If you have recently completed a drug detox or rehab program, then you’ve likely heard that keeping yourself busy is key during this time. However, everyone is different, and “keeping yourself busy” might mean different things depending on who you talk to.
Keeping this in mind, here are the best self-care practices based on your Enneagram type, from one to nine! More importantly, though, no matter what type you are, all of these self-care activities are perfect if you are recovering from addiction.
Type One: Practice Self-Care on a Schedule
Since they are focused on improving the world around them, type ones tend to be very responsible. However, this can easily lead to stress and perfectionism, and a love of routine sometimes doesn’t help the situation. Practicing relaxing self-care activities on a schedule or including it as a set part of your daily routine can help type ones ease their nerves and relax.
Some suggestions for great self-care activities include going for walks, cooking, taking a nice relaxing bath, or reading a book. Another important thing to note is that most of the above activities help type ones avoid their perfectionism and all of them promote relaxation. The only exception to this is cooking, but if you’re a type one, the perfectionism trait usually works in your favor in this case.
Type Two: Set Aside Time Only For Yourself
Individuals who are type two are known to be very empathetic and spend a lot of their time caring for others. This is an amazing character trait, but it can lead type twos to neglect their own needs. Therefore, these types of people need to set time out of their day to focus on themselves.
Activities like writing and journaling are particularly great for individuals in this group because it can help them to process and recognize their needs and emotions. Things like going for walks and practicing meditation can lead to the same results.
Type Three: Take the Time to Breathe Throughout the Day
Those who are type three are often focussed on work and achieving their goals. This unstoppable energy is commendable, but it can lead to high amounts of stress and anxiety. As a result, taking the time to relax for short amounts of time throughout the day is best for people who are in the type three group.
Doing things like meditating, breathing exercises, cooking, and exercising are great things to do throughout the day. They all promote relaxation in between working or doing other productive tasks. Meditation and breathing exercises are particularly great for those who experience high anxiety levels.
Type Four: Allow Yourself Time for Self-Reflection
People in the type four group are known to be highly emotional and creative. However, they can sometimes seem to be withdrawn from others. According to Briarwood Detox, staying connected to a support system is crucial for any recovering addict during and after alcohol and drug rehab. Talking to close friends and family members over the phone, video chatting, and hosting or attending small visits are great ways for those in addiction recovery to stay connected.
In addition to this, hobbies that allow type fours to express their creativity such as painting, drawing, or playing music are great ways to practice self-care and stay busy. Going for walks, meditating, and having some alone time are also good ways for people in this group to work through their emotions.
Type Five: Focus On the Hobbies You Love In Solitude
Similar to those in the type four group, type fives can sometimes be withdrawn from others. However, that does not mean that they should isolate themselves from close and supportive friends and family during addiction recovery. Individuals in the type five group love to learn, so learning new skills is a great way for these people to practice self-care.
This could be learning about a new topic, learning a new skill, or engrossing yourself into a new hobby. This is also a great way to combat boredom and fill your free time during addiction treatment and recovery.
Type Six: Focus On Anxiety Relieving Activities
Although anyone can experience anxiety, people in the type six group are particularly prone to being anxious. They also enjoy feeling secure and safe. For this reason, being in a stable environment around their support system and having a set daily routine are crucial for these individuals during addiction treatment.
Doing things like preparing a meal, taking a relaxing bath, and reading a book are great ways for them to practice self-care. This is because these activities tend to relieve anxiety and can be done every day. Hobbies that are great for this group include things like knitting, crocheting, or painting.
Type Seven: Get Creative!
Type sevens are driven by the feeling of adventure and spontaneity, and they also tend to be very optimistic. Therefore, going out for surprise outings, getting surprise visits, and going on adventures are always welcome. However, when you are new to sober living, it is important to be careful about the places you go and the people you hang out with.
A great way for these people to practice self-care is being social around those who are supportive of their addiction treatment and will go to places that are free of drugs and alcohol. Going to the movies, eating out at a new restaurant, planning a sober trip, and going to parks are a great way for type sevens to practice self-care and safely express their adventurous side in addiction recovery.
Type Eight: Do Things That Make You Feel Productive
Type eights are known to dislike the feeling of losing control. Therefore, having a routine, keeping up with chores and daily tasks, and spending daily time alone can greatly benefit individuals in this group. Type eights are somewhat similar to those in the type one group in this way.
Therefore, rewarding yourself with a nice book, a home-cooked meal, or a relaxing spa night are great ways for type eights to practice self-care while also avoiding the stressful feeling of not being productive. Hobbies like cooking, sewing, and baking are great for feeling productive and in control as well.
Type Nine: Have Some Quiet Time
People in the type nine group are often stressed out by confrontation and emotionally charged situations. Spending time with people who are calming and understanding is key to minimizing these stressors. Also, having quiet time is a great form of self-care for these individuals. Doing things like reading, playing an instrument, and going for walks are excellent things to do in solitude while still keeping nines busy. Nines may also benefit from breathing exercises and meditation to reduce stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
During addiction treatment and recovery, practicing self-care and keeping yourself busy is crucial. Boredom can be a major addiction trigger for many people, so filling your free time can greatly reduce the chances of a relapse.
Whether you’re a type seven, and you thrive in activities that involve social interaction, or you’re a nine and you often need “alone time” to recharge, you can curate your self-care activities to meet your individual needs in recovery.
While self-care is great, it’s not everything. To minimize the risk of relapse, all recovering Enneagram types should also strive to maintain close contact with a support system, keep themselves busy, and be actively involved in a treatment program or recovery support group.