Corking the Bottle

The covid-19 scare is accompanied by our old nemesis, stress. I used to deal with stress by drinking. And then drinking some more. That didn't work very well for me (Understatement!). If it works for you I'm thinking that you wouldn't be reading this blog. I recently finished Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Searching the internet for more pearls of wisdom I came across an entire clam bed. Today I want to take you to her 10 steps for dealing with stress: In our desperation to cope with stress, we often turn to unhealthy quick fixes, whether it’s binge eating, drinking or smoking.  However, there are healthy ways to lower stress levels and most of them don’t require much time, money or expertise.  Chronic stress has been linked to a variety of lifestyle diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, which is why it cannot be ignored. 1. Meditation If you can look past some of the pseudoscientific mumbo jumbo surrounding meditation, you’ll be pleasantly sur...

I just finished a vigorous 40 minutes on my elliptical machine in the basement. I made a promise to myself -- that's different than a resolution that doesn't last through January -- to exercise regularly through the new year and beyond. This is one promise I have kept. Exercise should be a tool to handle your triggers. When I was in rehab, I walked and later jogged almost every afternoon. It's not foolproof. In days past I sometimes jogged when I was a little drunk. Exercise alone will seldom prevent relapses. But combined with other preventive tools, it can help Working out almost daily made me feel strong last summer when I hiked or did heavy-duty yard chores. Used to be I couldn't mow the front and back yards on the same day. Now I can mow everything and run the electric trimmer before the day gets too hot. I don't weigh myself. But my sagging gut is pretty much gone. The last time I went to the doctor was in August and I had lost about 20 pounds. All...

“The mentality and behavior of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational until you understand that they are completely powerless over their addiction and unless they have structured help, they have no hope.” ―  Russell Brand "Structured help" may take many forms that can be different for different people. In my case, the help has been A.A., 12 Steps, my sponsor, group therapy, a psychiatrist, a therapist, God, exercise, and my caring wife.

[First published May 25, 2018] I don't believe in exorcising spirits, but I sure do believe in exercising spirits. No priest or holy water are required for the latter. A good pair of shoes and maybe some Gatorade and you are all set to exercise. Your spirit will soon be in good spirits. Working out is essential to the health of all, but an alcoholic needs workouts as much as an AA sponsor to feel well again. After I finish writing this post, I will go out and work in the yard. It's a far cry from my prime when I ran marathons and often 20-plus mile training runs. Bad knees, old age, and alcohol have all taken a toll on my physical well-being. Nevertheless, I can't allow myself to collect cobwebs in my easychair. So I walk. Or use my elliptical machine in the basement. Or cut grass and do other yard work. If going to the gym, riding a bike, or swimming are more your athletic cup of tea, go for it. Just do something to raise your heart rate for at least 30 minutes fou...

I don't believe in exorcising spirits, but I sure do believe in exercising spirits. No priest or holy water are required for the latter. A good pair of shoes and maybe some Gatorade and you are all set to exercise. Your spirit will soon be in good spirits. Working out is essential to the health of all, but an alcoholic needs workouts as much as an AA sponsor to feel well again. After I finish writing this post, I will brave the Kentucky heat to take a brisk walk through my neighborhood. It's a far cry from my prime when I ran marathons and often 20-plus mile training runs. Bad knees, old age, and alcohol have all taken a toll on my physical well-being. Nevertheless, I can't allow myself to collect cobwebs in my easychair. So I walk. Or use my elliptical machine in the basement. Or cut grass and do other yard work. If going to the gym, riding a bike, or swimming are more your athletic cup of tea, go for it. Just do something to raise your heart rate for at least 30 min...