When you’ve achieved sobriety and you’re living a clean life, every day sober is a victory to be celebrated. A key part of maintaining your sobriety is to develop good, healthy habits that set you up for success, rather than failure. This includes a balanced diet and staying active, but what are really the benefits of exercising regularly when you’re recovering from drug or alcohol addiction? There’s a wide range of ways working out benefits you, and when you get into the habit of doing it regularly, those benefits are often boosted, giving you a healthy dose of self confidence that stays with you.
One of the biggest benefits of regular exercise is the distraction. Especially in the earlier days, weeks and months of sobriety, triggers and the cravings they bring can wreak havoc on you, and if you just try to bury the sensations, it could come back to bite you later on. Exercise has the benefit of releasing endorphins in the body, our own feel good chemicals the body naturally produces, and is often heavily impacted during drug or alcohol addiction. Exercising regularly helps your body begin to regulate it’s own pleasure chemicals again, meaning you feel a lot better without having to turn back to drugs or alcohol. This is especially helpful when you’re having a hard day, whether it’s directly related to triggers or cravings or if something else in your life has you stressed out. Instead of taking a hit or grabbing a drink or twelve after work, hit the pavement for a run, or even just go for a walk with your family or your dog. Even a short stretching session or yoga can help give you a boost from the inside while distracting you in a healthy way from what’s weighing you down. Most often, you’ll find that your head is clearer after working out, giving you a better opportunity to make the right choice with whatever’s going on.
By working out on a regular basis, you’re also giving your body the chance to strengthen. When your body is strong and healthy, you’re going to feel better and you’re going to be less likely to be overwhelmed by stress or negative emotions. Strong body, strong mind and strong spirit, all working together to help propel you through your sober life.
At The Springboard Center, we know that you and your family need a treatment provider you can trust. Incorporating the best of practices we have created a meaningful program to restore health and dignity with quality care and counseling. Call us today for information on how we are serving the Permian Basin: (432) 620-0255
