ADVICE –
July 7, 2025 – Getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep helps to focus the mind and gives it clarity to be able to make appropriate decisions. Without adequate rest, it becomes harder to think clearly, manage emotions, and cope with everyday challenges. … Ongoing therapy is a valuable part of self-care because it provides structured accountability not just for actions but also for feelings.
In the constant go of life, it can be easy to start operating on autopilot, which can cause neglect for the emotional aspect of self-care.
Staying busy during recovery is common, but Vidauri Luna warns that constantly being on the go can leave little room for meaningful self-reflection.
“Making time for self-reflection is a powerful self-care technique because it helps you check in with yourself, identify areas for improvement, and offer yourself the grace you might be withholding,” Vidauri Luna says.
When you take time to intentionally reflect, you may realize you’re neglecting your physical health because you’re not getting enough sleep or that you’re missing out on quality time with your children because you’re always busy.
In recovery, journaling is a valuable self-care tool that allows you to keep track of thoughts and emotions throughout the day and can be influential in helping to process strong feelings, which naturally come up in long-term recovery.
Additionally, Vidauri Luna notes that patients sometimes arrive at therapy sessions having forgotten what they want to discuss. Keeping a journal helps make it easier to stay focused during therapy.
