Self-care tips

There are a number of strategies you can have in place to deal with times throughout your recovery where you are lacking the motivation to go on. Of course, everybody is different and what inspires some, may not inspire others. You should experiment with different coping strategies in order to determine which options work best for you.

Here are 20 ideas which may help inspire you during the times when you’re struggling through recovery:

• Call the EDV Helpline to talk it through – 1300 550 236 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. from 9.30-5.00 Monday to Friday
  
  
• Call a trusted friend or family member who you can confide in
  
  
• Read some recovery stories
  
  
• Read some self-help or recovery-themed books
  
  
• Attend a Support Group
  
  
• Participate in EDV’s online recovery forum
  
  
• Write in a diary
  
  
• Play a musical instrument or listen to calming music
  
  
• Take a bath
  
  
• Try a quick mindfulness activity
  
  
• Reassure yourself that these feelings are normal, and they will pass
  
  
• Think about the last time you laughed out loud
  
  
• Paint a picture or do some colouring
  
  
• Read a book
  
  
• Do gardening or house work
  
  
• Tear up paper
  
  
• Focus on taking slow, deep breaths for a few minutes
  
  
• Write a letter to a friend
  
  
• Record your thoughts and voices – acknowledge them, and visualise letting them go
  
  
• Go into another room or take yourself to a place that usually makes you feel calm