Self-Care in Recovery
Self-Care in Recovery
Often, when clients enter substance use disorder treatment, their health has been neglected. During treatment, it is important to increase activities in-line with self-care.
In mental health and addiction recovery, there are four main pillars to focus on.
- Physical Exercise
- Proper Sleep
- Social Support
- Proper Diet
Physical Exercise
Yep, that’s true and there aren’t nearly as many side effects with exercise. Yet for most of us, we know we should exercise more but we come up with excuses that get in our way.
A great way to start an exercise routine is find opportunities to move. Not all of us were made for the gym and if you can’t seem to get yourself there, look for exercise you can enjoy.
Some enjoyable opportunities to move:
- Gardening
- Bike Riding
- Hiking
- Playing with Children
- Swimming
- Playing Active Games
- Joining a Sports Team
- Aerobics Classes (Zumba, Spinning, etc.)
The key here is to get moving. Healing the body through exercise can dramatically help people with their mental health and recovery from substance use issues.
Proper Sleep
Sleep is one of the most underrated activities that affects our entire lives.
Take a moment to watch this great TED talk on the importance of sleep.
Social Support
Anyone associated with recovery from substance use issues will tell you that recovery cannot be done alone. As humans, we are hardwired with a need to connect to other people.
Research that has spanned decades has shown that the quality of our relationships is a large determinate of our happiness. People dealing with mental health and/or substance use issues, often have limited or non-existent support systems.
This is why community is stressed so heavily in recovery. The 12-step model, which has been going since the 1930’s, relies on people coming together to share their issues in a supportive environment and can help create lasting networks of support.
Social support doesn’t have to mean a huge group of people but having a few close friends or family is extremely important in recovery.
Proper Diet
Did you know that your gut contains nearly 100 million neurons (similar to the cells in your brain and spinal cord)?
Recent research has given rise to an understanding of the importance of the bodies enteric nervous system. Otherwise known as our gut brain. That’s right, I said gut brain.
Diet is a major component to physical health but it also contributes to our moods, our mental health, and our emotional health. About 95% of the body’s serotonin (a brain chemical that regulates sleep and moods) is located in the intestines.
In order to maximize self-care including physical, mental, and emotional health, a proper diet is key.
Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical treatment or advice. If you, a friend, or a family member is struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues please call our main office at 952-926-2526. For emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room and/or dial 911.