Drug and alcohol addictions are complex conditions that impact every part of a person’s life. Recovering from addiction often means learning new skills, engaging in therapy, and working with medical professionals. Treating addiction with comprehensive therapies can help people address the physical, behavioral, and emotional parts of the condition.
People in recovery must also take care of themselves holistically. Holistic self-care means caring for the body, mind, and spirit. It means prioritizing your mental, emotional, and physical health.
This article will explore the benefits of incorporating self-care into your recovery plan. You will learn:
- Why self-care is essential in recovery
- Ways to practice self-care
- Where to find treatment and support
If you or someone you love needs support during addiction recovery, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn more about our treatment and recovery support programs. You can also reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
Why is Self-Care After Addiction Important?
Addiction can affect a person in many ways. Drug and alcohol abuse can impact a person’s physical and mental health, relationships, and daily functioning.
Recovering from addiction means caring for the body so that it can rebalance and heal. It means learning new, healthy coping mechanisms to manage challenges. It can also mean getting back in touch with what makes life feel meaningful.
Active self-care can help people restore physical health, reduce stress, and find peace in living a sober lifestyle. Practicing intentional self-care can help people protect their sobriety in the long term.
8 Ways to Practice Self-Care in Recovery
There are many ways you can care for yourself during addiction recovery. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your self-care journey.
1. Set boundaries
Setting boundaries is one of the most important skills you can learn in recovery. Setting boundaries means knowing what you want and do not want and advocating for yourself. This may include:
- Saying no to invitations when you are overwhelmed or tired
- Scheduling breaks and sticking to it
- Not spending time with people who leave you feeling drained
- Avoiding people, places, or things that may trigger you
It can take practice to set boundaries effectively. Work with a counselor to improve this essential skill.
2. Prioritize sleep and rest
Recovering from addiction can be physically and emotionally challenging. Getting good sleep will help to reduce stress and give you the energy you need to deal with challenges in healthy ways.
Protect your rest and prioritize sleep. Aim to go to bed at the same time each night. Develop a sleep routine that involves dim lighting, no screens, and a relaxing activity (a bath, reading, journaling, etc) an hour before bedtime.
3. Eat well
Eating a variety of healthy foods will give your body the nutrition it needs to heal and feel good. Instead of thinking about what you “shouldn’t” eat, think of what you can add to your diet, instead. Consider eating more fruits and veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking water, tea, and other non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day.
4. Get active
Regular exercise can help you feel mentally and physically stronger. Research shows that even short periods of moderate exercise (walking, jogging, yoga, etc) a few times a week can be beneficial.
5. Stay social
Staying socially active in your daily life is important to your recovery. Spending time with supportive friends and family members can reduce stress and increase well–being. Use 12-step meetings and alumni groups to connect with other people in recovery.
6. Explore your spiritual side
Spiritual self-care can help you connect with yourself and others in a new way. This part of self-care can mean different things to each person. For some, it may involve attending religious services and prayer.
For others, it may mean connecting with nature, meditating, volunteering, or engaging in holistic therapies. Connecting to something bigger than you can help you find meaning as you recover from substance abuse.
7. Get outside
Research shows that spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve health. Get outdoors every day if you can. Take a walk around the block, hike in a local park, or eat outside.
8. Find Support
Recovering from addiction can be challenging. Mental and physical self-care are critical aspects of recovery, but sometimes, people require more treatment or support. If you find yourself struggling with new or worsening mental health symptoms, triggers, or other challenges, you may benefit from professional support.
Find Treatment and Support Now
If you or someone you love needs treatment or recovery support, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn more about our treatment and support programs. You may also contact us with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
