7 Ways To Self-Care Post Treatment

Treatment for substance abuse and addiction is an intense experience. It a huge adjustment period that is filled with an abundance of information, and can be emotionally, mentally, and physically trying.

During treatment programs people often learn new coping techniques and are given many opportunities to practice integrating them into their daily lives. Treatment is really a time when individuals are meant to be inwardly focused, learn to practice healthy living habits, and spend time on personal growth. The conclusion of a treatment program can be exciting and also nerve wracking. Most individuals will leave with a tailored aftercare plan to help them with maintaining sobriety. Abiding by one’s aftercare plan while also making sure to practice self-care methods is essential to the continuance of one’s recovery process and sobriety. Below are seven self-care methods by which a person emerging from substance abuse or addiction treatment can practice.

1. Eat Right

Food is not only meant for sustenance. It is a fantastic way to energize yourself, and nourish your body. Taking the time to eat healthy foods helps to fuel not only your body, but also your mind. Eat balanced meals, stay properly hydrated, and try new foods.

2. Exercise

Exercising is a surefire way to release endorphins. The release of endorphins helps a person elevate his or her overall mood. There are tons of ways to exercise these days. Exercising helps to physically strengthen an individual and can also be helpful in increasing one’s endurance levels. Depending on the type of exercise, it can also be a wonderful place to meet new people and make new friends.

3. Get Fresh Air

Nature has the propensity to heal. Hugging a tree can feel energizing, swimming in a natural body of water can be an emotional release, and witnessing the wonders of wildlife in nature can be humbling. Give yourself the opportunity to bask in the sun and soak in a little extra vitamin D. Get outside and let the fresh air flow through and around your body.

4. Surround Yourself with Healthy People

Part of recovery for substance abuse and addiction is to work towards living a healthy lifestyle. Being around other healthy people in recovery can be encouraging and motivating to one’s own recovery process. It also creates a great network of likeminded individuals who share the common goal of sobriety.

5. Meditate

Taking a short break during the day to get still and let the chaos of the outside world fall away can be soothing. Engaging in a daily meditation practice has proven to have many health benefits for an individual. Try it out and see if it resonates with you.

6. Follow Your Aftercare Plan

Once you successfully complete your treatment program, you will leave with an aftercare plan that was uniquely created for you. Do yourself a favor and follow it. Most likely, you worked with a clinician to create a plan that best fits your needs and your goal to stay sober.

7. Ask for Help

If you are feeling overly emotional, uncomfortable, are contemplating drug or alcohol use, or simply want to talk to someone, ask for help. You have an entire network of people that you have created that are there to help support you through your recovery. Allow them to be of service to you by giving them the opportunity to support you in a time of need.

Self-care may seem intuitive to some and unnecessary to others. In reality, every single person can benefit from integrating and practicing self-care methods in their daily lives.

Honoring oneself, and showing oneself love is the only way to project it out to others. The above list may seem mundane, but making sure to cover the basics when thinking of and practicing self-care is essential and can be the perfect way to start incorporating self-care into one’s everyday life. Taking the time to engage in whatever self-care methods that resonate can be extremely helpful in maintaining one’s sobriety and living an overall healthy lifestyle.

Further Information

Substance abuse and addiction can rapidly become all-consuming and can leave an individual with severe long-term consequences, if left untreated. If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. There is no reason to go through this alone. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction. We are available anytime via telephone at: 213-389-9964, or you can always email us at: info@friendlyhousela.org.