We all need time for self-care. Although it’s often the last thing on a person’s priority list, for someone who is working to make changes in their life, self-care is essential. When you give yourself time to read, take a hot bath, or go for a long walk, you support your emotional balance, physical health, and mental stability. You prevent stress and the unhealthy choices that can come out of feeling tense and anxious.
The Importance of Self-Care
If you’re in recovery, then you’re likely working to change your life. You’re mental, emotional, and even spiritual energy is going towards making new choices, creating a new lifestyle, and forming new friendships. Because of all these changes, you will need plenty of time that’s devoted to you. It’s time to create a relapse prevention plan devoted to self-care. At Westwind Recovery®, one way to find routines of healthy self-care is by residing at one of our sober living homes:
But there are numerous other options too.
Types of Self-Care in Recovery
Here is a list of self-care tips and suggestions to keep handy. They can be broken down into several groups. For instance, sometimes self-care involves activities such as:
- Step outside.
- Go to a yoga class.
- Play with your dog or cat.
- Listen to soft music.
- Make a collage of the photos you have of family, friends, and those you love.
- Make your favorite comfort food.
- Go for a hike in nature.
- Gather together some friends and enjoy the afternoon together.
- Go to a good movie.
- Volunteer your time at a local charity organization and experience those good feelings that come with helping others.
- Watch a comedy and have a good laugh.
- Enjoy a quiet afternoon at the beach.
- Go to a coffee shop and read the paper.
Other kinds of self-care involve taking time out of your day to care for your body and mind. For example, individuals can:
- Make yourself a steaming cup of tea.
- Practice meditation.
- Apply your favorite lotion and spend time appreciating the ways it feels on your skin.
- Write out your experiences, thoughts, and feelings in a personal journal.
- Gather your favorite inspiring quotes.
- Read a book or magazine article that encourages you and keep you moving toward your goal.
- Play music on your favorite instrument.
- Listen to relaxation CD’s to keep yourself feeling calm and relaxed.
- Use a workout CD so that you can exercise as though you’re at the gym.
- Write or read poetry that warms your heart and invokes insight.
- Make some hot cocoa mix and get cozy with a good book.
- Read the spiritual books that help boost your spiritual practice and give strength to your sobriety.
- Put on your favorite fuzzy socks and lounge around the house.
- Make some herbal tea to stay warm and to treat yourself to what you enjoy.
- Write out your goals and aspirations for the year.
- Spend thirty minutes or more focused solely on loving and positive thoughts.
These are suggestions for self-care. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day to-do list. But if you make time for self-care, the rest of your day will feel easier, lighter, and more manageable.
Westwind Recovery®
These are suggestions for self-care practices that can help individuals coming out of substance abuse treatment programs maintain their sobriety. Allow Westwind Recovery® to help you or a loved one along in recovery. We offer numerous therapy and support programs such as:
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Family therapy
So contact us today at 855.340.8832 to explore how we can help make your recovery and sober living a success.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
