How To Avoid A Relapse: Secret #5 Make Self-Care A PriorityHow To Avoid A Relapse: Secret #5 Make Self-Care A Priority
I Love Being Sober
Tim Westbrook talks about making self-care a daily priority to reduce the risk of relapse and build a grounded, sober life. He shares his own routines and offers practical ideas for mind, body and spiritual wellbeing during early recovery.
17:17•7 Jun 2022
Secret #5: Why Self-Care Might Be Your Best Defence Against Relapse
Episode Overview
- Self-care across mind, body and spirit is described as essential for avoiding relapse, especially in the first year of sobriety.
- A consistent morning routine with sleep, breath work, prayer, meditation and gratitude is presented as a foundation for a stable day and life.
- Regular movement—whether walking, high‑intensity training, yoga or similar—helps boost resilience, mood and physical health.
- Additional practices like sauna, ice baths, red light therapy, and routine medical and dental care are shared as practical self-care tools.
- Prioritising your own wellbeing first is framed as the only way to truly be present and helpful to family, friends and others in recovery.
“If you want to avoid a relapse, you must take care of yourself and you must make self-care a priority.”
Ever wondered what it takes to stay sober when life keeps throwing triggers your way? This episode of *I Love Being Sober* zooms in on one core idea: making self-care a non‑negotiable part of recovery.
Host Tim Westbrook speaks directly to people in their first year of sobriety, stressing that “getting clean and sober is so much more than just stopping the drinking and stopping the drugging.” He explains that being grounded mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically is what helps you hold steady when cravings, stress, or old habits show up.
His message is clear: “We believe that a relapse or a slip is not a part of recovery.” You’ll hear Tim openly share how self-care transformed him from a people‑pleasing, codependent mess into someone stable, secure, and able to support others. He jokes about “big self-care days” and then breaks down what that actually looks like: seven to eight hours’ sleep, an unhurried morning routine, breath work, prayer, meditation, journalling, reading, and time with his dog, Wayne.
Gratitude is a daily practice too, shared via text with other Alcoholics to keep him out of victim mode and focused on what’s going well. Physical self-care gets just as much attention. Tim talks about high‑intensity classes, running, hiking, biking, yoga, and even sauna sessions, ice baths, and red light therapy as ways to build resilience and a stronger immune system.
He also highlights practical basics many neglected during active addiction: regular dentist and doctor visits, therapy, haircuts, and staying away from constant negative news. The heart of the episode is a simple idea: like the oxygen mask on a plane, you have to look after yourself first, or you’re “no good for anybody.” For anyone worried about relapse, this is a straightforward, relatable guide to turning self-care from a guilty luxury into a lifesaving priority.
Which part of Tim’s routine could you start experimenting with today?
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