If you're recovering from addiction, you should be so proud of yourself and your strength to endure what has surely been a difficult struggle. However, for so many of us on the path to recovery, the trap of slipping self esteem can be an easy one to fall into. By rebuilding your self esteem every day, you can improve your chances of staying on the path to recovery.
Here are 6 ways you can rebuild your self esteem after addiction.
1. Go back over your achievements and strengths every day.
Start by making a list of all of your achievements, especially getting clean. Try to add to or at least read that list every day.
2. Don't compare yourself to others.
Always remember that you're an individual and no one is perfect. Instead of focusing on what other people are doing, stay concentrated on how well you're doing.
3. Accept compliments and cherish them.
Instead of turning away or dismissing compliments, accept them with a big thank you and a genuine smile. Especially when friends or family congratulate you on your sobriety, be proud.
4. Keep good company.
Hang out with people who are positive. If you have a negative influence or person in your life, step back and don't let them drag you down. As a recovering addict, you're on the biggest uphill climb of your life, you can't afford to be pulled down by someone else.
5. Keep active.
Regular exercise is a great to get your endorphins flowing, your body image soaring and your body rebuilding. If you feel healthy and look good, you can't help but feel great about yourself. Start with a short walk every day, gradually working your way up to taking on a more strenuous activity every day.
6. Spread the love.
You'd be amazed at how effective being nice is at boosting your own self esteem. Try giving one person a compliment each day or doing one nice thing for someone at least once a week. You'll not only feel better about yourself, but you'll begin to feel the positive blowback of your efforts.
Above all else though, take action, even if it's just a baby step, and don't let yourself get down if you can't do it all. Remember, if you can't squeeze in a 3-mile run, you can still take a 15-minute walk around the block.
