To get through the early stages of recovery, you must focus on yourself. Think through what can best help you on your journey; then, take positive steps toward improving your overall well-being.
What is Well-Being?
When you are in the early stages of recovery, wellness simply means taking good care of yourself emotionally and physically. It also involves finding your footing so you can learn to live without drugs and alcohol. To focus on your well-being, go back to basics and make yourself your first priority in all areas of your life.
Your definition of well-being is not the same as people who aren’t in recovery. Instead of thinking purely about the future, you also have to consider how drug or alcohol use affected you in the past.
The Eight Dimensions of Well-Being
While you are starting your recovery, focus on these eight dimensions of your emotional well-being. Every step, even a baby step, is a meaningful stride toward getting better.
1. Physical
Your physical well-being includes things such as exercise, eating well, and staying away from drugs and alcohol. As you distance yourself from the unhealthy things in your life, it becomes easier to focus on the activities and healthy habits that will contribute towards improved physical and mental health.
2. Emotional
Becoming overly stressed early in your recovery can lead to burnout. This, in turn, causes even more stress and anxiety. Take time to relax and get enough sleep, and lean on the programs or loved ones who are helping in your recovery.
3. Social
When you are in recovery, there are two aspects of your social well-being. First, you should spend your time and energy on the people who are helping you. Second, be sure to stay away from the people that could negatively influence you or encourage you to return to your past behavior.
4. Spiritual
Your spiritual well-being might be related to your religion, but it doesn’t have to be. To be spiritually healthy, think about your purpose and meaning in life. Picture your life without drugs and alcohol and who you want to be.
5. Occupational
You may have a spotty work history due to your substance use, and you might wonder if that can change. Focus on your recovery, and how not using drugs or alcohol can help you move forward. Think about what you can gain, not what you have lost.
6. Financial
What can you do to fix things financially moving forward? There are plenty of options available for increasing your fiscal literacy and awareness. For example, learning more about creating and sticking to a budget can help ease some of your stress.
7. Intellectual
To enhance your intellectual wellness, open yourself up to new ideas. Read books you wouldn’t have in the past, or try your hand at arts, crafts, or journaling.
8. Environmental
The environmental dimension of your well-being when you are in recovery involves understanding that certain stimuli may cause you to feel stressed or experience cravings. This means you’ll need to recognize the people and places associated with your drug or alcohol use. Stay away from them and find new, healthier environments.
Get Help During Your Recovery
It isn’t easy to focus on yourself and your well-being when you are in the first stages of recovery. If you need help, contact Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers. We will help you during and after your treatment, and we offer continuing care services to help keep you on the right track.
