Mental health plays a big part in recovering from addiction. Poor mental health can distract patients from meeting their goals and therefore from recovering altogether. Taking care of your mental health while in recovery is essential.
Treatment center staff will be able to give you the tools to manage your mental health well when you’re part of treatment programs. Here are some of the tips you may learn when you’re in recovery.
Be Social
Being social is vital for good mental health. Talking to people and indulging in your favorite hobbies together is a great boost for your mood. There are lots of ways to make new connections with people, from starting a conversation at the gym to getting to know a work colleague better.
However, it’s important to remember that your social connections should always be healthy. The people you have in your social circle should be people who encourage you to live your best life. If your social circle encourages your addiction, it’s time to rethink your friendships.
Use Your Senses
The world can become an overwhelming place at times. You may feel yourself getting stressed, anxious, or sad about life. This is a good time to exercise your senses.
For example, perhaps you like listening to uplifting music or going for a walk through the forest to smell the trees. Perhaps you like the feel of water on your body when you swim. Exercising your senses in a relaxing or uplifting way can improve your mental health significantly.
Eat a Healthy Diet
They say you are what you eat and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to your mental health. If you’re only eating foods that are bad for you, your body doesn’t have what it needs to help you with your mental health. If you’re feeling sluggish and tired, it can lead to feelings of depression.
Improving your diet will improve your energy levels and decrease the likelihood of you feeling depressed. Eat plenty of Omega-3, fruit, leafy greens, and protein to give your body what it needs to go through recovery with energy.
Sleep Well
Sleeping well can often be difficult for those going through drug and alcohol addiction. However, a lack of sleep can lead to mental health problems that lead to a more difficult recovery. It’s a vicious cycle.
You can encourage good sleep by doing relaxing things before going to bed. Warm baths, reading books, and turning your phone off can all help to create a calming atmosphere. Make sure you have a regular routine and get to bed at the same time each night.
Getting Help With Your Mental Health
When you enter into a drug or alcohol treatment program at Louisville Addiction Treatment Center, we’ll make sure your mental health takes priority. We understand that your mental health is essential to your recovery and we’ll give you all the support you need to maintain your physical and mental health.
Talk to one of our members of staff for advice on our treatment programs today.