You might define the word wellness as the state of being in which a person is in good physical and mental health. Wellness could be another way of saying that a person is tending to the many facets of their well being and including a wide variety of activities to support a holistic way of staying healthy. Wellness activities for recovery are crucial for creating a relapse prevention plan for after treatment. A holistic approach allows you to continue on your addiction recovery journey in a way that keeps your mind and body healthy and well.
In fact, you might bridge together wellness with the word wellness, as it is often used interchangeably. For instance, SAMHSA launched the National Wellness Week in 2011 where they’ve outlined and promoted eight dimensions of wellness. At the same time, addressing a person holistically means that all the facets of their life are being considered in terms of how they have an impact on the whole.
SAMHSA’s Vision of Wellness is a Holistic One
Emotional—Being able to manage life effectively and sustain satisfying relationships
Environmental—Ensuring that the environments in which you spend time are pleasant, stimulating, and support well-being
Financial–Finding satisfaction with current and future financial situations
Intellectual—Recognizing your creative and intellectual abilities as well as finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
Occupational—Getting personal satisfaction, fulfillment, and meaning from one’s work
Physical—Recognizing the necessity for exercise, healthy foods, and sleep
Social—Having strong connections with others, having a sense of belonging, and developing a network of support
Spiritual—Expanding your sense of purpose and meaning in life
Activities to Support Wellness in Recovery
In order to address the above parts of one’s life, here is a list of activities that a person might participate in to promote their recovery and sobriety:
Acupuncture – This is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that involves pricking the skin with needles. It is used to alleviate pain and treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Many recovering addicts have incorporated it into their recovery.
Aromatherapy – This is a practice that uses particular scents to help draw out certain feelings or experiences in a person. Often, aromatherapy is used to relax, lift one’s spirits, and spark feelings of happiness. Aromatherapy can be used while receiving a massage, while taking a bath, or simply while spending some quiet time at home.
Meditation – Meditation is the practice of keeping your attention on one point of focus. At the very least, deep breathing and a constant return to the present moment helps create an opportunity to pause before making destructive choices. For instance, if you have the thought, “I’m no good,” that thought might have been contributing to drinking or drug use. However, slowly, a meditation practice can help your mind slow down. You can create a bit of space between the thought and the way that you respond to that thought.
Other forms of holistic practices include Ayurveda, chiropractics, chi kung/ tai chi, herbal medicine, light therapy, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling. If you’d like to grow and heal from addiction in a holistic way, consider adding these and other wellness activities in our recovery plan.
Addiction Treatment at Westwind Recovery®
Whether you’re just beginning your recovery journey or you’re looking for ways to incorporate wellness activities for recovery, Westwind Recovery® is here to help. Our addiction treatment programs place our clients on the right path toward recovery that allows them to continue with a holistic approach to life. Our programs include the following:
- Outpatient drug rehab
- Mental health treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Family therapy
To learn more about your care options, contact Westwind Recovery® today.
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.
