What
if I told you there was a healthy and inexpensive way to heal the body and mind
from the ravages of addiction? What if
that same approach would help you to stay addiction-free and sober over the
long term? The great news is that such a
thing exists! What we are talking about
here is exercise and physical activity.
Those words can be scary for some people, but it is important to keep in
mind that we are not speaking about creating an Olympian or a gym rat. We are simply suggesting increasing a
person’s amount of physical activity to a safe, fun, and healthy level.
Why Exercise?
There
are a number of physiological and psychological benefits to exercise. For the average person, these benefits can
have a wonderful impact on the mind and body, but for the recovering addict,
they are a critical piece to the recovery puzzle. A regular fitness program in addiction
recovery can help to repair the brain, grow new brain cells, and help to
prevent relapse. When a person
exercises, it helps to put the brain in homeostasis, grow neurons, and create
new pathways in the brain. Moderate
intensity exercise has been shown to increase dopamine and serotonin levels as
well as release endorphins. These are
the same chemicals that have been altered by drug and alcohol abuse.
New People, Places, and Things
One
of the most important aspects for an individual that is starting down the road
to recovery is developing new healthy habits, starting new relationships, and
finding new ways to spend their time.
Incorporating an exercise program into their lives can help to do all of
this. Team sports, exercise classes, or
working out with a partner is a wonderful way to reintegrate socially and to
develop constructive interactions. The
more fun a person is having and the more connected they are feeling to their
new lifestyle, the less likely they are to miss the old drinking and drugging acquaintances
and hangouts.
Coping Skills
For individuals
that are recovering from addiction, it is important to find a way to cope with
stress, anxiety, anger, agitation, and depression. Drugs, alcohol, and food were the only way
that most of us knew how to deal with any feelings; so cultivating a new outlet
is key to sustained recovery. Exercise
can be the “safety valve” to vent these emotions by separating a person from
what is antagonizing them and giving them time to think rather than act
impulsively. Being physically active can
help to build mental strength, self-confidence, and discipline.
Where To Start
The
great news is that you do not need to spend a fortune on equipment or any fancy
gadgets to get started. You could begin
today just by walking out your front door.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is not about the
amount or intensity of the exercise regime.
To start, it is more about getting in the habit of being active. Every person will have a different starting
point and it is important to identify yours.
If a five-minute walk at a slower pace is your maximum to begin, that is
great! You can start with that and build
from there.
Most
of us did not come into recovery on a winning streak. By incorporating an exercise program, you can
change that and start to build momentum in a positive direction. Get outside, get some fresh air, have some
fun, and start moving around!
