When a loved one is going through recovery, we often focus all of our efforts on helping them. Self-care is something that we tend to forget, but it's vital. Remember that when we help ourselves, we can better help our loved one.

Choosing Self-Care

You don't have to choose between your self-preservation and that of your loved one. Your emotional resilience, physical health, social support system, and perspective on change are contributing factors to their recovery. Practicing self-care is different for everybody, but it boils down to doing things that keep you healthy, which is necessary if you are going to be there for someone else. 

The Benefits of Self-Care

Practicing self-care allows you to cultivate the internal resources needed to do for others, such as empathy, patience, and compassion. You are also setting an example. If you can take care of yourself through these difficult times, so can they. 

Practicing Self-Care

You should feel hopeful about your life and do things that you believe will benefit you physically and emotionally. Here are a few examples of self-care activities that might help you:

  • Meditation

  • Journaling

  • Having a spa day

  • Exercising

  • Getting adequate amounts of sleep

  • Listening to relaxing music

  • Spending time with people who give you support

  • Doing things that make you laugh

Remember that even though you both need oxygen, you should put on your oxygen mask first.