12 Ways To Practice Self Love In Recovery

Going through detox and recovery offers challenges that are complicated when the addict is traveling a path through self-loathing and shame. Self love in recovery must be developed in order for an individual to stop engaging in destructive behavior. If this is your challenge, remember that addiction is a disease you have and not who you are. Loving yourself is a critical healing component in the recovery process.

Self Love In Recovery

Self love in recovery encompasses many areas of your life, and practicing it helps you recognize a nagging thought or a risky behavior as something that can be harmful. When self love is applied in every area of your life, you will have the motivation necessary to maintain long-term sobriety. Addiction recovery is not easy, but when yon can treat yourself with kindness and love the journey goes more smoothly. You need to love your body, and desire to keep it strong and healthy. The following tips will help you show love to your body.

1. Self love your body by eating a healthy diet to provide your body with the strength it needs for long-term recovery. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread and cereals, lean meats, and low fat dairy in three regular meals per day. Chose healthy snacks for extra energy, and avoid sugary foods and drinks.
2. Self love your body by getting regular exercise to reduce stress and anxiety. Walking and running also improve your lung function, and keep your weight under control. You will also be stronger emotionally, and that will help you with long-term recovery.
3. Self love your body by getting regular healthful sleep each night. Getting close to eight hours of sleep each night is important, and when you have adequate rest it’s easier to control your emotions and make proper decisions.

Self love in recovery also includes your emotional side. There are numerous activities that feed your soul and provide emotional strength as you go through recovery:

1. Read inspirational books about people who have risen above great difficulties.
2. Join a yoga class.
3. Meditate or pray.
4. Listen to or play music.
5. Spend time in nature (jogging, kayaking, hiking).
6. Dance and sing.
7. Do volunteer work with children or seniors.
8. Write a journal detailing the positive things that happen each day no matter how small they seem (Seeing a butterfly or finding a four-leaf clover are positive events).
9. Make a list of things that make you happy, and try to do those things.

Loving Yourself In Recovery

Loving yourself in recovery is critical to your long-term goals. Start living as the person you want to be. Use your talents, and share them.

• Do you enjoy helping people? Do volunteer work at a local library, homeless shelter, or food pantry. Putting a smile on another person’s face will give you an emotional boost and help you love yourself.
• Build up other people. Compliment and encourage them and in the process, you will become more confident, healthy, and secure.
• It’s good to give yourself a little praise when you accomplish a goal. Celebrate with a special treat and be proud of yourself.
• Stop hating yourself because of your disease. People with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or other diseases do not hate themselves. Loving yourself in recovery will help you overcome your disease.

Self-Esteem And Addiction

Low self-esteem is not healthy for the addict and can interfere with recovery. Don’t beat yourself up over things that happened during the time your addiction was in control. Forgive yourself, and move forward. You control the future, and you should let the past go. Value and love who you are, and you will nurture your sobriety. Self-esteem and addiction are not friends and can not live in the same body. Choose to love yourself because you are worth it.

Self love is critical to long-term recovery. If you are teetering on the edge, unable to deal with your addiction or defeat it, call White Sands Treatment Center. The professional staff and counselors will help you to get back on track, learn to love yourself, and boost your self-esteem. Call today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.