Self-Care in Recovery.
BE THERE FOR YOURSELF BUT DON’T BE ALONE
Take your time, in the first few weeks out of hospital you should really allow yourself to really take it slow. You might feel eager to get back to where you left off however remind yourself what you have gone through and be kind to yourself! Rejoice in the little wins like getting up to go on a short walk. This might also mean getting comfortable with accepting help, your loved ones want the best for you so there’s no benefit to isolating yourself. Keeping up your support network even in recovery can ensure you have a place to express your anxieties or general emotions, much better than letting it all bottle up.
If you haven’t already, joining a support group of like-minded women can aid in gaining a sense of belonging in an otherwise isolating life experience. Support groups give you the chance to develop a community where you can express your feelings to others who likely share the same emotions.
Surround yourself with support
Breast Cancer Network Australia has hundreds of face to face or online support groups to join all around Australia for those who want a safe space for supportive women. Find your local and take advantage of the encouraging and uplifting group of women always looking to welcome more friendly faces. From groups that meet up over a cuppa to those who compete in dragon boat regattas, there really is an option for any woman looking to give and receive physical and emotional support.
DO YOUR BIT TO STAY HEALTHY
During recovery focusing on your health still remains a priority. Evidently, some things are out of our control but focusing on things that make your body feel good both inside and out can allow you to build new healthy habits in recovery.
Eat good, feel good
A nutritious diet consisting of an assortment of colourful food can ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to feel its best. Aside from a balanced diet allowing you to maintain a healthy weight, some foods are full of healing properties that can also aid your body. Herbal teas are a great way to incorporate calming and antioxidant health benefits into your life.
Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants too, proven to not only be good for your heart but alleviate stress as well. Essentially, as long as you feel good about the food you are eating and your body is getting the nutrients it deserves, then you are on the right track to a healthy recovery.
Exercise is also a large part of a healthy lifestyle. Starting small and building up is a great way to ease yourself into becoming more active after life in a hospital. Whether you try out some yoga or aqua-aerobics, find something you love that will get you moving and your body will thank you. Above all, stay as active as you feel comfortable because allowing yourself to heal is of primary importance.
TREAT YOURSELF
Wellness doesn't just mean a healthy body, in reality, our minds should be getting treated just as well as our bodies! Self-love is arguably the most important aspect of self-care, you deserve to have a loving, nurturing and uplifting relationship with yourself, especially during recovery. Self-love is something to be mastered over time, it's not easy for everyone to adjust to. We think the best way to go about building that healthy relationship with yourself is by treating yourself.
How about tonight you go light some candles, draw a bath, pour in some Epsom salts and have a romantic yet calming night to yourself. Maybe you should get stuck into an exciting new book, get lost in the pages. What about getting out into the sunshine and soaking up some much-needed vitamin D. How about treating yourself to a freshly baked good, something about slowly following a recipe can be very relaxing and nothing beats warm chocolate chip cookies after a long day.
Spoil yourself
How about tonight you go light some candles, draw a bath, pour in some Epsom salts and have a romantic yet calming night to yourself.
Have you been thinking about starting that new hobby but didn’t get the chance? In recovery, this is your time to put yourself first, go try knitting or discovering your green thumb, whatever it is that you have been eager to start, there is no time like the present.
What if you dread waking up in the morning? Find a morning routine that gets you eager to start the day. Maybe that means getting out of bed and straight onto your yoga mat to ease yourself into a calm state or picking up the best cup of coffee to warm your insides.
If by the end of the night you tend to feel exhausted and down then why not try writing out what you are grateful for each day at the end of the day. It's proven that you can train your brain to be more positive so, ending your night with a more uplifted attitude will help you finish your day positively.
Whatever you decide to treat yourself with, make sure it helps you prioritise yourself. This is your time to build yourself back up and rejoice in recovery. Don’t forget to ask for help, of course, no one should be alone in their healing. Accept help from those around you and remind yourself to love yourself just as much as they love you.