According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association recovery is "a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self directed life and strive to reach their full potential." There are four main aspects of recovery: health, home, purpose, and community.
The recovery process is different for everyone. As is what being recovered looks like. The commonalities in the SAMHSA definition can give people in the recovery process a goal to aim for. Actively making healthy choices, having a stable place to live, seeking out a purpose for life, and participating in the community are all part of being a healthy person regardless of the presence of a mental illness.
Recovery is an individual process of self improvement. It focuses on both the mind and the body. Every aspect of life is connected, so if one part is suffering, so are the rest. Recovery from mental illness has to be holisitic or it will not succeed.