The journey to recovery may just be one of the most important things you are going to do in your life. It’s the most significant act of self-love and the most precious gift you have given to yourself.
The fact that you have started the journey to recovery means that you are already halfway there! Because the most important thing is to start. And in order to help you in the best way we can during your recovery process, we present you the 7 tips for staying motivated during recovery.
1. Learn about motivation and organize your time
Let us tell you a secret right from the start since it will save you a lot of time and energy during the process of your recovery. Motivation doesn’t come first – the action comes first! Once you start doing it, the motivation will come on its own and grow as you see the results. We know, right? But that’s the truth.
Nobody can feel motivated all of the time; it’s impossible. We all have our ups and downs, and whatever journey we are taking, we will get tired along the way. Luckily, there is something we can do. We can start doing and planning. The best thing you can do is to organize your time. Maybe you always wanted to indulge in a sports activity, join a book club, or something else. Recovery is the perfect time for activities that will help you stay healthy, well, and in good spirits.
2. Have a safe environment for yourself
Sober living is one of the essential steps in your recovery. After leaving the controlled environment of the rehab center, you will need to become independent and take care of yourself. In order to do so, you will need to have a safe environment. That means you will need to create a new lifestyle that is safe for you and keeps you away from old habits.
To do so, you will need to discover coping mechanisms and routines that will serve you best. We hope that some of our suggestions will be appealing to you and will help you in your recovery process.
3. Create a space you will enjoy
In order to feel healthy and energized, you will need to create a space for yourself that will enhance those feelings. This means you will need to redecorate and rearrange if you are not moving to a new location. You’ve probably heard the phrase: cluttered space – cluttered mind. Therefore, one of the first things you will need to do is to declutter your home.
Keep only the necessary items and the ones that bring you joy. It can be the perfect opportunity to show your creativity. You can even paint something to hang on your walls. Make sure you have a lot of natural sunlight since it’s a natural mood booster. You can even get a houseplant to care for. Play around and create a space you would be happy to spend time in.
4. Engage in a physical activity
Physical activities have enormous benefits for both your physical and mental health. Experts from littlecreekrecovery.org suggest that engaging in physical activity from the start of your recovery will help you stay motivated. Exercising regularly will help you maintain low stress levels and will boost your mood. And best of all, there are many options to choose from. It all depends on your preference, indoor or outdoor sport, playing alone or in a team.
Playing a team sport or joining a gym will allow you to create new habits and meet new people, which is beneficial for your mental health. If you are not a big gym fan, there are many online home workout programs you can choose from. Or if not that, you can always go for a bike ride or a walk in the park. Nature will soothe you and will help you to relax. Whatever the activity, exercising will help your mental and physical health. The important thing is to move your body in any way that feels good for you.
5. Get an animal companion
Caring for animals can be extremely beneficial to our mental health. It can help you develop empathy and a sense of obligation to care for another being. Getting a dog, for example, will be great motivation for going outside. And taking a daily walk will benefit both you and your animal companion. Research has shown that animals can provide great comfort. For those days when you feel lonely and unmotivated, having an animal by your side can make you feel less alone and ensure you that better days will come.
6. Create a healthier lifestyle
Creating a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean just incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Sleep and diet are also major facts when it comes to creating a new life and staying motivated during recovery. Sticking to a sleep schedule and creating a sleep-inducing environment in your bedroom
will help you have a good night’s sleep. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. It will give you more energy to work out and eat well. As for the diet, there is nothing as beneficial to your health as a nutritious meal. There are many online programs and apps that can help you find the perfect diet for you. But remember, it’s important to incorporate plenty of fresh fruit and veggies into your diet.
7. Maintain a positive mindset
Last but not least, a healthy and positive mindset will get you a long way. We mentioned before that motivation comes and goes but the habits stick! That’s why you need to ensure you create healthy habits and stick to them. Surround yourself with positivity, and the negative thoughts will be at a minimum. Also, reading motivational quotes and keeping a gratitude journal can help you maintain a positive mindset and uplift your spirits.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, by reading this article, you will feel more eager to learn about staying motivated during recovery. We sincerely hope our advice has given you some ideas on where to start. Starting any process is hard, but you got this! Feel hugged and supported.
Article by Sally Norton
Sally is a proud member of Alejandra’s Life family team.
