Whether you are healing from heartache, a physical injury or even drug addiction, there is no denying that the road to recovery can be a long one. What’s more, the withdrawal process makes everything that much harder as you are experiencing lots of mixed emotions that shift your mood in an instant for many reasons.
While such mood swings in recovery are common in most people, it is imperative that you do your best and give your feelings the consideration they deserve. After all, your emotional health is closely related to your physical and mental wellbeing, so if you neglect it, both your body and mind will most likely suffer later on.
Luckily, you can prevent this from happening simply by employing a few strategies to help you improve your mood and boost your energy. Here is a list of five things you can do to power your way through recovery.
Photo by Kinga Cichewicz from Unsplash
Look for motivation in books
One of the most underestimated activities people often overlook when going through recovery is reading books. The truth is books are a great place where you can look for inspiration, motivation and encouragement to give your body and mind the stimulation they need to stay active and healthy.
Plus, reading can also help alleviate any stress you may be feeling by diverting your mind and allowing you to travel mentally in a different realm when doing so. Some of the best books that will keep you motivated are the readings and writings of saints like St Daniel who was known as the patron saint of courage, fortitude and strength.
Rest your body and mind
When you are in recovery, the chances are your body and mind may feel exhausted most of the time. This can easily make you feel agitated and stressed, and even lead to sleeping issues that prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.
That’s why resting during your recovery is important so you can give your body enough time to heal as well as allow your mind to take a break from all the stress you may be experiencing.
To get the rest you deserve, you should consider looking for in home hospital beds to improve your sleep quality and provide safety, comfort and mobility for any physical health conditions you may be recovering from.
Enjoy a healthy outlet
Enjoying a healthy outlet is another effective strategy you can try out to improve your mood during the recovery process. This can be anything from engaging in physical activity to listening to music, activities which release mood-boosting endorphins and will help you find a more positive outlook in hard times like these.
For example, exercising is a great way to boost your mood. Whether it is running, walking or swimming, staying physically active will instantly improve your mental health by reducing anxiety and depression and increasing your self-esteem and cognitive function.
Plus, if you are recovering from an injury, simple strength exercises can speed up the recovery process and get you back on your feet in no time.
Practice meditation
Meditation is another effective technique you can try to improve your mood during the recovery process. If you practice it on a regular basis, it will help you develop mental awareness, lower levels of stress, improve your focus and concentration, control pain and fight addiction.
The great thing about meditation is that it can be practiced in a variety of ways, all of which can be completely customizable to your needs.
For example, the most basic way is to find a quiet place to sit in, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths while you are allowing your mind to wander off as you focus on your breathing.
Get back into your hobbies
When you are in recovery, it is important that you keep yourself busy in any way to divert your mind from the stress or pain you may be experiencing. One of the best ways to do that is to get back into your hobbies.
The truth is hobbies can instantly make you happier and more relaxed as your entire focus will be on the activity you will be doing which will set off your brain’s pleasure sensors, releasing mood-boosting chemicals.
If you don’t have a hobby, don’t worry because there are plenty of fun options you can choose such as photography, drawing, knitting, cooking, gardening and dancing.
Final thoughts
No matter what you are recovering from, the process of getting back to your normal self, feeling strong, brave and happy, can be a long one. However, that shouldn’t be discouraging as there are many ways you can rely on to increase your energy, improve your mood and lower your stress levels.
From reading inspirational writings to taking up a hobby, choose the activity that best suits you and be successful on your road to recovery.
Featured image: Photo by Lettuce Grow from Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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