Tending to your mental health during recovery is an important part of your journey that you might not have thought about very much. But your success can really be hindered if you aren’t making your wellness a priority. It can be very helpful to find a support person to talk to when you are feeling overwhelmed. In addition, therapy can be very helpful for many. Finding a new hobby is a great way to build some self-confidence22 and take your mind off of your stress. Reaching new goals can make you feel a sense of accomplishment. And finally, journaling helps many with their struggles with recovery. Hopefully, you’ll find the combination of things that help you maintain your mental health while in recovery from drugs or alcohol.
Tending to Your Mental Health During Recovery: Taking Care of You
Find a Support Person
One of the most important things to do to tend to your mental health during recovery is find a support person. This can be a close friend or family member that you feel comfortable confiding in. It could also be somebody that you meet at a group meeting like Alcoholics Anonymous. AA encourages members to find sponsors for this very reason. It can be incredibly helpful to have somebody you trust that knows what you’re going through and who can help you along the way.
Therapy
Similarly, a therapist can be a great resource to help you with your mental health during recovery. Therapists are trained to help you deal with the intense emotions and stress related to detox. They can give you helpful advice on how to deal with feelings of anxiety. They can also give you breathing exercises or calming tips for when you feel especially stressed.
A New Hobby
A new hobby is another great thing for your mental health during recovery. Finding a new hobby to focus on will give you a sense of purpose. It can also help take your mind off of your desire to drink or use substances. In addition, setting and achieving small goals with a new hobby can increase your self-confidence. Try to find a local class to introduce you to new hobbies like yoga, painting, pottery, rock climbing, weight lifting, or anything you’re interested in.
Journaling
Journaling is a very helpful tool for your mental health during recovery. It can be helpful in many types of stressful situations. Journaling can allow you to organize your thoughts more easily. It can also help you look back at the bigger picture of things. You can look back on old journal entries for inspiration when you are feeling overwhelmed. Even just the act of writing out your feelings on paper has cathartic qualities and can help reduce stress.
Tending to your mental health during recovery is important for your journey to sobriety. Learning to handle your stress healthily is a key factor in getting sober and staying sober. Finding a support person can be very helpful so that you have somebody to bounce ideas off of. It might also help to speak to a therapist about your stress. A new hobby is a great way to take your mind off of your recovery. And finally, many find that journaling is very helpful when they are stressed. Find a way to tend to your mental health and to make your wellness a priority will go a long way in helping you reach your goal of living a sober life.