When you're struggling with mental illness, the road to recovery can be difficult. Aspects of daily life may be triggering and leave you feeling vulnerable. While you can't control the challenges you might face, you can try your best to prepare yourself for them. It's important to develop strategies to maintain your mental wellness when life gets difficult. 

Self-care has been a popular topic in recent years, and for good reason. It's crucial to take time for yourself, especially during a mental health recovery. Even if you're feeling well now, good habits can be your saving grace when life throws you hurdles. Practicing self-care behaviors will protect your progress and make you more confident in your healing.

Whether you are a rehab program veteran or have addressed your symptoms with medication, these self-care practices can help you maintain your recovery.

Seek Counseling

If you're graduating from a mental health rehab center, most programs offer outpatient services to further support your progress post-residency. Although you may feel ready to leave counseling behind, a therapist can give support while you transition back to daily life. An outpatient therapist can also provide a sense of stability and give you the tools needed to overcome challenges in your recovery. 

Even if you haven't experienced an inpatient program, outpatient therapy can be an essential component of your mental health journey. Therapists and counselors give their clients a personalized plan so that they can work on healing on a timeline that fits their needs. You can find care through an online search or through your primary care provider. Ideally, they'll be able to point you to therapists whose services are covered by your health insurance. Increasingly common video options have made therapy more flexible and budget-friendly as well.

Counseling is vital for anyone trying to make strides in their mental health recovery. Your relationship with your therapist can help you feel stable and will ensure you always have support during difficult times.

Embrace Routine

When you're striving to create safety and consistency in your life, developing a new routine is a great place to start. Having a regular rhythm in your life can bring comfort and joy into your everyday. This might be as simple as dedicating 10 minutes to playing with a pet or taking a mid-morning tea break. The right routine will become something that you look forward to.

Introducing a routine also keeps you accountable by helping you remember to take medications or get your body moving. Try adding a short walk after a day of work or sign up for a yoga class. These additions to your schedule will provide a mental break while contributing to your physical health.

While your routine should include your must-dos, don't forget to make it enjoyable for yourself as well. Incorporating activities that make you happy will improve your emotional well-being and keep you on your path to healing.

Establish Boundaries

You can't always control the people or environments that trigger you, but you can take steps to limit them. Begin by identifying situations that affect you emotionally by observing patterns in your mood and behavior. Once you name those main triggers, you can begin to set boundaries in your life. For example, if a specific person always worsens your anxiety, you might limit the time you spend with them. 

Once you've determined your boundaries, it's equally important to communicate your expectations. If someone is consistently crossing a line you've established, a conversation may be needed for them to understand your needs. Say, for instance, that a friend keeps inviting you to post-work drinks although you're trying to reduce your alcohol consumption. You'll need to make it clear that while you're happy to meet at a coffee shop, bar-focused gatherings are off limits. Those who respect you will also respect your boundaries.

Preserving your mental wellness requires protecting your own space and safety in relationships. Establishing boundaries will help you feel more in control and shielded from the situations that bring you the most stress.

Maintain a Support System

Having the emotional support of friends and loved ones can be integral to your recovery. Even if you find it difficult to be social at times, it's crucial that you maintain your relationships to those closest to you. Loneliness can negatively impact your well-being, and you never want to find yourself alone when you're struggling.

Take action by reaching out to those who bring positivity into your life and have been consistently helpful throughout your mental health journey. With today's technology, getting in touch has never been easier. If you're finding it hard to get out of bed, try organizing a video call or start a group chat. Connecting with a close friend or family member can boost your mood and motivate you to make further efforts to socialize. 

Keeping your strong support system close will help you less alone and more confident. When you experience a setback, having loved ones by your side can make a huge difference in your recovery. 

Healing Takes Time

While these self-care strategies are essential to your continued healing, it's important to remember that the path to mental wellness is not linear. The time and effort put into recovery will vary from person to person, and it's completely normal to experience setbacks. Starting self-care habits while you're feeling your best will aid your stability and protect the progress that you've made.