5 Tips for Maintaining your Recovery whilst Self-Isolating

Social distancing and self-isolation can be a struggle for anyone, but for those with in recovery this period of quarantine can be particularly difficult. You may feel like you’ve lost your sense of routine, feel disconnected with your support network. Add to this, the general uncertainty surrounding the current world as we know it can contribute to anxiety and depression.  “As (people in recovery), we are always told to keep busy. Nothing leads to relapse quicker than boredom.” Mike Jacobsen, a blogger who specialises in substance abuse outreach told Healthline. It is therefore imperative that we try and keep ourselves as occupied as possible during this time. 

Here are 5 simple ways in which you can look after your mental health during isolation:

 1. You can download Zoom for international NA/AA online meetings. Not only do these meetings run for 24 hours a day, but they give you the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world from the comfort of your own home. It also allows you to stay connected with the 12– step process which is an essential component of recovery. 

2. Stay in contact with your support network. Just because you’re in isolation does not mean you have to limit your social contact. Pick up the phone and call your sponsor, friend, family member or whoever else you might usually lean on in everyday life. Often calling for a chat helps to keep us connected and grounded. 

 3. Maintain a routine. This is imperative in looking after your mental health and maintaining your recovery. Get up at the same time you normally would if you were going to work, and you could even use the time you’d usually spend commuting to fit in a home workout or a yoga session. Exercise releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that can lift your mood and reduce stress levels. 

 4. Try something new. Consider this time in isolation as a gift that gives you the opportunity to do things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time. For example, reading a classic novel, tending to your garden, spring cleaning or even learning a new language or instrument can help to keep your mind occupied.  

 5. If you are still worried about your recovery, or even if this time of isolation has given you a period of reflection in which you’ve realised that you might need further support, we implore you to use this opportunity to consider spending time in rehab. Ibiza Calm remains open and are taking all the necessary precautions to protect our patients from Covid-19 whilst maintaining our usual program. Consider this time out from your daily life a gift which allows you to take time to look after yourself mentally and physically. For admissions please contact sharon@ibizacalm.com.

Above all, it is important to remember a statement that we often hear in recovery: This too shall pass.