A common misconception is that health and overall quality of life (QOL) is for those who are already living a healthy, active lifestyle. You’ll often hear people talk about QOL if they are in the field of psychology, if they’re a fitness instructor or if they’re a dietitian, but what about everybody else? The truth is, QOL affects everyone. We all have it, but it’s based on a spectrum. Some of us have poorer QOL than others, and oftentimes it’s due to factors within our control. If you’re currently in recovery for an addiction and/or mental illness, now is the time to really focus on your own QOL. Now is the time for you to create a life that makes you feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled. Before you can do that, you need to get a firm grasp on what QOL means. The dictionary presents a fairly simple and straightforward definition: “The standard of health, comfort and happiness experienced by an individual or group.”
If you do some more research online, you’ll find that the definition of QOL varies between people and organizations, but it’s all centered around the principles of health, comfort and happiness. Consider these 3 criteria right now. How well have you placed them as priorities in your life? What have you been involved in that has contributed positively to these things? For many people, these factors are involved:
- Physical health
- Family
- Education
- Employment
- Wealth
- Safety
- Security of freedom
- Religious beliefs
- Environmental actions
Recovery is an excellent time to start thinking about all of this and what you need to do to maximize your QOL. Obviously, nobody wants to be sick, uncomfortable and miserable – so QOL gives us the power to do what we can considering what we already have. You now have a chance to create a new life for yourself. Nothing is impossible here. You can become the happiest person you’ve ever been. You can start walking daily and eating healthy, and you can feel strong because of it. There are so many steps you can take, and today is when everything starts. Right here, right now.
A 2016 study showed that people considered to have “poor” QOL tend to be physically inactive, eat most meals alone and tend to have an unhealthy lower weight range. These negative QOL factors can be improved, but it takes time and dedication. No matter where you lie on the spectrum, know that recovery is possible. Life can and will get better if you’re ready for it to.
Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit alcohol and drug-addiction treatment center located on the banks of the Cumberland river in Nashville, Tennessee. On a sprawling 177-campus, we are made up of 2 twelve-step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.
Call us today at 1-800-646-9998 to take the next step towards your happiness and health.
