Recovery from addiction begins with an important step – a choice. When a person chooses life and freedom over dependency, the process of recovery begins. Self-care and recovery are linked together. Persevering on the path of recovery is a form of self-care and indulging in self-care aids recovery significantly.
Decluttering is also a form of self-care with tangible benefits (clutter-free home) and intangible benefits (peace of mind, reduction of stress, and promotion of mindfulness). The process of decluttering itself is cathartic or therapeutic.
The physical environment has a significant impact on the mental health of a person. A cluttered living space can make a person feel claustrophobic, overwhelmed, depressed and anxious. It can also lead to lower productivity and more procrastination.
Addiction is a severe form of substance use disorder (SUD). It is a treatable mental disorder. If you are struggling with SUD and live in the Midlands, UK, centres like Rehab Guide can help you find drug or alcohol rehab in Birmingham. Enhancing mental health with self-care can boost the recovery process. Decluttering, as a form of self-care during addiction recovery, holds several benefits.
How Decluttering Can Benefit the Recovery Process
Distraction and Motivation:
Starting the decluttering process with achievable but ambitious goals will provide motivation and a sense of purpose. Creation of such a plan requires an assessment of the living space (however cursory), division of the space into areas for decluttering, and a system for proceeding. There will be decisions involved, regarding things to keep, donate and discard. All of this planning and decision-making is useful as a distraction from cravings. Decluttering can serve as a simple coping strategy.
Getting Rid of Barriers to Recovery:
Since the previous lifestyle might have revolved around substance use, there still might be substance use paraphernalia around the house. Coming across such items at an unprepared time might lead to cravings and disrupt the recovery process. Decluttering with mental preparation can help you get rid of the items that might serve as barriers to recovery. Getting rid of unnecessary and extra items will also free up space for things
Exercise and Avoidance of Boredom
Exercise is recommended during the recovery process. It helps undo some of the physical and mental damage caused by substance abuse. Boredom is also a relapse trigger. Decluttering involves much mental and physical activity, leaving no room or time for boredom.
Creation of a Positive Place:
An organised living space reduces anxiety and stress, both of which are relapse triggers. Through decluttering, you can create an organised space that makes you feel calm. Your place should give you positive vibes. Getting rid of clutter will help you get rid of negative feelings as well.
Establishment of a Routine
Routines are also recommended for sobriety. Maintenance of an organised space requires regular decluttering. Creating a decluttering routine helps capitalise on all of its benefits. The sense of accomplishment after a decluttering session, and the boost in self-esteem will motivate you to adhere to your decluttering routine. You might even make it a part of your daily routine.
Declutter and Sort Away!
A tidy, clutter-free living space is just the additional benefit (or one of the beneficial outcomes) of decluttering. The main benefits lie in the decluttering process itself. Addiction recovery, self-care, and decluttering are all connected. You just have to make the best use of this connection. Embrace decluttering as a valuable tool in the journey of recovery.