Exercise Benefits Recovery
When it comes to maintaining your long term recovery, you may rely on tools, resources, and the support of loved ones. You might also know that you are better off without alcohol. That being said, there is another factor that may play an enormous role in your recovery, and that is staying active. If you are not maintaining an active lifestyle, or exercising, on a regular basis, consider these tips.
Exercise During Your Recovery
It is no secret that exercise can boost a person’s mood and release various feel good chemicals in the brain. For many people in recovery, an active lifestyle does even more than that. Exercise, or regular activity, can give people an outlet and something to work towards. Because of this, many of the best rehabs will include copious amounts of activity into the programme, The following are some reasons to consider incorporating more exercise into your recovery.
Exercise is a Great Mental and Physical Outlet
One of the primary reasons to make exercise a priority in your life is the fact that regular activity is one of the best physical and mental outlets. Whenever you may be feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, and may be thinking about drinking or using drugs, turn to working out. During this time you can direct any negative thoughts or energy to something positive. You can give it your all, but not face any consequences. In general, you will come away from a workout feeling upbeat, energised, and on a positive note. There is something about pushing your body and mind to the limits. For many people in recovery, regular exercise provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Exercise Increases Serotonin in the Brain
Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that plays a big role in the regulation of the mood. For those who struggle with depression and mood swings, they often struggle with low levels of serotonin. As a rehab in Thailand, we have known of many clients who have turned to drinking or drug use as a coping mechanism. Through research, it has been proven that exercise can increase serotonin levels in the brain. It should be understood that you do not need to engage in heavy weightlifting, for example, to see these benefits. Brisk walking, yoga, running, swimming, or any other form of activity can be particularly beneficial. The days that it may feel the most difficult are often those days in which you need it most. No matter how difficult it might be to get moving, do your very best to get active in some way or another. You will feel better!
Exercise Can Help You to Avoid Isolation
If you are in recovery, you may know how risky isolating yourself can be. Isolation can cause an eruption of negative thoughts. In some cases, it can lead to a relapse. By exercising during recovery, you are doing something active and not letting your mind get lost in too much thinking. Whether you are going to a gym, exercise class, or for a run outdoors, there is a chance you will be around other people. While you don’t have to interact with these people, there is something to be said about being around the presence of others who are also engaging in activity. It is also possible that you will forage friendships with people who are the same path. In doing so, you may develop a larger support system that includes a network of positive people.
Exercise Can Boost Your Self Esteem
For many people who are in their early days of recovery, they need something that will give them purpose. Feelings of confusion, guilt, and shame from their past may need to be addressed. Exercise during recovery can help you to overcome shame and guilt about your past. It reaffirms that you are doing something now to improve your life. You may also notice changes in your physical appearance; thus, improving your self esteem. These things will act as a constant motivator to keep going on the path to sobriety.
Exercise Can Keep You Busy
You may know how important it is to keep yourself busy in recovery. Any boredom or downtime, particularly in the early stages of recovery can sometimes lead to a relapse. For anyone who feels as if there is a void to fill in life, exercising during recovery can be a perfect solution. The best part of exercise is that it comes in many forms, such as:
- Running
- Biking
- Swimming
- CrossFit
- Weight Lifting
- Boxing
- Martial Arts
- Dance
- Pilates
- + More
If you get bored with one type of exercise, move onto another one. The most important thing is that you are remaining active every day. Remember, it is certainly possible that you will try one form and not like it. Much like recovery, it may take some time to find what is right for you, and keeps you going on the path of sobriety.
