If you or a loved one is going through addiction recovery, you know how difficult it is. It’s a very sensitive and vulnerable time, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Self-care is something that is often seen in our society as taking a night to yourself to take a bubble bath or read a book. In reality, it can mean so much more and can truly help those who need it. To help with your recovery process, there are some strategies that you can try to help you reach the next chapter in self-care for recovery.
Strategies on Self-Care for Recovery
Self-care can mean many different things to different people. For some people, it can mean getting a nightly walk in on the beach, or for others, it can mean setting boundaries and putting yourself first. For those in addiction recovery, self-care is a vital part of the recovery process. Here are some strategies to help get you started:
- Connect with other people in recovery. Connecting with other people in recovery is a great way to communicate with people who understand what you’re going through and can help. It helps you know you are not alone and there are other people out there who know your pain and can relate to your journey.
- Set healthy boundaries. Setting boundaries in your life is important, especially as someone who is in addiction recovery. By setting boundaries in your life you’re able to put yourself first. This can be extremely difficult as it may require cutting toxic people or other addicts out of your life.
- Find a healthy balance in your life. As a recovering addict, you may find it hard to find balance in your life and get used to a routine. Constantly focusing on one thing, having a hundred things to do, or doing nothing at all every day, isn’t the best. It’s best if you have either a job or enroll in school, a few hobbies, make some time for the loved ones in your life, but also make sure to include downtime for yourself. Having alone time for yourself is very important and even learning how to do things alone is important.
- Exercise and get enough sleep. We all know exercising and getting enough sleep is important, but as a recovering addict, it can be vital. Getting exercise does not need to be going to the gym seven days a week, but just a simple walk around the block to keep your body moving. The right amount of sleep is key and can heavily impact our moods. Getting enough sleep every night can simply make you feel better and let your body rest from the previous day.
- Love yourself and who you’re becoming. This can be a very hard thing for people to do as people like to nitpick everything they feel is wrong with themselves. Learning to love yourself as a recovering addict can be extremely difficult. You might feel shame or guilt for who you used to be. The best thing you can do is learn to love yourself and be proud of how far you are coming and of this new person you are turning into.
What is a Sober Network?
A sober network is a group or community of people who are or were recovering addicts, could be family, or friends. This sober network creates a safe space for recovering addicts to talk about their experience and also help them keep on track. Creating a sober network gives you the chance to socialize, have positive peer pressure, and possibly re-engage in relationships.
American Treatment Network in Havertown, PA
American Treatment Network in Havertown, PA specializes in opioid and alcohol addiction, plus mental health services. American Treatment Network offers immediate access to care with two other locations in Dover, DE and Newark, DE. Call us today so we can help you become the best version of yourself.
