Everyone makes mistakes, and the first step towards recovery is loving yourself. Unfortunately, loving one’s self doesn’t come naturally, and it’s something we must work hard for every day. For recovering addicts and other troubled individuals, this may be harder to do because of their painful past, but it’s time to move forward and start the right way of living.
Here are some of the best self-care practices you can do for personal growth, and changing yourself for the better.
Acknowledge You Need Help
Transitional living homes or sober living homes are places that individuals often move into after finishing an addiction treatment program, proving a middle ground between rehab and returning home for recovering individuals. Transitional housing provides temporary housing for troubled individuals, helping people get back on track until they’re ready to transition into permanent and affordable housing.
If you’re looking for a fresh start, there are plenty of transitional housing programs throughout the nation. Joining these programs can also expose you to other recovering people, allowing you to share experiences and have closure, knowing you’re not alone.
Make Sleep a Part of Your Self-Care Routine
Sleep can have a substantial effect on your emotional and physical condition, and not getting enough sleep can cause serious health issues. However, these can be challenging for specific individuals as stress and other distractions can wreak havoc on their sleeping schedules. You can start incorporating sleep as part of your self-care routine by eliminating the things that may be hindering your sleep.
If you’re a big coffee drinker, it’s best to stay away from caffeine from mid-afternoon till evening because it can keep you awake throughout the night. If you have pent-up stress, consider relaxing before going to bed to ensure you don’t end up overthinking and awake for the rest of the night.
Forgive and Move On
Most troubled individuals tend to go back to their past and dwell on their mistakes, which can become unhealthy. Although you have made mistakes in the past, forgiving yourself is the first step in personal growth, so try to forgive and move on. However, it’s not something you can rush into, so first, you need to accept that you’re doing the best you can under your circumstances. Remember that forgiveness is not to excuse bad behavior, but to be freed from your attached emotions, promoting self-healing and growth.
Exercise Daily
It’s no secret that exercise is good for the mind and body, boosting your mood, reducing stress, and anxiety, and helping you shed extra weight. Incorporating daily exercise regimens into your self-care routine can help you feel and look good. The type of exercise you do will depend on your preferences and goal. However, it’s best to start with lighter workout routines, such as tennis, yoga, and walking, because these exercises are easier to fit into your schedule.
Spend Time Outside
Studies proved that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, reduce fatigue, and keep your mind active. It’s a great self-care practice that helps in overcoming symptoms of burnout or depression. Spending time outside can also promote better sleep, especially if you do physical activities, including hiking, walking, or gardening.
Don’t dwell on the past or your mistakes, as everybody deserves a second chance. Take these self-care practices to heart, and you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life, and thrive slowly but surely.
