Your overall health is so important in recovery. Not just your physical health, but your mental health as well. You want to try and always make informed, healthy choices that positively support your overall well-being. Every aspect of your life affects your welfare; your job, your living situation, your friends, family, hobbies – it’s imperative that all of these things are a positive influence throughout your recovery. While every day won’t be rainbows and roses, if there is a constant negative in your life, you know you need to make a change in that area.

Everyone knows the saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.” So basically if there’s an aspect of your life that is impeding your continued wellness, it’s time to make a change. If you don’t make a change, the cycle continues and you’ll be left feeling like you’re in the movie Groundhog Day where you’re reliving the same day over and over again, wondering why you’re still in this rut. It’s not easy making a big change in your life, but the end result will allow you to feel relief and never be afraid to ask for help or to confide in someone you trust if you feel like you need guidance in order to get on the right track. You’ve already come so far in your journey to let any obstacle stand in the way of making your life better.

Always remember, it’s not a marathon; your recovery or life in general. You don’t need to be going full speed at all times and you have to know your limits. You know what you can handle physically and mentally and while stimulating your mind and body in healthy ways is good, overexertion isn’t conducive to keeping a clear head and can cause setbacks which you don’t want. You always want to be in control of your own life and not feel as if you’re being pulled in every direction by other people, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and having no time for yourself. It’s all about balance and being able to be there for others as they’ve been there for you, as well as making sure you have time to do the things you want and need to do. Never allow yourself to be spread too thin.

Being an inspiration for others and giving back is a great way to maintain health and wellness in your recovery. Remember all those people along your journey who inspired you to keep going and how that felt for you. You can be that person for someone and helping others (within reason) always leaves you feeling good at the end of the day. Pay it forward, right? You know your mind and body and while it’s helpful to consume tips on how to continue being mentally and physically healthy throughout your recovery, it’s important to always listen to your body and mind because no one knows you better than you; just take it one step at a time.