Originally posted at: http://theresstillhope.org

August 3, 2021

There is an old acronym in recovery called H.A.L.T. It reminds us that we are often triggered when we are (a) hungry, (b) angry, (c) lonely, and (d) tired.

Let me add two more: B.S. We are at risk when we are bored and stressed.

1. Boredom

We get into trouble if we aren’t into anything else. Stay busy. Find a new relationship, new hobby, new habit, new book, or new passion. Boredom is not your friend.

2. Stress

The American Institute of Stress has identified 50 things that stress will do to us. And they’re all bad. Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk said, “When you have stress, your body keeps score.”

Recovery Step: The Bible says, “Be careful then how you walk” (Ephesians 5:15). That means avoiding two things – boredom and stress.