Recovery. It is a word that can sometimes carry a lot of weight – especially when stigma comes into play. But what if I told you that recovery can be fun, joyful, and filled with new and enjoyable experiences?
Yes, you read that right—recovery can be fun! In fact, a ton of fun! Here is how to sprinkle some joy along the way on your recovery journey.
- Embrace All of the Wins: It is easy to get caught up in big milestones and forget to celebrate all the victories between those. Maybe you made it through a challenging day without returning to old habits. Or perhaps you found yourself laughing at a silly meme when you were feeling down. These little moments of lightness are huge in recovery! So go ahead and give yourself credit for every positive step, no matter how small it may seem to you. Celebrate like you just won the lottery (even if it is winning the day) because you are doing amazing things. Every moment you choose recovery, that you choose yourself, is a victory worth celebrating.
- Create a Playlist for Your Soul: Music can be magic for the soul. The right song can change your entire mood. Make a playlist filled with songs that make you want to dance, sing, or just smile. Songs that inspire hope from within. Whenever you need a boost, throw on your favorite tunes, let go, and let yourself navigate the emotions. Not only will it make you feel better in the present moment, but it can also help shift your mindset – making recovery feel more enjoyable and hope-filled.
- Surround Yourself with Positive Vibes: Who you surround yourself with makes all the difference in any journey—especially one as personal and individualized as recovery. Find people who lift you up, who laugh with you, and who remind you that you can face all that comes your way. Whether it is a support group, a friend who is also an ally, or a family member who stands with you in the good times and the challenging ones, having these healthy support systems around makes the tough times a little less tough.
- Find Your Inner Child Again: Remember when being a child was all about play, imagination, and creativity? Well, that same joy, creativity, and imagination is still within you! Tap into your inner child by trying new activities that make you feel lighthearted and free from life stressors. Whether it is coloring in a coloring book, jumping on a trampoline, going on a scavenger hunt, or playing with your pet, these moments of fun can take your mind off the stressors of life and remind you that life is meant to be enjoyed. (And still can be enjoyed!)
- Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine: Sometimes, recovery can feel heavy. Life can feel heavy for any of us. But laughter has an incredible ability to lighten the load. Watch a comedy special, spend time with someone who makes you laugh, watch funny reels, or even try laughter yoga. Laughter releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that boost your mood. Do not underestimate the healing power of a good belly laugh!
- Explore New Hobbies or Revisit Old Favorites: Recovery is a great time to rediscover old hobbies and/or try new ones. Maybe you have always wanted to learn how to cook, start painting, or even take up nature walks (truly, connecting to nature can be a game-changer). These activities can help you reconnect with yourself in a fun, creative way. It is also a great way to connect to your journey and to others!
- Embrace the Journey with Hope: Sometimes, you have to embrace the journey – both the good times, the challenging times, and everything in between. Recovery can be a rollercoaster, but it can also be a beautiful (and fun!) ride. You might find you stumble. You might make mistakes along the way. And that’s OK! It’s part of the process and part of the human experience. Rather than getting caught up in perfectionism or the fear of failure, try to look at the journey with a bit of comfort, joy, and relaxation. Embrace the journey and know that you can do all things!
- Embracing Gratitude is Part of Joy: We may not always be able to control the circumstances, but we can control the perspective we have. Start a gratitude journal or take a moment each day to list a few things you are thankful for. This can be done on paper, in a journal or notebook, in the notes section of your phone, etc. Focusing on gratitude can bring more joy into your life and shift your mindset from “I have to” to “I get to.”
In the end, recovery is a deeply personal and individualized journey. Finding fun in the process, embracing imperfections in the journey, and seeking out moments of laughter and fun can make a huge difference.
So, if you are on a recovery journey right now—no matter what from—remember this: Healing does not have to be exhausting and lack fun. In fact, it can be an adventure. Embrace the fun, and do not forget to laugh along the way. You are doing amazing things!
Published February 6, 2025. By Katherine Melton, MPH, MCHES; Owner of Integrated Wellbeing Consulting. www.integratedwellbeingconsulting.org/.