Five Things You Can Do For Recovery Every Day.

There are oodles of things you can to do boost your recovery every day. No matter how small it is or insignificant it might feel, every little bit helps

What little things can you do for your recovery every day.

There are oodles of things you can to do boost your recovery every day. No matter how small it is or insignificant it might feel, every little bit helps.

When we first enter into recovery it can be a dark and overwhelming place. Suddenly, we’re changing our entire routine to focus on recovering. No matter what it is you’re recovering from, be it an eating disorder or addiction, nothing feels scarier than stepping outside the comfort zone you’ve built. Going from being self-destructive to learning self-care can be a real shock to the system. Three years on from my initial start date, I still find it difficult to pull away from belittling myself. Reminding myself that I’m a bad-ass b*tch is a full-time job and I never get a day off.

As shocking as it can be there are small steps you can take to help your recovery every day.

Image from Japheth Mast at Pexels.

5 Things you can do to help your recovery every day.

Take your time. It’s not a race.

Healing takes time. One of my biggest mistakes in early recovery was assuming I would be up and back to work by February. A mere month later! In reality, my recovery is still ongoing. Yes, even three years later. I didn’t work for over a year and was unable to. Why I assumed I could bounce back is now beyond me, but I did and I beat myself up for not being able to return to work. In reality, not only was I dealing with anorexia, but my grandparents also passed away within six weeks of each other early in the same year. Physically I was dreadful and mentally. Well, mentally I was incapacitated.

Allowing yourself the time to heal is by far one of the best things you can do for your recovery every day. Get up each morning and remind yourself you are still healing. You are working hard fighting a force no one can see or feel but you. You’re essentially your own judge, jury, and, at times, executioner.

Go easy on yourself. There are no time limits on healing no matter what you’re healing from.

Reconnect with yourself and others.

No one tells you how isolating addiction can be. No matter what it is, we tend to lose connection with ourselves and the world around us. It becomes all about the eating disorder, or the alcohol or the drugs. Part of recovering is facing up to not only ourselves but for others too. While this can be difficult at the start, it’s a necessary part of the journey.

But how, you might ask. Listening to yourself and your body is key. While the ‘demon’ might tell you to skip dinner or have a drink, your inner self is crying for something else. Rest, self-care, company. These are better at filling a void that any addiction ever could be. Do what works for you!

Connecting with others is also a crucial part of recovery. We can’t weather the storm alone, no matter how we might feel. Support from friends, family, and perhaps a treatment team is always necessary for a healthy and happy recovery.

Engage in routine, but don’t be afraid to change it up.

Routine is among one of the best ways to plan, prepare and stick to a recovery plan. In fact, routine is suggested for almost everything in life. When you get yourself into a routine, you manage to feel more in control of yourself, your situation and even your surroundings. Call it a psychological placebo if you want but I personally find that when I’m out of routine I feel sluggish and useless. But when fully engaged with one, I get shit done! That includes recovery!

Prepare a routine that works for you and make sure it also includes your set meals. If you’re still on a meal plan, then this should be easier as you simply revolve things around your meals and snacks. But once you step away from that into the world of long-term recovery, things can get tricky. We’re all allowed to step outside our meal plan and go for a spontaneous dinner or breakfast. But be aware that these can easily knock us off. In the beginning, things like this can be overwhelming but as time progresses you’ll learn how to adjust your routine in the blink of an eye.

For example, I went for breakfast with my husband on Monday. This was outside my routine, and therefore timings were off. But, having been in recovery for well over two years now, I was able to adjust my timings to suit meals, snacks, and even work for the rest of the day. I didn’t start work until eleven instead of the usual nine or ten. But this just meant either working later or carrying work over until the next working day. I still got everything done that day, including all my regular meals and snacks and some elf-care with Animal Crossing in the evening.

Spruce up your space.

Nothing screams self-care like decluttering and cleansing. Take time to remove and even donate unwanted items. Get rid of things that no longer serve you and create a space that makes you feel comfortable and happy. If you’re into cleansing using sage or similar herbs, then carefully cleanse the four corners of your living space. Create and hang your own artwork, donate clothing that no longer fits, and make room for all things new.

This is your chance to inspire a new start and actively make room for the new, recovering you.

Celebrate the little things.

It doesn’t matter how little the step so long as you keep moving forward. In recovery, it can be hard to see the bigger picture. But now more than ever you need to celebrate yourself and every small, positive step that you take. If you’ve managed to go to work even though you’re feeling low, celebrate it. Ate a fear food? Celebrate it! Nothing is too small or trivial to praise yourself for.


What other small things have you done to boost your recovery?

Do you have any other ideas on how you or anyone else can help boost their recovery? I’d love to hear them in the comments! I’d love to complete an infographic full of your ideas so get commenting so you can be featured!

71 comments

  1. I think it takes a lot of strength to be in recovery, and even more to be able to talk about it openly to help others. I wish you the easiest journey possible and thanks for being so brave

  2. This is such a beautifully written post! I really do think the tips you’ve shared will really benefit those who are in recovery. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely Xo

    Elle – ellegracedeveson.com

  3. What a great post! It’s so important to remember that we are still moving forward and healing even with small steps every day. And little steps forwards are much more manageable and less overwhelming. Really great article thank you for sharing 🙂

  4. This is such a wonderful post. It’s such a good reminder that we get to where we want to go through daily steps and daily life. This is a really insightful read of how people can focus on the things they can control in the present. Thanks for sharing this 🙂

  5. You should take as much time as you need. Don’t rush your healing, everyone heals differently.

  6. These are all such great ideas for sure! Some I never would have thought of myself. Thanks for sharing!

  7. I totally with you with regards to decluttering. This simple me-time activity is very relaxing, and makes me feel good. It is like my space becomes bigger and more organized, and means less stress.

  8. This is such a detailed but informative post to help people who may need these tips! Thank you for sharing.

    Lauren

  9. Oh yes on decluttering! I love cleaning up around here and tossing out stuff we no longer use. It gives me a certain amount of peace and it relaxes me. I love taking a bath and having coffee while watching a movie or reading a book right after I clean up.

  10. Thanks for sharing this! most people don’t reliase that it is important to take pause and relax. reconnect with yourself and give yourself time to breathe. I completely could relate and agree with these tips

  11. Recovery takes time for everyone. The most important thing is to tend to your needs with what makes sense for you. Not always a one size fits all. It is great to change up your routine, even pick up something new. It helps with keeping your mind off things :). For me, it’s even trying out new food and drinks. It’s a whole experience 🙂

    Nancy ✨ Cold Brew Vibes

  12. I think the infographic is a good idea. It’s a nice idea that will help show inclusion and support.

  13. I’m in the process of decluttering right now, and it makes such a difference. It’s refreshing to let things go!

  14. This is awesome and I do agree to celebrate little things. It’s something we need to do to be more grateful.

  15. I remember the first time stepping out of my comfort zones after being diagnosed with Menieres Disease. It takes time and small steps but got there in the end. This is a valuable resource for those who need it.

  16. I’ve found the best thing for me when I feel myself slipping back into unhealthy habits is to go outside for a bit! Leave my phone at home and just go on a distraction free walk. The sunlight and fresh air does wonders for my mental health. There’s some days when I have way too much computer work to leave for a walk so I just open up all my windows while I work the computer, the fresh air & sounds of birds chirping and leaves rusting really help me stay grounded and relaxed.

  17. It is nice to have some things to push through each day. These are great positive additions to a daily routine.

  18. This is such an amazing read. This is fantastic resource for anyone in recovery and even for those who aren’t. We can all stand to practice these daily.

  19. Such a beautiful post with such great information. Any kind of healing takes time. All we can do is being patient and take each day as it comes.

  20. I think taking your time is the most important! No one heals and recovers in the same way as everyone else, so it makes sense to take the time you need. And finding a good tribe to have at your back, ones who support and love you to encourage your journey.

  21. Wow..this blog post is really very inspiring and helpful for every reader..Thanks for sharing this..self care is really very important..Great work..Loved this…

  22. Having coffee with my kids, whether at home or the coffee shop, is one of our favorite things to do. Great healing power for all!

  23. Thank you for all of the awareness you’re bringing to mental illness. I hope those struggling can read your blog and find hope and a kindred spirit.

  24. Hello,
    I just wish to say your article is outstanding.
    The clarity in your post is just cool and I could assume you are an expert on this subject.
    With your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
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  25. Thank you so much for sharing pet 🙂
    Every day does bring something different. Today I had coffee with my grandmother (God love her, she doesn’t know what to do at the moment), I managed to revamp an old post and I cuddled my cat!
    Always a pleasure to see you stop by 😀

  26. I love this post every time I read it, because every time is a new day and a new 3 things towards recovery;
    1) prepping food/snacks for the week ahead
    2) having a bath with some fancy bath salts
    3) walking in the countryside and enjoying the solitude and the sunshine
    4) settling into the yoga practice that I was unable to complete yesterday 🙂

    Keep on shining dear Nyxie <3 And keep remembering the little things towards recovery (as important as remembering gratitude each evening)

  27. I love that there are a lot of positive things to help with recovery. Some may be little things but they make a big difference. It is so nice to curl your own hair! I need to get on that game, hehe. I like that you enjoy some coffee in the morning with your mother. Oooh, morning yoga is the best! Sending you lots of love to continue in this journey!

    Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me

  28. Thank you so much for stopping by. I’m trying so hard to stick to my meal plan despite all the stressors in my life right now, however it is very difficult, as I’m sure you know. I am 4 months into recovery and have recently relapsed into destructive behaviors, namely restricting, but I am trying so hard to pull it back.

    Again thank you so much for your support.

    – Nyxie

  29. During my recovery I became closer to my mum. We weren’t so close before but we have been through hell and back. I was severely depressed and became unhealthily thin (even for someone of an oriental ethnicity). Meal plans are difficult to stick to if you’re out and about but PLEASE PLEASE stick to it. Just think of all the fun and freeing things you’ll be able to do when you’re weight restored. Don’t be scared; be excited about a more liberating future! Wishing you well☺️❤️

    Mayanirvana.co.uk

  30. Thank you for stopping by Chloe. It was lovely but short-lived as Mum needed to go out to my grandparent’s house to help out there. We’re all trying to hold each other together at the moment due to the circumstances.

    I hope you had your ice cream, tea and managed to read some blogs!

    Thank you for stopping by 🙂

  31. It sounds like you had a lovely morning with your mum, such lovely memories to cherish, even if it is as simple as having a coffee together, it’s a lovely moment. Sounds like you’re doing really well, loved hearing about your 3 recovery steps. I feel like I need to look after myself a bit more, I’m feeling pretty exhausted today and all I want to do is lie in a dark room in my bed! But being positive, 3 things today that have been a positive experience for me..

    1. I cooked a lovely veggie burger and made a salad to go with it, and I sat with my boyfriend and we are together.
    2. Finishing work early was pretty rewarding, and I’d say the walk home was really peaceful. Because I finished early, hardly any other commuters were about so I just looked at my surroundings as I walked.
    3. It’s not happened yet.. but I’m thinking about having a bit of ice cream, a lovely cup of tea, and reading blog posts to end my evening with because I really want to enjoy my own company tonight 🙂

    Great post!

    Chloe xx

  32. There really is something magical about taking a good, hot shower. Yesterday was not a good day for me and I felt my balance was all our of whack. I took and shower and meditated. When I was done showering I felt like a weight had lifted off my shoulders and I was instantly rejuvenated and refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day.

    Thanks for you honesty! I wish you much success on your road to recovery. Sending love and positive vibes your way

    ♥Jackie
    jackieofalltradesblog.com

  33. Thank you for being open and honest. It’s so important to take time for ourselves. Even the small things help.

  34. There is something magical about a good cup of coffee or tea – it has the ability to help me calm, relax and center myself, releasing any negativity I may be holding onto and preparing me for what’s to come. All that in a nice warm beverage 😉 lol

  35. Nice post, Chloe! I always appreciate and am inspired by your openness and vulnerability. It draws people to you. I also think you make a good point that we often don’t take the time to fully appreciate the kindnesses we show ourselves. Good luck and all the best in your recovery!

    Roger

  36. I love yoga, as you know, but lately, I haven’t been able to muster the energy to take it to the mat on a daily basis. Before all of this illness started rearing its head in my family I was getting pretty good at it, now it’s just a bit of a struggle. But I understand that it would help if I could just will myself.

    Anyway, thank you for stopping by Jenny. Your support is so important to me. x

  37. I’m not in recovery for anything but a lot of these things can applied to your every day self care too. I think I do at least 3 things every day to aid my self care and mental health! I do Yoga every day, mostly twice a day, drink enough water and always take time to watch something and relax!

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

  38. Hey this great read I’m off out today on a project I’m involved in it’s going to be awesome out there

  39. Oh hey, I just wrote about my self-care tricks, as well (I have G.A.D. and panic attacks). I love finding ways to reflect inwardly and one of my more ‘out there’ methods are tarot cards! I love creating the ritual of cleaning my space with palo santo or sage, making myself present, and reading the cards; while some think it’s magic, it’s really just a great way to self reflect.

  40. Yoga is a great way to heal the mind and body. Sounds like a wonderful morning with your mom!

  41. Great post and great job!! I’ve always wanted to try some yoga. My mother swears by it!

    Thanks for sharing! 😉

  42. I love this and sometimes we are so busy that we don’t get to enjoy these things in the morning it’s a rush when I’m taking a shower at night it’s like a relaxing moment , clarity and girl goooood coffee I live for. My favorite is sitting down and just watching my favorite shows I feel a sense of peace sometimes my boyfriend tries to talk through them and I’m like uh nope not now lol I just need this time to relax I’ll be with you in an hour lol

  43. Thank you for sharing your three things with me! It’s so good to chat with friends, and often they can be the scaffolding that prevents us from falling when we do feel wobbly!

  44. People say there is always time for yoga, but honestly, there sometimes isn’t. There isn’t the space or the silence in our day for it, and so we’re left grasping for that time, and feeling guilty when we don’t get it.

    Thank you for stopping by.

  45. Sounds like a lovely morning! I really want to do more yoga, when I get the time! My life is seeming very packed at the moment.
    Thank you for sharing with us.
    Alyssa
    THESACREDSPACEAP.COM

  46. It’s crazy how something as simple as taking a shower does such a difference! Even though it’s the last thing in my mind when I’m having a crappy day, I feel renewed after! Great tips!

  47. Good job on your recovery!
    I’m sure your mom loved seeing some housework done when she got back. It’s always nice when someone does that for you.

  48. One thing that helps me a lot is exercise, eating right, and spending time with my loved ones. I also enjoy a change of pace, such as going to a particular store or going out to eat every so often. Thanks for sharing!

  49. I love your morning and yes doing something nice for other people so often helps us to feel better about ourselves! Well done for getting back to yoga practice and getting some feel good stretching in 🙂
    I’m not Irish (well, 1/8th if that counts) but I well know the immersion fears! Ours is in my bedroom and sometimes the sounds it makes I think it’s going to explode :-O

    Three things today;
    1) I fixed myself a scrummy breakfast (5 a day chicken omelette)
    2) I went outside for a walk even though I’m feeling wobbly and hide inside bc the bank holiday is messing with my routine
    3) I had a chat with a friend about being wobbly and not sure why and figured out what it was making me feel all wibbly wobbly and now I feel a little better because I understand what set off the mood change for me 🙂

    Wishing you peace dear Nyxie xxx

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