February e-Newsletter 2023

Wellness in Recovery

Some of you may have read that headline and thought, ‘wait, I’m in recovery, so of course I’m well.’ But recovery has many facets, just putting down the substance is not enough. Overall wellness addresses many areas not just the things that we do to maintain recovery such as meetings, 12-Steps and therapy. The fact that February is American Heart month and the month that we celebrate those we love, I thought a little self-love was in order. So, let’s consider the importance of wellness in recovery.

What is wellness in Recovery? This article from the Faces and Voices website talks about the positive impact of wellness on recovery. It lists the eight dimensions of overall well-being as emotional, financial, social, spiritual, occupational, physical, intellectual, and environmental. But it also encourages us to look towards physical health as a priority, simply because when we are physically feeling well, we’re able to address many of those other areas. Does that mean you have to be a world-class athlete? No, personal health is on a continuum and it’s individual for each person.

So, how does one start? This Healthline article offers several tips on getting started, including obtaining a baseline health check with a physician. Sometimes people in recovery tend to go to the extremes. This is definitely not a way you will want to approach your health goals. A slow and steady committed effort that is sustainable is the best route to go. Easy does It applies here, however, don ’t forget the second part of that saying that is often left out … But Do It. You not only have to make a plan, but you need to execute the plan. There are multiple ways to change behavior. If you think about ways, you’ve already changed your behavior to support your recovery you probably know some of them.

• Writing down the commitment you’re making for healthy changes and the steps involved in making them.
• Taking a personal inventory on what barriers you have internally and externally and review ways you can overcome them.
• Tell another person or 100 people, what your intentions are, and ask if they can help you follow through with your commitment to wellness.
• Be specific and identify what you’re really truly motivated to change. For instance, just stating you want to get healthy is not nearly as achievable or concrete as you want to walk 2 miles per day 5 days a week. There is value in using SMART goals, that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. You can read more about SMART goals here.
• If you continue to struggle with wellness changes, consider enlisting the help of a professional such as a coach or nutritionist.

Finally, be balanced in your efforts, celebrate successes but also honor your efforts. Shame is not productive, be honest but kind in your self assessments. Wellness is not an event, like recovery, it is a process supported by a daily commitment backed by action. My hope for you is that this February, you find that you are loving yourself at least as much as you love others. And that you’re not only a happy valentine, but a healthy one too.

Joi Honer BA CAC CADC
Alumni Coordinator