Recovery gives you aims to be healthy in all aspects of your life. When you were in your addiction, you probably let your health decline to take care of your withdrawals instead of focusing on your self-care which is extremely important to upkeep in recovery. One of the best things you can do for your physical health is exercise because there are reasons why it is beneficial.
Exercise is a great stress reliever.
Focusing on something other than the stressors of the job or stressful everyday occurrences, can help mitigate the stress if you add 30 minutes of exercise to your day regularly. Find something that you like whether it be lifting weights, or going on a hike with friends. Getting out and doing some physical activity will help relieve pent up tensions that can make you feel even better in your recovery.
Exercise can give you a natural high.
Endorphins are released in the brain to make you feel good and exercising can release them while or after you exercise. You were probably always chasing your next high while you were in your addiction. Now you can chase a new high in recovery that will keep you sober, but still make you feel naturally high.
Exercise can help put some structure in your life.
In recovery, it is important to fill up your time with events other than being under the influence or looking for the drug dealer. Exercise can be a filler for you to go and do something that is really good for the body, the mind, and the spirit. Staying on track in recovery can lead you to staying on track with exercise.
Exercise can give you a positive outlook on your recovery life.
Doing something for yourself like exercising, can give you the self-confidence and self-esteem you were probably lacking while you were drinking and using. Exercising not only makes you look good, but it can make you feel better too. Yoga and Pilates are types of exercises that not only help you physically, but can get you connected spiritually and mentally by freeing up the worry in your brain.
You do not have to spend that much time exercising, maybe enough to reap the benefits that exercising has to offer. Start with something small and work up to something bigger to get you back into shape.
Exercising is something that we promote here at Serenity Oaks Wellness Center in our 5-week partial care program. We also exercise 12-Step program aspects along with our holistic therapy exercises. We are here to help you get moving. Call us today! 844-720-6847