Putting together a physical fitness plan can do more than build your muscles. Fitness can also help you recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Working out will make you stronger in so many ways, which is essential to a successful recovery. Unique To You Nutrition invites you to keep on reading to learn how physical fitness can be helpful in your sobriety journey.
Physical Fitness is Proven to Enhance Recovery
If you want to better facilitate your recovery from addiction, you need a comprehensive approach. It’s important to take care of your body and restore the health that addiction has taken from you. A fitness plan is a perfect way to get started on the path to better health. Physical activity can also positively impact your life in other ways. Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure, manage stress, lower body fat and even reduce the risk of heart disease or a stroke.
The Right Exercises are Key to Success
Addiction recovery can take a lot out of you. Exercise may be the last task on your mind, so try to find easy ways to start on your fitness path. Incorporate a walk into your morning routine or practice yoga before you go to bed. If you want to get your workout done quick, you can even look into some short high-intensity exercises that blend cardio and strength training together.
Typically all you need for these workouts is your own body weight, but picking up some basic fitness equipment can help. Alternatively, you can look to a gym where a personal trainer for seniors can help customize a workout just for you. And if you’re a senior navigating addiction recovery, it may be wise to join a Silver Sneakers program in your city. This opens up a world of exercising options, as well as a chance to be around other people with healthy living on their mind.
Workouts Can Help With Stress and Self-Esteem
The way you handle stress and the way you feel about yourself can be significant triggers. And it’s true, many people begin using alcohol or drugs to help them calm down or to numb their insecurities. This coping mechanism can quickly become an addiction, but exercise is a healthy way to deal with everyday pressure. Physical activity burns off stress and boosts self-esteem in a couple of ways. For one, exercise enhances the production of endorphins, the chemicals that cause you to feel good. Second, a feeling of accomplishment will help you feel empowered and improve your self-image.
Healthy Food Will Enhance Results
While exercise is an integral part of physical fitness and recovery, your diet needs to improve too. Processed, sugary foods can make you feel sluggish and hinder your ability to shed any extra pounds. Clean up your diet to keep your body looking and feeling healthy as you heal from addiction. Make natural, whole foods the main players in your new meal plan. Be sure to eat a light snack before workouts and get some protein after, to help your body build muscles. Also, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.
Mental Fitness is Important, Too
Physical fitness can enhance your recovery, but your mental health should be at the center of your rehabilitation. Untreated mental health issues are often the source of substance abuse. If you haven’t already started counseling, you may need a therapist to discuss any intense feelings you may be experiencing. Open up about any past traumas that are weighing you down, and ask for ways to cope with your feelings. Your counselor can help guide you through your treatment and help you avoid becoming mentally overwhelmed.
Short-Term Goals Can Lead to Long-Term Benefits
For now, your focus should be on overcoming addiction. But if you want to stay healthy and strong, you’ll want to commit to your fitness plan for life. Keep up with your workouts for a few weeks until you build healthy habits. Use a fitness app to stay on track, or think about finding a few workout friends. Having friends that share your healthy goals can help get you out of the door and help you stay focused on making good decisions.
Making the move into addiction recovery is the best thing you can do for your health. Incorporating a physical fitness plan into your treatment can help you get even healthier and stay clean during recovery. Exercise heals the mind, body and sol, so take the first steps to getting fit by following the advice above.
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