One aspect of recovery that many people struggle with is learning how to self-love. Millions of Americans struggle with sobriety and self-love, so if you are too, you are certainly not alone.
In fact, shame and self-hatred are often involved in addiction—and they don’t just stop because you abstain from substance use. There is a lot of healing that needs to be done as you embark on this journey.
Below are five simple, yet effective ways to engulf yourself in self love as you proceed down the path of recovery. And, it’s the best kind of love, because it comes directly from you!
1. Own Your Past
There is a lot of stigma surrounding addiction. In fear of being judged, many people choose to hide their struggles with substance use. While you should never have to share more than you want, it’s important to own your past. Denying or suppressing it can halt your healing journey. Experiencing addiction is part of your story. You are still in control of your future, and you are working hard to improve your life. Be proud of yourself for seeking help and putting in the work to get better. This is the best gift you can give yourself and others.
2. Forgive Yourself
When you accept your past, you also give yourself the chance to forgive. Don’t hang onto things too tightly—the past is the past and you can’t change it. However, you have the power to forgive yourself and move on. Making mistakes doesn’t mean you have to pay for them forever. When you make amends and move on, you are putting yourself on a path of self-love. This will also make it easier to deal with the guilt and shame you may be feeling right now.
3. Avoid Negativity and Perfectionism
Two things that can impede your recovery are negativity and perfectionism. Negative self-image occurs when you have a pattern of negative thoughts about yourself. It’s difficult to change this way of thinking overnight, but you can take steps in the right direction by thinking positively. The more you do this, the more your brain gets used to it and repeats it.
In terms of perfectionism, expecting yourself to be perfect will only result in disappointment. You are human and you are allowed to make mistakes. Recovery will be filled with ups and downs, and it’s possible for relapse to occur. But all these things do not mean failure. All that matters is that you pick yourself up and try again.
4. Improve Your Lifestyle
It’s important to create a lifestyle that embraces substance-free living. A structured routine will outline your day and how you should spend your time. Be sure to include exercise, healthy meals, time to relax, and time spent with positive people. You should also find hobbies and activities to fill your time, such as reading, gardening or volunteering. A life filled with healthy activities and happy thoughts keeps you more engaged and decreases the risk of relapse.
5. Continue Therapy
Therapy doesn’t just help you overcome addiction. It also gives you a safe, non judgemental space to talk about what’s bothering you. This is why therapy can be an excellent tool for treating anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. You can learn new ways to cope, as well as tips and strategies for dealing with stressful situations. Stress is a normal part of life, so it’s important to have effective ways of dealing with it. If you like what therapy is doing for you, consider joining an outpatient program. This way, you can take advantage of various therapeutic interventions under one roof, without the demands of a more intensive program.
Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Services in Agoura Hills, CA
Substance use affects every aspect of life. When you start recovery, you have a lot of cleaning up to do, and this can feel overwhelming as you confront your past, make amends and learn new ways to cope. Discovering self-love in recovery allows you to move in the right direction and feel worthy of the good things that come your way.
If you need help during this process, contact Awakenings Treatment Center. We have convenient outpatient programs with evidence-based and holistic practices—and you get to return home and sleep in your bed at night!
