When was the last time you took time out of your day to practice a self-care activity like meditating before bed or journaling to try and work out some intense feelings? If you’re not sure about the answer, you’re not alone. So many of us forget about the importance of self-care and struggle to work it into our daily routines. However, if you’re in addiction recovery, self-care shares a close connection to lasting sobriety.
There’s no question addiction recovery has its fair share of peaks and valleys. Every challenging moment can take a toll on your motivation, and there are times when you want to recharge your batteries for the obstacles to come. That’s when introducing self-care into your life can help. Join us as we break down some of the top tips for practicing self-care in addiction recovery.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the art of being in touch with the present moment and stopping any anxiety- or stress- driven thoughts from gaining momentum. Staying in the present moment can be difficult, especially when you’re in addiction recovery. One way you can practice the art of mindfulness is by meditating a few times a week. Meditation will help teach you how to block out background noise and thoughts that might impede your sobriety.
Seek Out Social Connections and Friendships
No matter how well your recovery is going, strong friendships and connections can help. By having other people to lean on for support, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have a safety net for your sobriety in place. The question is, how are you supposed to make new friends while you’re in addiction recovery?
One of the natural places to go is local addiction support groups. When you attend a support group, you already have something in common with the other people there. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of the stories shared in the group meetings and apply them to your own recovery. Some support groups will also schedule recreational activities like hikes or game nights. Once you meet some like-minded people in recovery and get to know them, you’ll be able to support each other moving forward.
Explore Creative Passions
Given that so much of addiction recovery is established in routines, setting aside time to nourish your creative side has the potential to do wonders. In fact, recovery is the perfect time to explore new creative passions since creative endeavors can serve as healthy replacements for some of the dangerous behaviors you practiced in the past.
This is your chance to take beautiful photos, make your own jewelry, learn to play an instrument, or try your hand at writing poetry or stories. Not only will a new creative hobby enrich your spirit, but it’s also a great way to prioritize your self-care.
Look for Volunteer Opportunities
One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to help others in your community. Volunteering can improve your self-worth and help you feel more invested in your community. One of the great aspects of volunteering is that you can choose a cause that fits your interests. If you like animals, a local animal shelter would be overjoyed to have you donate some of your time.
Your mental health can also see a major boost from volunteering. When you volunteer, you’ll be around other people, sparking social connections and lowering the impact depression can have on your recovery. Social isolation has the potential to derail your addiction recovery, and volunteering is a natural way to meet other people who share your interests while helping you find more purpose in life.
Find Hope for Lasting Recovery at The Raleigh House
At The Raleigh House, we know there are times when you need extra support in recovery. For over 10 years, our team has been helping people reach lasting sobriety. By utilizing a personalized approach to treatment, we’re able to report a recovery rate from addiction and mental health conditions that exceeds most traditional treatment centers. If you’re ready to step outside the shadow addiction is casting over your life, contact our admissions team today.
