Recovery takes time, effort, and support. Whether you’re just starting or have been on this path for a while, having simple, effective tools can make a real difference. Recovery Iowa’s 9 Tips to Support Recovery offer practical ways to care for your mind, body, and relationships. These tips are here to help you stay grounded, focused, and moving forward, one step at a time.
Explore the tips below and find what works best for you or share them with someone who might need extra support today. Your journey matters, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Get Active
Care for your body to stay healthy now! Try these easy tips to incorporate physical activity in your daily routine, and promote your path to recovery.

Connect with Your Community
No one is on the path to recovery alone. Consider joining a group of like-minded individuals for social connection and recovery support.

Develop a Budget
Many people find that their personal finances look different in recovery. Try developing a budget to help your financial wellbeing.

Promote Self-Learning
When you start on your recovery journey, it can feel like there’s so much to learn. Try some of the self-guided learning tips to learn how substance use affects your body and brain.

Take Time for Mindfulness
In today’s world, it can be hard to take a moment to yourself. Mindfulness and meditation can help you develop a reflective mindset, and promote recovery.

Connect with Nature
Spending time in nature can help you feel relaxed and clear your mind. Take a moment to connect with the natural world around you.
Think of how you feel when you interact with nature.

Practice Gratitude
Take time each day to reflect through a gratitude mindset. Do this for just a few minutes each day, and, over time, you'll feel calmer, and more connected to the things that matter most.

Spend Time
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to make social connections and learn new skills, all while promoting your path to sustained recovery.

Strive for Good Sleep
Without sleep, we cannot make effective decisions about our lives and the world around us. To promote your recovery mindset, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
