Finding Your Routine: Building Stability in Early Recovery
Early recovery is about rebuilding—not just from what was lost, but toward what’s next. And one of the most powerful tools in that process is routine. A steady rhythm to your day can help you feel grounded, motivated, and confident as you adjust to sober living.
At Horizon Living, we see how structure helps residents turn small, daily choices into lifelong habits. The neighborhood around our Cardenas House offers the perfect mix of calm and connection to build that structure—whether it’s an early walk, a trip to the gym, or simply starting the morning with intention.
Start Strong: Building Your Morning Routine
Mornings can set the tone for everything that follows. Waking up early, making your bed, and spending a few minutes journaling or meditating can bring focus to your day.
If you enjoy movement, Montgomery Park and Jerry Cline Park are both within a few minutes of the house and make great spots for a morning walk or light workout.
Quick ideas for a strong start:
10 minutes of stretching, meditation, or prayer before breakfast
Brew coffee or tea and plan your day’s goals
Step outside for a few deep breaths and sunlight
“Discipline is remembering what you want.” – David Campbell
Balancing Work, Meetings, and Rest
Finding balance means setting a schedule that works for you—not against you. Many of our residents attend meetings near the UNM area or along Louisiana Blvd, so planning your day around those helps keep structure consistent.
Try setting aside time each evening to review your next day’s goals:
Work hours or job search time
Meeting attendance
Personal time for reading, reflection, or recreation
Keeping a written planner (or even a phone reminder list) makes it easier to stay accountable and notice progress.
Healthy Habits in the Neighborhood
Nutrition and fitness go hand-in-hand with recovery. Fortunately, the Midtown/NE Heights area offers plenty of nearby spots to help you stay active:
Crunch Fitness on Menaul Blvd – located just around the corner from Cardenas, Crunch makes it easy to build consistency without a long commute. At Crunch, they’re partnered with a wide range of healthcare and wellness programs, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Through partnerships like Silver&Fit®, Renew Active®, One Pass™, SilverSneakers®, and FitOn Health, eligible members can access low- or no-cost gym memberships. They also collaborate with commercial programs such as Active&Fit Direct®, Wellhub, and PRIME Fitness, allowing members to use employer or health plan benefits for affordable access. As a Crunch member, you get full access to their group fitness classes, cardio and weight equipment, and supportive community environment.
Find out more or check eligibility at info.crunch.com/healthcare.Defined Fitness Midtown – another excellent option just a short drive away. Defined Fitness partners with Presbyterian Health Plan’s “Fitness Pass” program, giving eligible members access to all locations for about $27.50 per month through their health-plan benefits. They also offer discounted memberships for seniors, students, military, and healthcare workers, making it one of Albuquerque’s most accessible full-service gyms. Amenities include a sauna, pool, free weights, and group fitness classes designed for all levels.
Learn more at mydefinedfitness.com/memberships.Arroyo del Oso Trail – ideal for jogging, biking, or unwinding outdoors.
Sprouts Farmers Market and Smith’s Food & Drug – nearby grocery stores with accessible healthy options.
Even something as simple as walking to these locations builds discipline and releases endorphins that help support recovery.
One Step at a Time
Recovery doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built one routine at a time. From morning walks at Jerry Cline Park to evening reflections back at Horizon Living, each day you stick to structure, you build resilience and self-respect.
If you haven’t already, check out our first post, Your Toolbox — it’s full of local resources and support networks to help guide your next steps.
