In addition to innovative therapies, medically managed detox, and expert counseling, it’s logical that exercise would be another helpful component for those recovering from substance use disorder and addiction. In fact, it has been said that physical fitness may be one of the most powerful tools for sobriety.
So it’s worth examining the correlation between exercise and addiction recovery and the importance of healing the body, as well as the mind, throughout the recovery process. For those struggling with substance use disorder and who are seeking to re-establish health and wellness, a positive first step is to find a recovery center that treats the whole person’s health and well-being, not just the addiction.
It’s about learning healthier ways to cope when things get tough on the path to sobriety. If you’re looking for a physical wellness program in Texas with a holistic approach to recovery, Grace Counseling may be a good fit.
Benefits of Exercise in Addiction Recovery
It’s widely known that physical activity is one of the cornerstones of good health. It can reduce stress, build strength and help keep the pounds off. Because exercise provides the unique opportunity to improve both physical and mental health simultaneously, it’s one sure way to support an individual’s recovery efforts. And staying busy, particularly in the initial stages of recovery, is necessary.
While many of the primary effects of addiction occur in the brain, the rest of the body can suffer as well. Taking up a new exercise regime or rekindling your interest in a sport you used to enjoy can help keep your mind off activities that remind you of substance use. Here are some health and wellness benefits of incorporating exercise into your day:
- The routine and structure of regular exercise help to fill your time and thoughts with something new.
- Exercise is a great way to get a natural rush of happiness from dopamine to re-energize your outlook on life.
- Aerobic activity is important to maintaining a healthy weight, which is particularly helpful during addiction recovery.
Almost any activity that gets the body moving can produce the natural pain killer endorphins and help eliminate cortisol, one of the body’s main stress hormones. Exercising during recovery helps a person reintroduce healthy endorphins back into their system while building a stronger and more resilient body. Sure, you can power walk around a track or run on a treadmill, but why not try something new to you like one of the following:
- Yoga
- Dancing
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Tennis
- Weight lifting
Exercise and other active health and wellness habits have a powerful impact on mood, energy levels, and self-image for a person dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of recovery. The brain’s healing process from addiction’s harmful physiological effects may take some time, but exercise is a powerful addiction recovery tool.
Choose an old favorite or try a new sport and incorporate it into your daily lifestyle as soon as possible. The importance of regular exercise and addiction recovery is a key to sustaining sobriety and improving health overall.
Grace Counseling Is Committed to Helping Our Clients Overcome Addiction
A return to health and wellness is possible. The role of an exercise routine is important in recovery. Our team of experienced staff at Grace Counseling takes the time to customize treatment plans to ensure that we can best address your individual needs, particularly in the early stages of recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with the complexities of addiction, contact us to learn more about our philosophy and start healing today. We’re easy to access through our brief online message form, or call one of our specialists at Grace Counseling at 844.564.0712.
