Utilizing Self-Care to Support your Recovery

Self care is any experience that recharges your mind, body, and spirit and is vital for building resilience towards stressors in life that you can’t eliminate. When you’ve taken steps to care for your mind and body, you’ll be better equipped to live your best life.

It is also important to understand what self-care is not. Self care is not saying yes when you mean no, putting other’s needs before your own, overextending yourself, and not upholding boundaries with others.

Some people think self-care is selfish. It is actually the opposite. By practicing self-care and learning to love yourself, you can be fully present and available for those you love.

It is important to build a daily routine of self-care in recovery. Self care is not a concept; it is a daily action.

Here are 10 ways to practice self-care daily:

1. Establish a nighttime routine. Get up and go to sleep at the same time, create a healthy sleep environment, and limit caffeine and beverages before bed.
2. Move your body. Getting active increases those endorphins to feel good. Find a form of physical activity that works for you. Enjoy hike, try a new yoga class online, or go on a bike ride.
3. Eat to fuel your body in a healthy way. See a nutritionist if you need support in developing a nutritional plan that will work for you.
4. Meditation and deep breathing. Take 5 minutes to get quiet and listen. Take 5 deep breaths in the morning at at night.
5. Nurture relationships with family and friends. Make sure to get ample face to face time with supportive family and friends. Avoid isolation and share your hobbies and interests with others.
6. Attending doctor appointments, preventive check ups, taking medication as prescribed, and managing your health are all part of good physical self care
7. Express gratitude. Keep a journal by your bed, and note the things that you feel lucky to have. Everything from clean sheets to a good friend is worth noting.
8. Keep track of your accomplishments. Remind yourself often how amazing you are.
9. Unplug- Take the time to break away from social media, and allow yourself to focus on the beauty of the moment.
10. Do what you love. It may be taking a bath, playing with your dog, or reading a book that lights you up. Do what makes you smile today.