6 Healthy Habits You Need to Stay Strong During Recovery
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Are you recovering from the hard knocks of life and looking to turn your life around? Whether it’s PTSD from a traumatic event or battling COVID fatigue, seeking treatment is a big first step to reclaiming your life, but you’ll need to change some of your daily habits to maintain your new direction. To help fend off triggers that may send you backward or downwards, start by incorporating these six positive changes into your regular routine.
Create an Exercise Plan
You need strength and energy to push through recovery. According to
, regular exercise is a good way to boost your energy levels and keep your mind and body feeling strong. Even a brisk 20-minute walk a few times a week is enough to keep you going, but try mixing up your workouts to create a lasting habit. For a positive start to each day, pick up an exercise mat, weights, and resistance bands to practice strength training at home and try to make workouts a part of your morning routine.
Enjoy Some Sunshine
Vitamin D is essential for fending off feelings of depression and fatigue. Where do you get this “happy” vitamin? From the sun! Just 10 minutes of sunlight a day is enough to help your body produce the chemicals that can make you feel happy and full of energy throughout your recovery. Of course, this isn’t the only benefit of being outdoors, so plan for a little time outside every day. Go for an afternoon walk or enjoy your morning cup of tea outside. You can even grab your phone and go for a jog — just don’t forget to purchase an armband or FreeTrain Body Vest for your smartphone to ensure you won’t lose track of your favorite device during your excursion. Breathe in the fresh air and feel the connection to nature and the world around you.
Make Healthy Food Choices
Healing is an essential part of recovery, and a healthy diet can help you heal and feel better faster. Try eliminating processed foods, added sugars, salts, and fats from your meals. Incorporate more whole foods and healthy grains in your diet to feel your best as you maintain your new direction. You may even want to consider transitioning to a plant-based diet for added health benefits. Recent studies have shown that a vegetarian diet can lengthen lifespans and reduce your risk for illness and stress, both of which can cause you to relapse. If salads typically aren’t for you, look for ways to change things up to keep it interesting as you build discipline for consistency.
Find Some Hobbies
Stress is one of the most common triggers that cause people to stray from their recovery, as is boredom. Reduce your stress and doldrums by picking up some fun, engaging hobbies. Hobbies can calm the mind and give you a productive outlet for downtime and negative emotions. Try something that allows you to create, such as gardening or art. You can get into gardening no matter where you are, using containers or pots if you lack a yard. Gardening is a great way to pass time and improve your mental health.
Make Time for Yourself
Between work, recovery, and family responsibilities, life can feel so busy. In all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s important to set aside some time for real self-care. Take a few minutes each day for some mindful meditation or take a yoga break in the middle of the day. Use this time to reflect on your emotions and to find peace.
Develop Good Sleep Habits
Your mind and body need sleep to survive and stay healthy. Make sure you are getting the rest you need during recovery by practicing sound sleep routines. Set a regular bedtime and try to wake up at the same time each morning. To keep yourself on a good cycle, try to take a couple of hours before bed to relax and release your mind from stress and thoughts. Turn down the lights and turn off your screens, and then get into some soft, cozy pajamas.
Recovering from troubled times should be your main focus right now, which means creating healthy routines. Incorporating positive habits into your life can help you feel stronger and be healthier. So take back your life, and your health, from difficult days and reclaim your happiness.
