Taking good care of yourself is paramount to the success of the recovery process. The more you take care of all aspects of yourself – emotional, physical, mental – the more likely you are to stay healthy.
People in recovery find that their physical, mental and emotional health are inextricably linked and that supporting one aspect automatically supports the others. Of course, taking care of all aspects of your body will increase the likelihood of staying healthy.
Good hygiene is important for social, medical and psychological reasons, as it not only reduces the risk of illness, but also improves the way others see you and the way you see yourself.
Some tips for daily self-care include:
- Eat healthy foods.
- Get enough sleep.
- Exercise regularly – always in consultation with your doctor – and avoid drinking alcohol.
- Manage stress.
- Have regular medical check-ups.
- See your friends to create a sense of belonging. Consider joining a support group to make new friends.
- Try to do something you enjoy every day. Depending on your interests, this could mean: dancing, watching your favourite TV series, gardening, painting or reading.
- Find ways to relax, such as meditation, yoga, massage, bathing or walking in nature.
- Connect with yourself.
It is self-care to check in with yourself regularly:
- Doing an introspection gives you the opportunity to assess where you are at any given moment in relation to your recovery. You may find that you need to adjust some steps or try different coping tools. In addition, making a list of your achievements is a good source of encouragement to come back to when you’re not feeling your best.
- Keeping a diary is a great way to get to know yourself. Total honesty in writing is important, as it will help you discover how you really feel in every moment. Another method of connecting with yourself could be to tell your personal story. In fact, scientists are exploring the benefits of storytelling as a form of therapy. Sharing your experiences through writing or discussion is an important stage of recovery. Moreover, it is worth considering that just as you are supported by reading the thoughts and experiences of others, you can also support someone else in their own recovery struggle.
