set without instructions, exciting and a bit frustrating, but oh-so rewarding when you see the first sprout!

Adopt A Quirky Hobby

Ever heard of underwater basket weaving? Okay, maybe that’s a bit too out there, but why not try something offbeat like salsa dancing in your living room or learning to play the ukulele? Quirky hobbies are like secret ingredients in a recipe – they add an unexpected but delightful flavor to life. Plus, they’re great conversation starters and can turn a dull day into an unforgettable story!

Plan A ‘Staycation’ Mystery Adventure

Who says you need to travel far for an adventure? Turn your living space into a mystery destination. Have a Moroccan night with themed food and décor, or camp in your backyard. It’s about breaking the monotony with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of imagination.

Embrace ‘Wabi-Sabi’ In Your Daily Life

‘Wabi-Sabi’ is a Japanese concept that finds beauty in imperfection. Celebrate the little imperfections in your life. That chipped mug? It’s got character. Your slightly overcooked dinner? Call it ‘crispy cuisine’. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff. Embracing this mindset can turn everyday frustrations into moments of personal growth and self-acceptance.

Turn Worrying News Into A Learning Journey

If life throws a curveball like a worrying medical diagnosis, remember, it’s a chapter, not the whole story. Just like people going through intravascular lithotripsy treatment face a challenging condition but come out stronger, use this as a chance to learn, grow, and maybe even advocate for others. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability.

Create Your Own ‘Happy News’ Bulletin

Let’s face it, the news can be a downer. So why not create your own ‘Happy News’ bulletin? Fill it with good news from your friends, uplifting stories, or achievements (like finally figuring out how to fold a fitted sheet!). This custom news feed can be a daily reminder of the joy and positivity existing in the world, often hidden beneath the headlines.

So, as you navigate these challenging times, remember, it’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain (or at least making a decent rain dance out of it). Keep your chin up, your spirit high, and your heart open. Life’s a wild ride, but with these unique twists, you’ll be cruising through it with a bit more flair and more laughs.

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Futureproof Your Health For a Happier, Longer Life!

Looking after ourselves and making good choices is important. Not only does it impact us in the here and now but it affects how happy and healthy you are in the future, too. None of us want to live our later years in a state of poor health, so read on to find out what you can do to make positive changes, 

Strong Bones

Building strong bones early in life is crucial for long-term health. When we’re young, our bodies accumulate bone mass, peaking around age 30. This “bone bank” becomes vital later in life as we naturally lose more bone mass than we gain. Strong bones established during youth act as a buffer against age-related declines in bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, strength training, and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D support optimal bone development. Encouraging healthy habits early on like staying active and maintaining a balanced diet lays the foundation for resilient bone health. By investing in strong bones during youth, individuals set themselves up for a more active, independent, and fracture-resistant future as they age.

Healthy Organs

Hydration is so important for your organs. Drinking plenty of water supports optimal kidney and liver function since it facilitates flushing out toxins. Make a habit of reaching for that glass of water throughout the day. Supporting your organs extends to dietary choices. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for robust organ health. Ensure your meals include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This diversity not only nourishes your organs but also contributes to your overall well-being. Limiting processed foods can lighten the load on your organs, promoting long-term health. It doesn’t mean you need to be perfect or give up everything you like, just maintain some balance and eat as much good food as you can, keeping less healthy options for a treat. 

Hormonal Balance

Hormone balance is really for overall well-being. Regular exercise is a powerful tool for regulating hormone levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. This can be as simple as a brisk walk or a fun dance session. Prioritize quality sleep – 7 to 9 hours each night as poor sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially affecting various aspects of your health. For men, if you notice signs like fatigue, low libido, or mood changes, it’s essential to seek help- Male Excel can help with this. Hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone, can be addressed with professional guidance. Healthcare providers can conduct tests and recommend interventions, which may involve lifestyle changes or specific therapies. Stress is such a common companion in our daily lives, and also plays a role in hormonal equilibrium. Chronic stress can impact various hormonal pathways in your body, so combat it with activities like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness.

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