We know exercises help improve physical health and fitness. But do they help in addiction recovery? For some, it might feel surprising. But we have to understand the bitter truth that it plays a prominent role in healing the body and mind and achieving a balance in patients during addiction treatment.
Thus, in this blog post, let’s understand in detail the role of exercise and its benefits during addiction recovery. Also, let’s get to know what exercises are commonly suggested during the recovery process or treatment.
Undeniable benefits of exercise in addiction recovery
1. Promotes quality sleep
Sleep deprivation is a major concern for patients with addiction. As a cycle, this affects thought processes, mood, positivity, etc. Fortunately, research scientists have found that physical activity helps regulate the serotonin levels in the body. As a result, the individual can have sound nocturnal sleep, increased focus during the day, and a positive mood or mindset. Most importantly, this is healthily induced and not drug-induced sleep.
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2. Reduces stress and anxiety
Not only those with addiction, but even a hectic worker can feel stressed under pressure. Thus, wellness experts always suggest working out to manage the body’s stress levels. Biologically, exercising helps secrete feel-good hormones like endorphins that account for happiness and pleasure. Ultimately, the stress or anxiety gets reduced. This is why therapists suggest exercising during addiction recovery.
3. Increases self-confidence
Physical exercise brings discipline, structure, and a healthy routine to your daily life. Also, it gives an organized feeling to your mind, making it more relaxed and mindful of thoughts and actions. Some individuals feel rejuvenated or refreshed in addition. Imagine an addicted individual—his self-confidence or self-esteem would be poor or even zero. Therefore, exercising is not a choice but a real-time need for such individuals.
4. Prevents relapse
Addiction recovery is permanent only when the patient can efficiently overcome the triggers and relapses. Relapse occurs when the person is not emotionally strong and mentally rational. Regular exercising ensures the person or the patient achieves the aforementioned traits of sobriety.
Especially, triggers are most dangerous with alcohol addiction. And if you’re struggling with such alcohol triggers, right away consult and undergo an alcohol deaddiction treatment.
5. Improves brain functioning
As seen already, exercising promotes the secretion of feel-good hormones and reduces negative feelings. The doctors and psychiatrists are well aware of this brain chemistry. So, there is no doubt that brain functioning improves with exercising. Not only does it regulate the hormones, but it also improves communication signals, memory, thinking ability, etc. What else can be prioritized in the addiction recovery or treatment process?
Types of exercise in addiction recovery
In particular, cardio and strength training exercises are found to show good results and might help expedite your recovery phase. However, not all patients can afford or take up proper strength training. In this case, never mind. Doing any sort of physical activity, like yoga, running, jogging, cycling, swimming, etc., or playing sports like badminton, basketball, volleyball, cricket, etc. can be considered addiction recovery exercises when done regularly or consistently.
Conclusion
Now, you must be clear that, be it alcohol, drug, or substance use addiction, exercise has a huge role to play in the healing and recovery process. So, if your psychiatrist or therapist has not suggested any exercise for your addiction treatment yet, immediately reach out to them and discuss this.
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