Seeking treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and committing to sober living is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. Once you’ve completed treatment, it is essential to structure your life in ways that keep you feeling great. When you are happy and healthy, it can make sober living easier. 

Structured Environments in Early Recovery

Recovery will look different for each person recovering from SUD because each individual is unique. True recovery is much more than simply abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Early recovery is a time when you will most likely feel vulnerable and experience challenges. Because of this, it is crucial that you use all the skills and tools at your disposal to make sure that you have what you need to succeed.

One way to give yourself extra support in early recovery is to carefully structure your environment and routines. You should always plan to stick to your ongoing treatment plan. Attend all doctor appointments, support group meetings, and therapy sessions as recommended by your treatment team. Incorporating elements into your routine that are specifically designed to help keep you on track is crucial.

You will also need to make sure that your environment and routines outside of those activities are supporting you in sobriety. Try to think of ways to occupy your time that will not only help you avoid triggers but also increase your wellness and satisfaction in your life. This will help you develop a routine that you enjoy and helps you feel good.

Increasing Wellness in Sober Living

There are eight dimensions of wellness that are interconnected and contribute to being healthy in every area of your life. These eight dimensions are: emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual. If you are being mindful of these dimensions in your life, then you can build a daily routine around them. This will help you be the best version of yourself every day.

Daily Routines for Wellness in Sober Living

What are some things that you can do to support your overall wellness in sober living? Your needs will be unique, and you must build a daily routine that works for you and addresses your needs.

Sleep Habits

Getting consistent amounts of quality sleep is essential for good health, both mental and physical. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can make you more vulnerable to stress and cause you to feel more emotional. However, when you consistently go to bed and get up in the morning at the same time each day, you can fortify yourself against triggers. 

Physical Activity

Exercise has many benefits for both physical and mental health. When you get your body moving, you are increasing your strength and improving the way your body functions. You can also get a flood of endorphins in your body, which help make you feel good.  By adding regular physical activity to your routine, you will give yourself a better chance for success in sobriety. 

Healthy Eating

Nutritious meals are just as important as sleep and exercise. When you give your body the fuel it needs, it will be able to perform better. Consistent, nutrient-dense meals are important for your body in early recovery especially. Eating good food as part of your normal daily routine will give your mind and body the strength it needs to stay committed to your goals.

Tidiness

Keeping your personal space tidy can help you stay organized and create a sense of control in your life. When you take pride in your environment, it can help you feel a sense of peace and belonging. Devoting a small amount of time to cleaning and organizing each day can help you feel structured as well. It can be something simple, like doing the dishes after dinner every night. Your personal space can be a reflection of your mental space, so keeping it tidy and avoiding chaos will improve your feelings of wellness.

Hobbies

Having things to occupy your time that you are interested in and enjoy can be a great way to boost your mental health in sober living. When you find something that you can add to your daily routine that will stimulate your mind and bring you pleasure while also keeping you committed to sobriety, it can be the best feeling in the world. There are many different options for hobbies that this part of your routine can be wonderfully unique and personal. 

Sober Living With Malibu Wellness Ranch

At Malibu Wellness Ranch, we understand that there is more to treatment and recovery than just detoxification and avoiding substances. It is important to us that each of our clients have opportunities to find joy in their lives. We offer a variety of adventure-based therapies and recreational activities on our 800-acre ranch. Malibu Wellness Ranch encourages individuals to take a holistic approach to their recovery. We want them to develop skills and discover activities that will benefit them long after their time with us is over.