The process of rebuilding a life that has been affected by substance use disorder (SUD) can be overwhelming and cause an intense amount of stress. This is where self-care comes in. Understandably, you may wonder: How does self-care relate to recovery? Self-care is related to recovery because positive coping mechanisms and self-awareness can help you feel good and therefore remain strong. Living in this more positive and present state of mind can help you avoid addictive and self-destructive behavior patterns.
Self-care is the foundation for a sustainable recovery. Additionally, self-care provides an environment in which you can be your best self and grow from your past choices. This blog post will discuss the importance of balancing self-care in recovery, provide examples of self-care tailored to your recovery, and explore self-care applications at The Guest House.
What Is Self-Care?
During the early part of recovery, it is important to follow the strategies in your relapse-prevention plan in order to maintain your recovery. Just as relapse-prevention strategies are different for each individual in recovery, so are self-care methods.
Sometimes practicing self-care can feel awkward and odd. Additionally, you may question how self-care can relate to recovery or even feel selfish for doing it. However, self-care is a vital step to take in the recovery process and ultimately will prevent a relapse from occurring.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that self-care is “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health.” Self-care is not just for those who can relate to recovery but for everyone to move forward to reach their optimal version of themselves. This includes but is not limited to nourishing the mind, body, and soul.
What Are the Benefits That Relate to Recovery?
Self-care encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself so that you can help others to be their best selves. You cannot give what you do not have for yourself. While self-care may feel selfish or self-centered, it is far from that conception. For example, you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you do not fill that cup, you will have nothing to give to others. Self-care can relate to recovery in many ways. After all, you are motivated to be the best version of yourself in recovery.
Some benefits of practicing self-care in recovery are:
- Better sleep
- Decreased stress
- Improved productivity
- Better focus
- Reduced risk of burnout
- Decreased boredom
You do not have to engage in an elaborate plan to practice self-care. All you need to do is make one small change every day. Self-care can relate to recovery because as you focus on what fills your cup or brings you joy in your life, you will be more motivated to stay on track.
Self-Care: What Is the Connection to Recovery?
Now that you find yourself on the path to long-lasting recovery, practicing self-care strategies to improve your well-being will be the key to feeling your best. You need to steer clear of anything that can trigger you. Also, you should probably make an effort to learn new coping skills. Self-care is key to better sleep, reducing anxious thoughts, exploring self-awareness, and understanding your recovery.
Most likely, everything that was important you you was put on the back burner while in active addiction. This is because SUD affects self-esteem, motivation, and one’s sense of self. While you probably wish you could keep up with your friends and family, sometimes self-sabotaging behaviors get in the way. An addiction can lead to a slew of self-sabotaging behaviors. However, one is less likely to self-sabotage when realizing how self-care can relate to recovery.
Self-neglect can manifest in boredom, stress, and negativity, all of which can become triggers and a temptation to use substances. When self-care is practiced, the risk of falling back into addiction is decreased.
Self-Care Practices That Relate to Recovery
There are many things that you can do to practice self-care. All it takes is a little creativity and an intention to set time aside for yourself. After all, self-care is all about prioritizing your number one priority: you. Below are several suggestions to get you started:
- Mindfulness: Take several minutes every day and scan your body to see what you need. Ground yourself and focus on how you can be better to your body, mind, and soul.
- Remember to feed your body: A car cannot run on an empty tank and neither can you. Fueling your body with nutrients and vitamins will give you energy so you can be the best version of yourself.
- Set boundaries: Creating parameters for yourself can be beneficial. What are you willing to allow into your life and what do you need to keep out? Take several minutes to think about how setting boundaries can help you in recovery.
- Sleep: Set yourself on a routine of going to bed at the same time each night so you can get enough restful sleep.
- Connect: Spend time with positive people who can relate to your recovery journey.
Self-Care and The Guest House
We believe that self-care is essential for recovery and we will do whatever it takes to guide you to get to that place. At The Guest House, we offer equine therapy, yoga/mediation, adventure therapy, and somatic therapy. Any of these modalities can be considered self-care in recovery.
We believe in meeting you where you are at in recovery, which is why we offer many different types of therapy. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Therefore, we are committed to meeting people at whatever point in their wellness journey they’re currently in.
It can be hard to think about putting yourself first. Thinking about self-care sounds selfish. However, it is not selfish at all. Practicing habits and activities that make you happy and fill your internal cup can make a world of difference in recovery. Focusing on the various areas you need to improve is just as important as identifying your triggers in recovery. At The Guest House, you are our number one concern and your recovery is important to us. We have created a program that fits your needs and provides self-care, no matter where you are at in your life journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with self-care in recovery, give us a call at (855) 483-7800.