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Practicing Self-Care Safely Amid Social Distancing Guidelines

Now that we’re at the end of 2020 with still months to go before the general public is vaccinated, it’s safe to say that COVID-19 has taken a toll on our collective mental health. Social distancing guidelines have kept us apart from our loved ones, millions of Americans have been laid off from their jobs and have experienced difficulty finding new employment, and as the death toll continues to rise in the United States, people are still fearing for the health and safety of their families.

The last year hasn’t been easy for people in recovery, either. It’s well known that isolation can exacerbate a person’s addiction and loneliness can tempt a person in recovery to begin using alcohol or drugs again. If you’ve experienced financial strains, as many people have, you may also be feeling overwhelmed and feel a pull to turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope.

Fortunately, there are many healthy coping strategies out there that you may have learned in your treatment program or have found online. While some aren’t realistic given our country’s social distancing guidelines, there are plenty of activities you can do in the safety of your home to care for your mental health.

1. Journaling

Journaling is a powerful tool people use in recovery and can be practiced safely by yourself in the comfort of your home. By journaling every day, you can keep a record of your growth as a person and set goals you can achieve. Journaling is also a great way to express your emotions or grievances that you may have trouble expressing to others.

2. Yoga and Meditation

If you’ve practiced yoga or meditation in rehab before, you’re likely aware of the many benefits of these activities and how they can improve your mindfulness. These activities can also be practiced solo and can even be done in your backyard or in a quiet park. If you wish to learn yoga techniques for others, there are also a variety of classes you can find online.

3. Exercise

Getting outside after long periods of time spent indoors is key, especially amid COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders. Exercising is wonderful for your mental health and is often recommended by doctors to aid recovery and treat mental disorders. It can be a helpful boost, especially during the winter when countless Americans are suffering from seasonal affective disorder.

4. Virtual Therapy or Support Groups

Just because we can’t gather in groups in person anymore doesn’t mean your support group meetings or therapy sessions have to stop entirely. People in recovery are encouraged to continue their treatment and take advantage of virtual platforms like Zoom or FaceTime. Though virtual social interactions aren’t the same, they still offer opportunities to connect and continue working on your development.

If you have relapsed, however, or have developed an addiction, there’s no need to be ashamed. This year has been challenging for everyone and making mistakes is a normal part of life. We suggest you find a detox facility where you can safely rid your body of toxins and get back into recovery.

Call Mount Sinai for Detox Treatment

Our team at Mount Sinai Wellness Center is pleased to offer patients a variety of treatment options for addiction, including a specialized medical detox program. We strongly recommend you seek out our services if you’re ready to detox, as the withdrawal process can not only be uncomfortable but also dangerous for your health. In our safe facility, your progress can be monitored by medical professionals who care about your well-being.

If you’re ready to reclaim your life, Mount Sinai Wellness Center is here to help. Contact us for comprehensive residential addiction treatment online or by phone today at (800) 353-4673.

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