Whether you a brand-new to sobriety or have been sober for many years, engaging in physical fitness on a regular basis can greatly help improve how you are feeling both mentally and physically. Addiction has a negative impact on how one feels mentally but drug and alcohol abuse also take a big toll on your body and fitness is one way to help repair both the mind and body. Here we will review the many benefits a physical fitness program can have on you throughout the recovery process.
Stress Reduction
As most addicts will tell you, stress is one of the leading causes of people relapsing. In order to maintain one’s sobriety, it is imperative to learn how to keep your stress levels down in addition to learning how to cope in a stressful situation. If you are feeling stressed there are plenty of exercise classes that can help reduce your stress levels including yoga and pilates. However, some people find higher impact workouts such as running to be better for reducing stress. You will need to try various exercises out to find which one works best for you.
Mood Stabilization
While in recovery, addicts need to learn how to overcome mood swings. Exercise is a fantastic way to help improve and balance one’s mood. In the past, addicts would turn to drugs or alcohol to help them feel better when they were in a bad mood. Working out can have the same impact on one’s mood as it releases endorphins that help make one happier. Overcoming addiction also means you need to retrain your brain to learn that it can regulate how you are feeling without drugs and alcohol. Exercise is a great way to help your brain learn.
Craving Reductions
While in recovery, one will inevitably have cravings for drugs or alcohol. Studies have shown that exercise can greatly reduce the cravings to help one succeed in the recovery process.
Increased Energy
The path to sobriety can be an exhausting one that can leave you feeling lethargic and exhausted. Exercise is known to increase energy levels so you will have more energy to focus on the various steps of the recovery process.
Fill your days
While in recovery you might often find yourself thinking about drugs or a drink which can lead to a relapse. Exercise is a great way to fill your time and try to keep your mind focused on the positive aspects of recovery.
Better sleep
Getting a good nights sleep is an important part of the recovery process. Many addicts find it difficult to fall asleep at night. Exercise is a fantastic tool to use in order to help regulate your sleep cycle. A good nights sleep will help your mind and your body begin the important healing it needs after long term drug and alcohol abuse.
Self-esteem
Years of drug and alcohol abuse use can leave one with very little self-esteem. It is important to rebuild your self-esteem so that you do not relapse. Even if you have never been much of an athlete, once you start exercising on a regular basis you will slowly get better and stronger which will help build your self-esteem. In addition, many addicts gain weight when they enter recovery, exercise will help shed the extra pounds which will also lead to improved self-esteem.
Meeting People
Addicts in recovery can gain a lot from surrounding themselves with people focused on fitness. Working out is a great way to meet people who share the common goal of working to get healthier. An important part of the recovery process is building a network of people who support you in a positive way.
Clarity and Focus
It is extremely important for one to have a clear head and a strong focus in order to stay sober. Exercise will help keep you focused and keep your brain clear so you can work through the recovery process with the professionals.
Protect again chronic illness
Long term drug and alcohol abuse can greatly increase the chances of developing a chronic illness as a result of damage to your vital organs. Exercise has been shown to greatly reduce your chances of developing those illnesses.
Final thoughts
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, do not be afraid to reach out. Rise in Malibu will gladly help in any way possible. Contact us today for more information and to speak to an addiction professional.
