Regular Exercise Can Strengthen Your Recovery Efforts

Recovery from alcohol or drug addiction is different for everyone. However, using exercise as one of your tools to maintain sobriety is an effective, science-backed option that can be used alongside other parts of treatment such as support groups, therapy, and medication. Here, Burger Physical Therapy shares common ways exercise can help you manage your recovery.

You Can Make Connections

Just as support groups can help to make recovery easier by giving you other people to rely on and invest in, exercising with others can be a great way to stay committed to your goals while building relationships. There are sober activity groups you can join if you prefer to be around others who are in recovery, or you can choose to join a fitness class or a softball team just as anyone else might.

You can also establish your own exercise group with a few friends or use the internet to find others who are interested in committing to a consistent exercise routine. Try online group workouts in the comfort of your homes or go bike riding on trails together. The more support you have, the easier it will be to maintain your efforts.

Your Mental Health Benefits, Too 

Going through recovery can be very stressful, and you may experience anxiety and depression. Luckily, exercise has been proven time and again to help with both of these. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, science has shown that people who are physically active experience depression and anxiety at lower rates than those who lead sedentary lifestyles. For some, exercise minimizes the symptoms of depression and anxiety as effectively as medication.

When people exercise, their bodies produce endorphins, the chemicals in your brain that decrease pain and have a sedative-like effect. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that exercise also improves sleep quality which in turn has a positive effect on mental as well as physical health. And when you make a point to supplement your efforts with healthy foods and a healthy home environment, you set the stage for maximum overall wellness.

It Improves Your Relationship With Your Body

Those who have struggled with addiction often have a complex relationship with their body. By adopting exercise into your recovery, you are prioritizing your health and becoming more aware of the way your actions can positively affect your wellbeing.

Many habitual exercisers use fitness trackers and apps that allow them to keep tabs on different aspects of their health. Some count the number of steps you take in a day and track your heart rate. Others can calculate the calories you’ve burned through activity or can allow you to take an echocardiogram.

These trackers and apps also allow you to set goals, which can be a great way to maintain focus.  You can set both short-term goals such as a certain number of steps in a day and long-term goals like reducing your blood pressure. Doing so is a great way to remind yourself that in exercise just as in recovery, one day at a time of good decisions adds up to a lifetime of health worth being proud of.

Rehab When Exercise Isn’t Enough

It’s essential to recognize that sometimes, exercising simply isn’t enough when dealing with addiction. Addiction is a complex issue that can require professional help to properly manage.

While consistent exercise and healthy habits are beneficial, comprehensive treatment in the form of counseling, therapy, and support groups is often necessary to overcome addiction. Seeking help from local resources for treatment and recovery can offer a safe and supportive environment to help individuals overcome addiction and work towards a healthy and fulfilling life in recovery. Remember, it’s never too late to seek help and start the healing process.

Focus on Both Your Body and Your Mind

Incorporating exercise into your recovery has many benefits: relationships help keep you motivated and your mental health and relationship with your body both improve from exercise. Start today, and let exercise – or rehab – help you successfully achieve and maintain the sober, healthy life you desire. 

Burger Physical Therapy provides hope and physical well being through the delivery of physical, occupational and speech therapy. Contact us today for more information! (800) 900-8491