When you take the journey to addiction recovery, you commit to living a healthier lifestyle. Taking additional measures to improve your health can also enhance your recovery by helping your mind and body function. Discover the benefits of healthy living for people recovering from addiction and how to develop healthy habits post-drug addiction.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Substance abuse harms the mind and body, so recovery involves letting them heal from the damage. An addiction can affect how your organs function and cause you to form unhealthy eating habits. In some cases, a substance impacts the appetite, making it difficult to eat enough food. Depending on your current habits, eating healthy during recovery could mean:
- Getting an adequate amount of food every day
- Drinking enough water to stay hydrated
- Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet
Talk to your doctor about your current diet and ask if you can make any changes to improve your health.
2. Add Exercise to Your Schedule
According to the Harvard Health blog, evidence shows exercise could increase a patient’s chance of a successful recovery. Like healthy eating, performing regular physical activity helps your mind and body recover. Consider these ways to increase your physical activity:
- Take brisk walks
- Join a class or sports organization
- Start regular gardening or lawn work
- Dance to your favorite music
As you can see, you can make this healthy habit enjoyable by doing activities you love.
3. Practice Healthy Sleep Habits
Keeping your body and mind rested will help them heal during the day. To get the most out of your sleep, follow healthy habits such as:
- Getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night
- Going to bed and getting up at similar times every day
- Avoiding caffeine within six hours of bedtime
- Limiting naps
These behaviors help you fall asleep and stay asleep in addition to reducing the chance of disruptive sleep patterns.
4. Form Connections With Others
Your well-being includes social and emotional health. By working on your relationships with other people, you can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness that trigger substance use. Rebuild your social circle by:
- Reconnecting with friends and family
- Going to family counseling with your loved ones
- Forming new relationships at work or activities
The steps you need to take to build connections with others will depend on your personal circumstances. Finding ways to reach out to other people allows you to create a support system throughout your recovery.
5. Nurture Your Interests
Hobbies relieve stress, improve your emotional wellness and keep your mind off triggers. If you already have a hobby you feel passionate about, remember to dedicate time to it. You can also search for new hobbies through:
- Community activities
- Volunteering
- Online classes
- Clubs and organizations
Devoting time to hobbies you love lets you spend less time thinking about a substance and reduces triggers for use.
Learn More About Recovery and BAART Programs
For more information about recovery and opioid use disorder, visit the BAART Programs blog. You can also contact us for assistance with opioid addiction recovery.
