By Kimberly Hayes
Overcoming addiction is one of the hardest things anyone can do. Whether it’s sex, porn, or drug addiction, there’s no magical way of defeating it that doesn’t require the willingness and motivation to change. However, if you are willing to make some changes in your life, you can beat any kind of addiction out there. And the reward of breaking free from your addiction will by far surpass the struggle of overcoming it.
One of the most essential parts of beating addiction is practicing self-care on a daily basis. And there are ways to foster your health and well-being that don’t involve draining your bank account or consuming all of your time. If you’re serious about breaking free and turning your life around, consider these self-care tips:
Seek Professional Help
Going to therapy is one of the first steps you should consider taking towards recovery. No matter the addiction, counseling provides a place for you to share honestly about your struggles. There are many professionals who have seen it all, and they can help guide you through the psychological, emotional, and physical hardships that come with overcoming addiction. Both individual and group therapy can help you make it through to the other side, and help you fight the urge to relapse.
Take Multivitamins
Even if you’re eating a flawless diet, you still may not be getting all the nutrients your body and mind need. Taking the right multivitamin can change that. Key vitamins such as vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium are essential for helping you thrive in your everyday life. They provide you with more energy and help you feel better overall. They can also improve the health of your gut, skin, nails, and hair. Not all multivitamins are created equally, however, so it’s important to choose a proven brand that emphasizes bioavailability. That way, your body can properly break down and absorb the key nutrients contained in the multivitamin.
Prioritize Diet, Exercise, and Sleep
When it comes to self-care, diet, exercise, and sleep are some of the most critical areas. This is because each of them has a significant impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Try to avoid eating too many ultra-processed foods (e.g., pasta, cereals, cakes, etc.) and drinking sugary drinks, and look for simple and quick recipes based around clean foods. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy—whether it’s HIIT, running, swimming, or any other form of exercise—and try to do it 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Moreover, make sure you’re getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, even if you have to change up your bedtime routine.
Take Advantage of Technology
One benefit of living in the technology age is that there are many apps available that promote self-care. For instance, there are smartphone apps that can help with meditation, diet, sleep, and fitness, among others. Find some useful apps to incorporate in your daily life. Many of them are free.
Stay Connected with Others
Lastly, it’s critical that you not isolate yourself during your battle with addiction. You don’t have to go through it alone, and frankly, you stand a much better chance of overcoming your addiction if you surround yourself with positive relationships. This includes everyone from friends and family to support groups to church. Maintaining a social life can serve as a daily reminder that you’re not alone, and it can prove invaluable in helping you keep a healthy perspective on life.
While overcoming addiction is not easy, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. Set yourself up for success by reaching out to professionals and adding quality multivitamins to your routine. Be sure to prioritize diet, exercise, and sleep, and look into all the self-care apps that could prove helpful. Finally, foster the positive relationships in your life. The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone, and you can come out better than ever on the other side.