Recovering from any type of mental health disorder is challenging. You are battling against your brain to live a healthy and productive life, and sometimes, no matter what you do, things may seem to never go your way. Getting treatment can help your mental health, but it is essential to know that treatment alone will not heal you. You must learn how to take care of yourself to maintain your mental health and support treatment. Understanding the importance of self-care in recovery can boost your healing and grant you the strength to live the life you want to live.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care involves you actively taking part in activities that improve your physical and mental health. Social media may prompt you to take bubble baths and light your favorite candle, and while relaxation is a vital part of self-care, it is crucial to remember that there are other elements that go deeper than external comfort, and sometimes, those things may feel as if they are not related to self-care at all.
True self-care means addressing your needs even when it’s difficult. For example, you may not want to address a specific toxic pattern you find yourself confronted with time and time again, but 60 minutes of writing in a journal or speaking with a therapist will benefit you more than you realize. Realizing that small acts build up and improve your health is key to practicing self-care.
How Does Self-Care Improve Mental Health?
While self-care can improve your life as a whole, it does have specific benefits for your mental health. First, it brings you more energy. By getting enough sleep, eating less processed food, and exercising, you will be giving your body what it needs to complete daily tasks. Second, self-care improves your mood. You feel better when you take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health, and it will show over time. Lastly, self-care improves your treatment and helps you heal. You become more self-aware and attuned to your needs over time, helping you manage your recovery more easily.
How To Implement Self-care in Recovery
There are many ways you can implement self-care in your recovery to boost healing and increase growth. Consider these tips from the National Institute of Mental Health to get started.
- Take time to rest
- Get regular exercise
- Eat healthy meals
- Stay hydrated
- Set goals
- Connect with others
- Practice gratitude
- Be positive
- Try to relax
Self-care is more than bubble baths and eating pizza. It is a way to take care of your mental, physical, and emotional needs that also boosts mental health recovery. You cannot expect to heal if you engage in unhealthy habits. Therefore, Alta Loma Transformational Services is here to help you make the change to start practicing self-care. Working with men of different backgrounds, we show you how to implement self-care into your routine to boost recovery and live a happy, healthy life. Call us today to learn more at (866) 457-3843.
