The Unsexy Side of Healing: Boring but Powerful Mental Health Tools World Mental Health Awareness Blog Series: Post #3
When you think about your recovery and your healing, you might imagine a life-changing therapy breakthrough, a talk with someone from your Healing Hive or Sobriety Circle that makes things magically click or a topic from your support group that evokes radical change in your journey.
But most of the time? Healing is... kinda boring. It's brushing your teeth when you're depressed. It's turning off your phone at 9 p.m. because you know scrolling won’t help…and it could turn into doom scrolling…which could lead to…well, you know. It's drinking water when you'd rather drink a beer or do drugs to numb what you’re thinking or feeling.
So today, we’re celebrating the unsung heroes of mental health. Those tools that don’t go viral, don’t feel magical, but absolutely keep you grounded when life feels overwhelming.
Why “Boring” Works in Recovery
In early recovery (and let’s be real, sometimes long after), many of us are wired for intensity. Chaos feels familiar. Drama feels like proof that we’re alive. So, when someone says, “Make a bedtime routine,” it can sound… underwhelming.
But the truth is, Consistency is where stability starts and healthy habits form.And that’s where recovery and healing have room to grow too. So, let’s take a look at some “unsexy tools” that can help keep you moving forward on your path toward sobriety and healing.
Unsexy Tool #1: Sleep Hygiene
Yeah, I said it. Regular sleep. (Yawn, literally.) Not revenge bedtime procrastination, not passing out with the TV on, but actual rest.
Set a wind-down time.
Ditch screens 30–60 minutes before bed (I know, I know, we all want to check our socials to see if we’re missing anything, but we need to let go of our FOMO).
Use a white noise machine if racing thoughts show up in our mind.
Same bedtime and wake-up, even on weekends. (I know, I know, that’s worse than ditching our screens, gah!)
Healing gets harder when you're sleep-deprived and cranky.
Unsexy Tool #2: Hydration
It doesn’t get more boring than water, does it? Sometimes when you feel tired, your body could be trying to tell you it’s dehydrated, and asking you for water. Good ol’ water. Not coffee, hot chocolate, or energy drinks, but actual water.
Try starting your day with a glass of water before anything else.
Get a cup or bottle you like (Bonus points if you guess what color mine is…yep, purple).
Add lemon, mint, or cucumber if plain water is just too boring.
Your brain runs on hydration. Give it a fighting chance.
Unsexy Tool #3: Move Your Body
This isn’t about chasing a fitness goal. It’s about telling your nervous system, “Hey, we’re safe. We’re moving. We’re not stuck.”
Stretch.
Walk around the block.
If you don’t have a block, walk around your yard.
If you don’t have a yard, walk around your house.
Dance in your kitchen, family room, bedroom, anywhere you can.
Walk the dog.
Move for five minutes, then celebrate yourself because that’s an awesome Bookender achievement!
Movement helps regulate emotion. Even a little is a lot.
Unsexy Tool #4: Breathing (Yes, Again)
You’ve heard it a million times from me. I repeat it because it works. How do I know? Because I doubted it myself, until I tried using breath work.
Box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4)
5 deep belly breaths while driving or before a hard conversation.
Hands on chest and belly, just noticing.
When your brain is spiraling, your breath can be your anchor.
Unsexy Tool #5: Routines
Routines are building blocks in your recovery and healing. They hold you up if your motivation tanks.
· Morning Routine: Start your day with intention. Hydrate, eat a good breakfast, and set your mindset for the day. Even five minutes of gratitude or stretching can set a positive tone.
· Daily Check-ins: Ask yourself, “How am I feeling today?” Keeping a gratitude journal or simply pausing to reflect can help you recognize triggers before they escalate.
A weekly self-care ritual: grocery shop, reset your space, journal
· Bookend your day (wink, wink) by creating an Evening Routine that gently closes the chapter on your day: Wind down with activities that signal to your brain that it’s time to rest: reading, a warm shower, or affirmations. Avoid screens and overstimulation before bed.
Healing isn’t always fireworks.
It’s showing up on the days when nothing feels like it's changing. It’s choosing the better option, even if it doesn’t feel like it’s “working” fast enough.
But these small, consistent practices? They’re the real MVPs. Healing doesn't have to look exciting to be working.
A Quick Reality Check
You might be thinking:
“This all sounds nice, but I can’t even get out of bed some days.” That’s okay. Start where you can.
One glass of water.
One stretch.
One breath.
Healing and recovery don’t ask for perfection. It asks for participation.
Try This
Pick one of these “boring” tools and commit to it for a week. Then ask yourself:
Did I feel more grounded?
Was I less reactive?
Did I have more energy or clarity?
Track it in a notebook. Or not. Just notice.
You don’t need big breakthroughs every day. You just need to keep showing up. Even when it's not sexy. Next time someone asks, “What’s working for your mental health?” Feel free to say: “Honestly? Water, sleep, walking around the block while appreciating what’s around me.”
Because sometimes, the most powerful healing and recovery is the quiet kind.
If you have any questions about recovery and healing tools, feel free to reach out. I love hearing from readers and supporting your journey. Just a heads up: I respond to all emails, except from solicitors.
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Sending positive vibes your way,
Laura
