How To Practice Self-Care To Prevent Opiate Relapse
Photo via Pixabay by Cuncon
Being in recovery after a period of substance abuse often means learning how to take care of yourself again, mind, body, and soul. It can be difficult to find the best ways to feel good, however, if your self-confidence has taken a hit, remember that it is often the case with people in recovery. Stress, anxiety, and depression can also take a toll on your health and can lead to a relapse, so it’s imperative to find ways to help your body and mind recover and learn to relax.
Start by creating a good plan for yourself that is tailored to your needs. For instance, if you work long hours and suffer a lot of stress with your job, learning how to say “No” to extra tasks or asking for help will go a long way toward helping you feel better. You might also take a look at your home to assess whether or not it’s working for you or against you; being disorganized can keep you anxious and unhappy without you even consciously realizing it.
Jesse Mansfield LMT presents a few tips on how to practice self-care to prevent a relapse.
Make your body strong
Building up your body’s strength is a central part of recovery; substance abuse can take a huge toll on you physically and mentally, so it’s important to help your body get healthy. This means exercising daily, drinking plenty of water, and eating well-balanced meals that will help you feel more energetic. Look for a workout plan that fits your needs as well as incorporates something you enjoy doing--such as swimming or spending time with your dog--so you’ll stay motivated.
Stay social
Substance abuse can take a toll on relationships, too, so it’s important to either repair the ones that are special to you or make new connections. Keeping social ties strong will help you beat stress, and it will give you a strong circle of support for when you feel temptation creeping in, or when you need help forging ahead on a sober path.
Find a hobby
Having a hobby that you enjoy will give you something to look forward to and can build confidence and even social connections. If you’ve always been interested in music, take some lessons, or learn a new language. Challenging yourself to try something new can help you take control--which is important for many individuals in recovery--and can ease stress and anxiety if you really enjoy doing it.
Invest in your skin
Most people either don’t know or forget that skin is the body’s largest organ. Sustained substance abuse can have a profound impact on the skin, leaving it dull, sallow, and dehydrated. To reinvigorate your skin, it’s important to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and regularly apply moisturizer. Consider also investing in clean skincare to amplify your efforts.
Take it easy
Learning to relax isn’t always easy, especially if you’re coping with depression or anxiety, but it’s necessary if you want to feel better. There are many different methods for easing the mind and body of tension, including yoga and meditation, reading a good book, or scheduling a massage with Jesse Mansfield LMT. Think about what makes you feel good in a healthy way and incorporate it into your daily or weekly routine.
Keep your space positive
Your home should always be a safe space. A place where you can relax, unwind and decompress. If your home is cluttered, disorganized, and dirty, it can weigh on you heavily. Searching through piles of paper, stacks of folded laundry, and dishes in the sink have a way of hindering positivity. To counteract this, take the time to clean your home, and organize and declutter every single spot. Add some plants, keep the windows open and try burning sage to purify the air and rid your home of any negativity.
Spend time with animals
Animals can be a huge help for individuals in recovery; dogs, cats, and horses are especially popular as therapy animals, and they can help reduce stress, anxiety, and the symptoms of depression. In fact, just petting a dog can lower blood pressure and help you feel more relaxed. Consider getting a pet if you don’t have one, or volunteer at a local animal shelter. However, keep in mind that animals are very intuitive, and they are deeply affected by things like stress and anxiety. If you’re feeling anxious, make sure you pay attention to your pet’s behavior to ensure you’re not causing them to feel overly stressed.
Practicing self-care can help you build up your self-esteem and your enjoyment of life; it can allow you to focus on your well-being and getting healthy after a period of substance abuse, and it can help you repair bonds that were broken or damaged. Start with a good plan and take it slowly to ensure you get the most out of your new life.