Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on July 16, 2020.
During recovery, you may have learned about how self-care is a key component to your recovery. Once you're out in the real world, however, taking care of your own needs often takes a back seat to work, family and other responsibilities. With stay-at-home orders in place, you may find yourself with a lot of extra time on your hands.
This extra time could serve as an opportunity in your recovery journey, when you can take what you learned in rehab and implement a healthy self-care regimen. Here are a few tips to help you savor your free time, boost your mental outlook and develop a healthy dose of self-care to aid your recovery while at home.
We are living in a historic period of time. Keeping a journal can aid your mental health and help you remember what the pandemic was like. There are a variety of topics you can journal on:
Whether it's a short walk around your neighborhood, watching the sunrise with your family or visiting a nearby park, now is a great time to enjoy the holistic healing power of nature. Breathing the fresh air and getting a little exercise will do wonders for your mental, physical and emotional health.
It's amazing how much junk we collect, from clothes that no longer fit to broken kitchen gadgets to an inbox full of junk emails. Over time, this stuff can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Now is the perfect opportunity to de-clutter your life. Spend a few days downsizing your household or unsubscribing from emails. You'll feel much lighter and more at ease.
Healthy eating, sleeping and exercise are always at the top of any self-care list — and with good reason. The hectic pace of modern life leaves little time for these basics. With a bit more time on your hands, now may be a chance to start a few healthy habits:
Most addiction treatment programs teach you to recognize your individual triggers so you can address them before feeling tempted to use drugs or alcohol. Your busy lifestyle may make it impossible to follow through with this essential practice. While staying at home, you can take the time needed to recognize your triggers — things like:
Addressing these concerns is an important way to preserve your sobriety.
Recovery is a journey, and relapse does not mean you failed. If you find yourself back in the grips of addiction, help is available at Diamond House Detox. Our personalized treatment programs focus on a holistic approach to addiction recovery.
You are not alone, even during this time. Contact our compassionate team to learn more about our addiction recovery services.
