“What are you feeling?” It sounds like a fairly straightforward question. Yet for many of us, particularly in recovery, it can be surprisingly difficult to answer. We may know that something is wrong without knowing exactly what it is. We say that we feel “bad”, “stressed”, “fine”, “angry”, “overwhelmed” or simply “not right”. Sometimes we describe what we want to do rather than what we are feeling: “I feel like having a drink”, “I want to get out of here”, “I just want every

Stress does not always end when the stressful situation is over. Explore what it means to complete the stress cycle, why the body can stay activated, and practical ways to support recovery through movement, breathing, connection, grounding and gentle end-of-day transitions.

When life begins to settle, calm can feel surprisingly uncomfortable. In recovery, learning to feel safe may take time, support and gentle practice. Explore why quiet can leave you restless, how to approach steadiness at your own pace, and what it means to build a meaningful, connected life without constant chaos.

There are moments in recovery when our reactions seem to arrive before we have had a chance to think. Somebody’s tone changes and we immediately become defensive. A difficult conversation leaves us wanting to escape. We agree to something we do not want because disappointing another person feels unbearable. We receive an upsetting message and suddenly find ourselves unable to move, speak or decide what to do next. Later, when the intensity has passed, we may look back and won

Understanding your window of tolerance in recovery can help you recognise when you are becoming activated, overwhelmed or disconnected. Learn to identify your green, amber and red zones and find practical, compassionate ways to return to greater steadiness, connection and choice.

Your body often knows you’re struggling before your mind has found the words. Explore how stress, emotional overload and recovery challenges can appear as physical signals, and learn to respond with curiosity, compassion and practical care.

Triggers matter in recovery, but they are only part of the picture. This post explores the connection between triggers and relapse risk, and how recognising when you are under-resourced can help you respond with greater awareness, choice and support.

Cravings can feel urgent, but they do not have to make the decision. Learn how urge surfing can help you notice, understand and ride the wave of a craving while creating space for safer, more supportive choices.

A lapse does not have to become a full relapse. Learn how to respond with honesty, responsibility and self-compassion, recognise what happened, reconnect with support and strengthen your recovery plan without getting trapped in shame.