https://equilibriumproject.co.uk/

Finding Equilibrium, Medina Valley Centre, Newport (2025)

22/11/2024

It’s not every day you see kindness in words

This testimonial is from a client who wants to tell you how they’ve turned their lives around with our help – and how you can too🤍

Reach out today to get started on your journey🤝

📞0800 007 6511
💌info@equilibriumproject.co.uk
🌎equilibriumproject.co.uk

20/11/2024

Alcohol REWIRES YOUR BRAIN! Here's how, and how to fix it👇

🧠Alcohol has a significant impact on the brain’s chemistry, affecting how you think, feel, and make decisions. While moderate drinking may have few lasting effects, regular or heavy drinking can actually rewire the brain’s pathways. Here’s how it happens—and the first step to start healing

✨1. Dopamine: The “Feel-Good” Trap

When you drink, your brain releases dopamine, the chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and relaxation. This dopamine boost is what makes drinking feel rewarding and enjoyable at first. But over time, regular alcohol use causes the brain to adjust by producing less dopamine naturally. This means that after drinking becomes a habit, you may start to feel low, anxious, or unmotivated when you’re not drinking, leading you to reach for alcohol just to feel “normal.”

✨2. Weakening of the Brain’s “Off Switch”

Alcohol directly affects the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for judgment, self-control, and decision-making. Over time, frequent drinking weakens this area, which can lead to impulsive decisions and difficulty in controlling how much you drink, even if you want to stop.

✨3. Tolerance: Needing More to Feel the Same

The more frequently you drink, the more your body adapts to alcohol’s effects, a process known as tolerance. When tolerance builds, you’ll need to consume more alcohol to feel the same initial effects. Unfortunately, this cycle can lead to increased consumption, making it more difficult to stop drinking or stick to limits.

❤️‍🩹The First Step to Undoing the Damage

The brain has an incredible ability to heal and rewire itself, but it needs time and a break from alcohol to start this process. Taking even a short break from drinking allows your brain to begin restoring its natural dopamine production and regain strength in the areas responsible for self-control and decision-making. The longer the break, the more healing can occur.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier, happier brain, reach out to us today 💌

18/11/2024

Ever wondered what happens to your body just one day after quitting alcohol? 🤔

You might be amazed at how quickly your body starts to repair and reset

Sometimes the first 24 hours are the hardest, but they’re also the most powerful. Each moment alcohol-free sets you on a path to feeling stronger, clearer, and more in control of your life🌱

Swipe through to see the incredible transformations that start after just one day—and remember, every day counts💪

Thinking of making a change? Reach out today to learn how to take that first step!

15/11/2024

Try these tips NOW 👇

✏️The Power of Letting Go by John Purkiss

Actionable Tips:
🔹Identify and Release Triggers: Notice situations that cause stress or anxiety, then ask yourself, “Is this within my control?” If not, practice mentally letting it go.

🔹Practice Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes each day focusing on the present moment—this reinforces letting go of distractions and grounds you in the now.

🔹Forgive Yourself and Others: List out grievances you’re holding onto, then focus on releasing these through compassion. This can create emotional freedom and resilience.

✏️Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven

Actionable Tips:
🔹Start with One Small Success: Make your bed or perform a similar small task each morning to build a foundation of achievement that motivates you for the rest of the day.

🔹Develop Daily Discipline: Create a daily routine with manageable tasks that give you a sense of accomplishment and reduce mental clutter.

🔹Face Fears Head-On: Embrace small challenges that push you out of your comfort zone—whether it’s a hard conversation or a new activity. This builds mental strength over time.

✏️Thinking, Fast and Slow Daniel Kahneman

Actionable Tips:
🔹Pause Before Reacting: When faced with a stressful or emotional situation, take a breath and allow your “slow-thinking” mind to engage, leading to more thoughtful responses.

🔹Challenge Cognitive Biases: Recognise biases like overconfidence or assumptions, and question them regularly. This can improve mental flexibility and reduce stress.

🔹Practice Mindful Decision-Making: For any decision, ask yourself, “Am I thinking this through logically, or am I reacting impulsively?”

Together, these books provide practical steps to help you gain self-awareness, increase resilience, and make decisions that align with your best self🫶

13/11/2024

HOW TO COPE👇

The holiday season can be full of triggers, but with some thoughtful preparation, you can confidently enjoy the festivities without compromising your sobriety.

1. Plan Your Escape Route 🏃‍♀️

Scope the space. When you arrive, identify a quiet spot where you can take a break if needed.

Arrange an exit strategy. Drive yourself, or have a sober buddy you can leave with if things get uncomfortable.

2. Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Drink 🍹

Hold something in your hand right when you walk in—sparkling water, a fancy mocktail, whatever you like. It helps fend off questions and keeps your hands busy.

Experiment with flavours. Mocktail recipes have come a long way, so you can still sip something festive without feeling left out.

3. Buddy Up with a Support System 👯

Text a friend who understands what you’re going through before the party, and let them know you might check in if you’re struggling.

Find the sober-friendly folks. Seek out people who aren’t drinking heavily or who are supportive of your journey.

4. Have a Response Ready for “Why Aren't You Drinking?” 🤐

Keep it simple: "I'm taking a break," or "I feel great sober." Most people won’t push past a confident answer.

Redirect the conversation. Steer it toward something fun or seasonal, like holiday plans or favourite winter movies.

❄️Need some support with your sobriety this winter?

Reach out to our friendly team today 💌

11/11/2024

HOW to break the cycle..

This cycle is tough to break, but it’s 100% possible with a few habit swaps! 🌱💪

✨ Here are some powerful alternatives to ‘just one drink’

1️⃣ Unwind with a new nighttime ritual. Instead of a drink, try journaling, meditation, or listening to calming music to relax and clear your mind

2️⃣ Get moving. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins and gives your body the same ‘reward’ feeling, but without any of the downsides!

3️⃣ Call a friend or family member. Chatting with someone who supports you can distract you and give you a boost without needing a drink

4️⃣ Grab a healthy snack. Sometimes cravings are really about wanting something comforting. Try herbal tea, sparkling water, or a favourite snack that’s good for your body

Swipe through to see why ‘just one drink’ isn’t always as innocent as it sounds—and how to take control of that urge once and for all 💫

08/11/2024

Spilling the tea☕️👇

Drinking may seem like a quick fix for stress, but it comes with hidden costs. Let’s take a closer look at how alcohol actually affects your brain and mental health in the long run

🫨1. Alcohol as a Stress Amplifier

Alcohol might feel like it relaxes you initially, but it disrupts your body’s stress-response system. Instead of calming you down, it increases stress hormones like cortisol over time, which actually makes you feel more stressed

😴2. Impact on Sleep Quality

Many people don’t realise that alcohol severely disrupts sleep cycles. While it might help you fall asleep faster, it interferes with deep sleep and REM, leaving you feeling groggy and irritable the next day. Lack of quality sleep can make anxiety and depression worse

😵‍💫3. Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression

Frequent drinking can reduce your brain’s production of serotonin, the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter. Over time, this can lead to heightened anxiety and even depression as your brain becomes reliant on alcohol for temporary relief

✨While alcohol might seem like an easy escape from stress, it often creates a cycle that leads to more anxiety, disrupted sleep, and decreased mood

✨Breaking free from this cycle can be one of the best steps for your mental wellbeing

✨Explore healthier ways to cope—you deserve to feel better without the side effects

Reach out to us today for support in your sobriety💌📞

06/11/2024

Addiction doesn’t happen overnight…

It often starts with small, unnoticed changes

🔹Here are five signs to look out for:
Using substances to relax, justifying the habit, hiding use, losing interest in hobbies, and needing more to feel the same effect

🔹Early awareness can make all the difference

🔹Let’s start talking about this openly and support each other on the journey. Have you noticed these signs in yourself or someone close? Drop a comment and let’s break the stigma together

04/11/2024

TRULY SHOCKING..😱

Did you know..

Alcohol is an unhealthy coping mechanism?!🙄

Everyone knows that alcohol isn’t ✨good✨ for you, but we often lose sight of that or simply think it’s not a problem for ✨US✨

A lot of us begin using alcohol as a casual coping tool—just to “take the edge off” after a stressful day or to feel a little more at ease in social situations. At first, it’s just a drink or two. But over time, that small habit can turn into a big problem, and suddenly we’re left wondering how we got here

⛷️The Slippery Slope
�The truth is, alcohol isn’t the harmless stress-reliever it’s often made out to be. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of depending on it, especially if it feels like the simplest way to unwind. But relying on alcohol—even if just socially or “once in a while”—can gradually blur into dependency

🧘‍♀️Why It’s Okay to Rethink “Unwinding”
�Recognising that alcohol may be taking a bigger role in your life than intended is powerful. There are so many ways to manage stress, connect with others, and feel good without reaching for a drink. From hobbies and exercise to meditation or reaching out to a friend, healthier ways to unwind can actually help you cope better in the long term

If you’ve had that “wake-up” moment, don’t ignore it. You deserve better ways to manage your stress—ways that truly empower you 💪

Have you ever found yourself relying on “just one drink”? What other ways have you found to unwind? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!

01/11/2024

How to start RIGHT NOW 👇

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but a few simple actions can set you on the right path. Here are three things you can do right now to kickstart your sobriety:

1. Reach Out to Someone You Trust 🤝
Letting someone in on your journey can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or a recovery group, sharing your goal creates instant accountability and support. Even just telling one person can bring you the relief of knowing you're not alone!

2. Set Up a Safe, Supportive Space 🏠
Sobriety isn’t just about what you avoid; it’s about what you build around yourself. Remove any alcohol or triggers from your space, and add things that lift you up—books, art, reminders of your goals. Creating a sanctuary for yourself at home can keep you grounded and give you the focus you need to succeed

3. Commit to One Day at a Time 🗓️
A lifetime commitment to sobriety may sound intimidating, but focusing on just today makes it manageable. When you get through today, you’ll feel that much stronger for tomorrow. Remember, every day without alcohol is a win, and every step forward builds a solid foundation for your future

Every step counts! The journey won’t be easy, but starting now is the most powerful choice you can make. 💪

What’s your reason for choosing sobriety? Drop a comment below, and let’s support each other on this path. 🌟

30/10/2024

⚡️Another important reminder:

Getting sober is a HUGE achievement, but it's important to recognise it's a journey, rather than a single destination✈️

✨There will be stretches where you feel empowered and clearheaded, basking in the rewards of your decision

‼️But, there will also be detours and challenges, moments where temptations or emotional triggers threaten to throw you off course

⚡️Remember, these aren't setbacks, but simply bends in the path

🌲Healing isn't linear; it's more like a winding path through the woods

With support, self-compassion, and the willingness to learn from each experience, the path to your future will become that much clearer💙

28/10/2024

Has this happened to YOU?🫣

It’s easy to think that as long as you avoid drinking, you’re safe in recovery. But there’s something everyone in recovery must understand: ✨social triggers can sneak up when you least expect it✨

🏙️Familiar Faces & Places
Old drinking buddies or environments you used to associate with alcohol can stir up cravings even if you’re feeling confident. It’s not just about resisting the drink—it’s about avoiding situations that bring back the mental association of alcohol use

👇Peer Pressure Still Exists
Sobriety doesn’t shield you from the subtle—or not so subtle—pressure of socialising with drinkers. Comments like, ‘Just one won’t hurt’ can easily chip away at your resolve, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable

🔫Hidden Emotional Triggers
It’s not just about the setting—social situations can also bring up emotions like stress, anxiety, or even nostalgia, which may leave you tempted to numb those feelings with a drink

The truth? Managing social triggers is just as important as managing your internal battles

✨It requires planning, setting boundaries, and learning how to gracefully navigate those tricky situations without jeopardising your recovery

Recovery is about more than just saying no to alcohol. It's about understanding the hidden social cues that might tempt you back into old habits. Being aware of your triggers—especially in social settings—is a crucial step to long-term success⭐️

Contact us today for support in your sobriety 🤍

Finding Equilibrium

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