Today is International Self-Care Day! Self-care is a big part of recovery; it’s about doing things that support healing.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is often portrayed as bubble baths or spa days, and while there is nothing wrong with those things, that’s a misrepresentation. Self-care is taking an active role in your own well-being. It can include engaging in activities that improve your mental health, making a budget, calling supportive friends, and much more.
Learning What You Need
In order to take care of yourself, you have to learn your wants, needs, and boundaries. Recovery provides a great opportunity to get to know who you are without substances. It allows you to be present to do the work.
In therapy, you can build self-awareness. When you understand your main challenges and the things that help you cope, you’ll gain a better grasp of what you need. Journaling can also help, as sometimes it’s easier to understand what’s going on in your head when you get it out on the page. If you don’t have a journaling practice already, International Self-Care Day is as good a time as any to start!
Meditation can also help build self-awareness, as it requires you to sit still and listen to your thoughts and feelings. It’s also a great way to take care of yourself, because it has wide-ranging benefits. If you’re anxious, meditation can help center and calm you. Over time, meditation can decrease stress, improve focus, and help with emotional regulation. These are all great skills for recovery.
Recovery is about healing physically, mentally, and emotionally; self-care and recovery go hand-in-hand. Today is a reminder that it’s not selfish to prioritize your well-being.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for mental health disorders and addiction in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you build the coping skills to thrive in long-term recovery. To learn more, call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.