Incarceration can put your life on hold while you satisfy the demands of justice. While your situation may sound bleak, you have the opportunity to improve your life even while imprisoned.
When you view your current situation as an opportunity, you may find ways to use it to your advantage. Incarceration does not have to be the end-all for your life.
Take control of your health
Being imprisoned may cause you to think you have nothing better to do than sit. However, healthypeople.gov warns that incarceration can increase your risks of poor health. Choosing a sedentary lifestyle can have numerous consequences including the following:
- Depression
- Physical illness
- Memory loss
- Lower energy
Rather than choose stagnancy, find ways to stay physically active. There are lots of bodyweight exercises you can do to build your strength and stamina. Consider utilizing prison-sponsored educational resources. Make sure you drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet and get adequate rest.
Look for opportunities to grow
You can definitely find opportunities to grow if you look for them. Ask facility staff what your options are for continuing your education. Forge social relationships and do your best to remain in touch with the people you love outside of prison. Set goals for yourself and find creative ways to work toward them.
Having a good defense encouraging you can also improve your experience behind bars. Working with your attorney, you may have the chance to strategize ways to reduce the impact of your actions on the rest of your life. Your commitment to improving your habits and taking back control may make a considerable difference in your quality of life for years to come.
