Getting sober is hard. Exercise and sobriety can give drug or alcohol recovery an extra boost. When a person turns from their addiction, many times a void needs to be filled. Physical activity is a positive tool to help fill the void of addiction and give a routine or focus other than using drugs or alcohol.
Many that have abused drugs or alcohol also have poor health habits. Thoughts of starting an exercise routine at first may be daunting, but the benefits of exercise and sobriety are very helpful during the recovery journey. Here are a few examples of the many benefits of exercise and sobriety:
Drug addiction and alcoholism impair the brain’s balance of dopamine and this in return affects a person’s mood and ability to experience fulfillment. Exercise releases dopamine in the brain and regulates brain chemistry.
Exercise reduces stress
When a person has struggled with addiction, many areas of life may have become stressful and even though a person turns to sober living these stresses could still be present. As a result of the addiction, family relationships might have experienced hurt and need to be rebuilt. Some experience financial turmoil and need to find employment. Legal issues may also arise and require attention as a result of addiction. These are potential stresses of addiction but exercise as a stress reliever can be helpful while experiencing the stress of addiction.
Exercise increases confidence
People who are struggling with addiction many times have a poor self-image. Gain confidence through physical activity by taking control of your exercise program. One will start to feel better while bringing on confidence. Exercise also requires discipline and is a source of encouragement that one can beat this addiction and remain sober.
Exercise improves sleep
Many addicts suffer from insomnia or have poor sleeping habits. An exercise plan reboots the body to a more natural routine and this in time will aid in returning the body back to a more normal sleep cycle.
Exercise can be a source for positive relationships
Exercise is a great way to meet new friends by taking a class, joining a gym or participating in a team sport. Forming new relationships that don’t center around using drugs or alcohol is very beneficial in giving an addict a good way to enter back into society with a more positive support group.
Exercise in different forms
Luckily for us, there are many different ways to become physically fit. Start small and learn more about how to get started. Here are just a few of the popular addiction recovery exercises.
YOGA – Many treatment centers offer yoga as an exercise option. Yoga helps relax the mind.
WALKING, HIKING OR RUNNING – Walking is a great place to start for most people. Some love the outdoors and taking a walk gives a fresh perspective and may be used to get away if a craving is occurring. Once a person is more fit, running may be a great source of enjoyment.
WEIGHT TRAINING – Weight training increases strength and confidence. Once again, start small and rely on experts to find the best program for you.
At New Day Recovery, we offer nutritional classes and yoga. We focus on the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Our caring and experienced staff provides the emotional, physical, and spiritual healing necessary to identify core issues of addiction. We want to help make possible a productive, sober life for our patients! Please contact us if you or a loved one needs help in breaking the ties of drug or alcohol.