Celebrating International Self-Care Day on the Path to Recovery

Many alcoholics and addicts are selfish. They may not be aware of this, but the simple act of being under the influence is selfish and self-centered as they are not emotionally present for others. Other than being selfish about one’s sobriety, being selfish is not beneficial to recovery.

There is a big difference between being selfish and taking time for Self-Care. The analogy about flight attendants reminding passengers that in the event of an emergency they should secure their own air mask first, reminds us that we can’t help others unless we first practice self-care. At Soberman’s Estate we teach the importance of Self-Care, putting Sobriety first and not being selfish.

In honor of International Self-Care Day on July 24, we are taking a moment to reflect on the importance of self-care throughout the recovery process. At Soberman’s Estate men’s residential treatment center, we not only recognize the significance of this day but also the power of self-care practices in the journey towards sobriety. We understand that healing from addiction isn't a one-size-fits-all process. It requires personal exploration, discovery, and most importantly, self-care.

Self-care is more than just a trendy buzzword; it's a key component of maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself and plays a crucial role in recovering from substance misuse. For those who have spent years battling addiction, neglecting their needs becomes a habit. On this International Self-Care Day, we encourage our residents and those on their personal journey to recovery to recognize the importance of focusing on self-care and the impact it can have on their sobriety.

What is Self-Care?

In its essence, self-care is any action or behavior that helps us avoid triggering health problems, manages mental health conditions, and maintains a good quality of life. It involves taking responsibility for your own health and wellbeing through restorative activities.

Contrary to popular belief, self-care is not always a simple process. It requires conscious effort and dedication. It involves taking care of your physical health, nurturing your mental wellbeing, cultivating social relationships, and fostering personal growth. Addiction often alienates individuals from these aspects of life.

Today, we urge everyone to take some time for themselves. Whether it's a walk in nature, a relaxing massage, or reading a good book, acknowledge the importance of self-care and its role in your journey to recovery. You are worth every bit of the effort and care you invest in yourself.

The Lifeline of Self-Care in the Recovery Journey

When trapped in the grip of addiction, self-neglect becomes a default setting. Self-care, however, is a powerful tool that helps reinstate the lost connection with oneself.

Substance addiction often leads individuals to a place where they are utterly disconnected from themselves, with self-care being the least of their concerns. Trapped in the vortex of addiction, they forget how to love themselves and may even deem themselves unworthy of love. The shift of focus towards others and the neglect of personal boundaries exacerbates this issue. In this context, self-care becomes an alien concept, misunderstood as selfishness.

The Connection Between Self-Care and Recovery

Recovery from substance abuse or addiction is not just about abstaining from harmful substances; it’s about creating a new, substance-free lifestyle where you can thrive. This is where self-care plays a significant role.

Caring for oneself might seem simple, but it takes effort and focus. Incorporating self-care strategies into your daily routine can help reinforce your recovery efforts and foster resilience against the risk of relapse. For example, nurturing your physical health through balanced nutrition and regular exercise can increase your energy, improve your mood, and reduce your anxiety. Similarly, taking care of your mental health through practices like mindfulness, meditation, and therapy can help you manage stress and negative emotions more effectively.

Substance misuse often leaves people disconnected from these aspects of life. In recovery, self-care becomes even more crucial as it helps you understand your body, identify triggers, and manage stress. It is a lifelong commitment that aids in your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

The serene setting of Soberman’s Estate lends itself perfectly to activities such as yoga, guided meditation sessions, connecting with the horses, or tranquil walks around the labyrinth and medicine wheel. These activities are created to help our residents connect with their bodies and minds, providing tools for stress management and mental calmness.

Furthermore, we understand the importance of social connections in the recovery process. Group therapy sessions and communal activities provide an opportunity for our residents to share experiences, find support, and build meaningful relationships.

let's celebrate self-care, embrace sobriety, and foster resilience, today and every day. As we commemorate International Self-Care Day, we urge each person on their recovery journey to commit to self-care. By nurturing your mind, body, and spirit, you are taking essential steps towards a healthier, happier, and sober life. Always remember, self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Your journey to recovery is worthwhile, and so are you.

Soberman's Estate is a residential men's addiction treatment center that provides discreet, individualized, sophisticated recovery and wellness services for adult men that want to recover from substance use disorders, and or other behavioral issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or other addictions.