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Workweek Wardrobe Tips For Your Post-Treatment Plan 

man sips coffee at work

Returning to work after treatment can make you feel anxious for many reasons. Perhaps you are returning to an environment that may have been traumatizing, or one in which you behaved out of character as a result of your addiction. Perhaps you are working towards becoming employable or changing fields and don’t know how to navigate the ever-changing definitions of “professional” or “business casual.” Here are some helpful hints to minimize stress in the adjustment period that can  also be utilized as long term skills in recovery: 

Wear A Uniform, Even If You Don’t Have To

Not having to expend mental energy on choosing a comfortable and appropriate outfit frees it up for higher priority tasks like hygiene, checking traffic on your route, and packing meals, snacks, and hydration. Until you receive a formal dress code, it is usually a good practice to avoid open-toed shoes, ripped or dirty clothes, shorts, sleeveless shirts, and clothes or accessories with potentially controversial slogans or images. If you’re wondering if it’s appropriate, it probably isn’t. Trust your gut! 

Build A Solid Foundation

Five button-down or polo shirts or blouses, three pairs of slacks or pants, and a few basic accessories such as ties or necklaces are good staple items. Having interchangeable options gives you more time for meetings, therapy, social or family time, and self-care so your schedule isn’t bottlenecked by having to do laundry every other day. 

Enlist Expert Advice

Visit a department store that offers personal shopping services. A stylist can tell you which colors, fabrics, and cuts work for you, which will help you shop more efficiently and reduce dressing-room meltdowns induced by clothing items that don’t make you feel confident. Try asking someone whose style you like if they’d be interested in going shopping with you, or for advice on good stores or brands. Nationwide, Goodwill centers offer courses, as well as other training and education programs to help update skills and increase opportunities. 

Creatively make the most of your budget 

Spending $10 on tailoring will make clearance gems and thrift store scores look like a million bucks and you will feel great about having saved money, especially if you have some financial amends to make or are starting over from scratch. 

At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms.  We use an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan.  We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.