Helping Body and Mind In Recovery

Much of the process of addiction recovery focuses on the mind. That's because we understand that addiction stems from a mental disease: Either choosing to abuse the substance, or reaching a point where you are no longer able to choose not to abuse it. The physical aspect of addiction is addressed only in terms of the physiological impacts of withdrawal

And this strategy usually works. But for many people, there can be a great benefit in some attention to their bodies as well. It doesn't necessarily mean things directly tied to the addiction. It can be just some simple pampering. In these cases, a pedicure massage chair can provide just as much help as a chair in a therapist's office.

Consider some of these reasons why massage, nail care, and relaxation techniques can help with the recovery process.

Self-Esteem

Perhaps no stronger weapon exists to fight addiction than good self-esteem. Once you have cleared the hurdles of addiction, you may find yourself engaged in self-loathing, hating yourself for the things that you did during your abuse. It is essential to rebuild your care for yourself and believe that you truly deserve to be happy, healthy, and sober.

Getting spoiled with a massage or mani-pedi will definitely do that! You can't help but to walk away feeling beautiful and healthy when someone has been paying special attention to you. That little bounce you get after a spa day or other indulgence can keep you in a positive frame of mind that will help you steel yourself against the triggers in your world.

Decompressing

Many addictions start with a simple need to unwind. Work is stressful, family problems are mounting, money is tight, or whatever it may be for you, and a bottle or a pill is calling your name.

Massage and other personal care can really help you purge stress from your body. Just being still in a peaceful, quiet atmosphere for a little while can do wonders for you. When you add in the stimulation of some personal attention, you'll quickly see your problems melt away. It's very hard to walk away from the spa feeling as stressed as you felt going in!

Physiological

We all have our daily aches and pains. Things get stiff or sore, and we struggle to get through the day with them. Or we may have specific causes, like uncomfortable shoes, that cause not only pain in the specific site but also throughout the body as we alter our movements to compensate for the discomfort.

Pedicures and massages are underrated as tools to address these issues. A problem with a toenail can really affect your walking, and once your walking is altered, you can have pain from the foot right through the ankle, knee, hip, and even the back.

These issues not only cause a direct desire for alcohol or drugs, they also can disguise your recovery as a painful experience. Getting some personal care will head off that misperception and keep you on track.

As you work through recovery, it's important to address every threat to your ongoing health. What seems at first like a little special treatment to spoil you is actually a very helpful tool to keep you sober and healthy. Don't neglect some spa-style attention for yourself. It will pay greater dividends than you may realize.