Your Wellbeing is Key to Influencing Positive Change

Jan 14, 2025

Creating a Simple Model & Plan for Your Wellbeing—Regardless of What Your Loved One Is Doing

There’s a quiet irony in the journey of loving someone in addiction. While you pour yourself out in the name of care, your own wellbeing can wither in the shadow of their struggle. The world narrows to their needs, their crises, their recovery, while your sense of self—your vibrancy—dims in the background. But what if you could create a sanctuary for yourself, a simple model for wellbeing that remains steady no matter what storms they face?

This is not about abandoning them. It’s about anchoring yourself. Because when your foundation is strong, you’re better equipped to weather the winds of their journey without losing your footing. Let’s explore how to craft a plan that prioritises your mental, emotional, and physical health—a plan that is yours to hold, regardless of what they do or don’t do.

Planting Seeds of Wellbeing

Imagine your life as a garden. When you focus solely on your loved one, you might tend their patch diligently while neglecting your own. The soil becomes dry, the plants wither, and the weeds of burnout creep in. Creating a model for your wellbeing is like tending to your own garden. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. A flourishing garden not only nourishes you but also offers shade and beauty for those around you.

The Three Pillars of Wellbeing

To create a plan for your wellbeing, think of it as building on three sturdy pillars: Mind, Body, and Connection. These pillars support a balanced life, no matter the chaos around you.

1. Mind: Cultivating Clarity and Calm

Your mental health is the cornerstone of your wellbeing. To care for your mind, consider:

Daily Mindfulness Practices: Even five minutes of deep breathing or meditation can centre you.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts, fears, and hopes. It’s a safe space to untangle emotions.
Setting Intentions: Start your day with a simple affirmation: “I will prioritise my peace today.”

2. Body: Nourishing Your Physical Self

Your body carries the weight of your emotions, so tending to it is crucial:

Move Daily: Whether it’s a walk, yoga, or a dance in your kitchen, movement releases stress.
Eat to Nourish: Choose foods that energise you and support your health. Stay hydrated.
Rest: Sleep is non-negotiable. Create a bedtime routine that signals your body it’s time to unwind.

3. Connection: Building Supportive Relationships

Connection is the antidote to isolation. Surround yourself with people who uplift and understand you:

Find Your Circle: Join support groups for families of those in addiction, or lean on trusted friends.
Schedule Time for Joy: Plan regular activities with loved ones who bring light into your life.
Set Boundaries: Connection thrives in relationships that respect your limits.

Crafting Your Plan

Now that you have the pillars, it’s time to bring them into your daily life. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your wellbeing plan:

Reflect on Your Needs: What are you missing right now? More rest? Emotional support? Movement?
Set Small Goals: Start simple. Aim for one mindful activity a day, a walk three times a week, or a weekly coffee with a friend.
Make It Visible: Write your plan down and place it somewhere you’ll see it daily. A sticky note on the fridge or a page in your journal works well.
Check In Regularly: Take five minutes at the end of each week to assess what’s working and adjust as needed.
Celebrate Progress: Honour the steps you take, no matter how small. Each one is a victory for your wellbeing.

A Plan That Stands, Regardless

The beauty of this model is its independence from your loved one’s actions. Whether they’re thriving or struggling, your plan remains a constant. It’s a gift you give yourself—a declaration that your wellbeing matters, too. When you nurture yourself, you create a ripple effect of strength and resilience that benefits everyone around you.

Tending Your Garden

The work of self-care is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Like a garden, it requires patience, consistency, and love. There will be days when weeds of doubt creep in, or when the rain of life feels relentless. But remember, your garden—your wellbeing—is a place of refuge. Tend to it with care, and it will sustain you through the fiercest storms.

So, what seeds will you plant today? A moment of stillness? A walk under the open sky? Whatever you choose, know this: every small act of care is a step towards a life that blooms in beauty and balance, no matter what lies beyond your garden gate.