People who abuse drugs or alcohol neglect important components of daily health. Their physical and emotional well-being takes a huge hit, particularly because the damage is so extensive with addiction. Exercise can be a great way of recovering, depending on the type of exercise and how it is used.
How it Helps
Exercise while in treatment serves many purposes. Some of the primary benefits a person gets from exercising while in rehab and recovery, includes:
- Stress relief. Exercise has been shown to help both physical and psychological stress to lessen over time. Tension builds in the body when at work, during everyday interactions, and even when watching television. This tension comes from having poor posture or having a bad interaction with someone at work. Moving the body alleviates tension, and allows a person to get rid of negative emotions.
- Release of endorphins. The body feels a natural high when exercising. These same endorphins in the body are released during substance abuse, but this is a healthier way of doing it. Dedicated physical activity during treatment and recovery help reintroduce natural levels of endorphins in the body. The body can then regulate itself in many ways.
- Meditation in motion. Concentrating on physical exercise can help people experience emotional benefits similar to meditation. Through movement, a person can refocus on thoughts and how to feel healthier, more rejuvenated.
- Improved outlook on life. People who exercise regularly report feeling self-confidence and optimism increase. This has to do with the body regulating and calibrating itself during exercise. It also has to do with feelings of accomplishment, pride, and self worth as a person’s body is transformed. When benchmarks are reached, this reinforces the person’s personal goals of long-term recovery.
- Supportive community. Meeting others with similar goals or ideas in mind can be fun, as well as some friendly competition in group settings. Finding a way to connect with a sport or activity to stay healthy with others who share the goal can be life-changing.
Regular recovery can support enhanced sleep, greater energy, and enhanced feelings of well being which can make life more enjoyable and recovery sustainable. Exercise is an overall great enhancer for much of life, and recovery.
The Springboard Center’s addiction treatment programs are tailored to meet the needs of each client. By utilizing a set of diverse methods of addiction treatment, we are able to deal with your addiction from all angles and concentrate on every aspect of your healing process. It is important to recognize that many of our services offer a group setting and environment, so that the client spends time with other people affected by the same chronic disease and problems. 432-620-0255
