The fitness industry isn’t just about losing weight, building muscle, or training to compete. It’s also a tool to help you through the recovery process. Recently, studies have shown that people who commit to a fitness program see faster psychological recovery than those who don’t. The key is not finding the perfect exercise routine but finding one that you find tolerable and stick with long enough for it to show results. Recovering from drug or alcohol addiction is a process that takes time.
Benefits of Fitness in Recovery
Fitness is a Creative Action
Fitness requires you to get up and move. Getting outside and being active can be both creative and calming. It gives you a sense of freedom and accomplishment that raises self-esteem, distracts you from your addiction, and helps eliminate the negative thoughts that accompany addiction. Having the discipline to work out on a regular schedule also gives anyone carrying around the baggage of addiction some much-appreciated structure in their lives.
Fitness Takes Your Mind Off Your Problem
Fitness is a form of self-therapy that gives you an excellent outlet for positive energy. It’s hard to exercise or be physically active when you’re feeling depressed, but once you start moving, your mood improves because endorphins are released into your bloodstream. Endorphins are naturally occurring opiates in the brain that make you feel good and help relieve anxiety and stress.
Fitness Brings Friendships
While you’re out socializing, you’ll meet other people committed to exercising regularly. You’ll be able to make new friends and learn what other people are doing in their lives. People in the process of overcoming addictions tend to isolate themselves, but this is counterproductive because it helps maintain the addictive behavior. When you’re surrounded by others who care about you and want to see you do well, your recovery will go more smoothly.
Fitness is a Community
Your gym or community group will not only give you an outlet for exercise but also a support system that will help you overcome obstacles. You’ll learn from other people’s experiences, gain motivation from their positive attitudes, and feel comforted knowing that they’re doing the same things you are. Plus, your friends and family will support you in recovery just as much as they supported you when your addiction invaded their lives. They want to see you finally succeed.
Fitness Helps You Feel Better
You must be at specific health or physical fitness level to rebuild your fitness. Your overall condition will improve as you feel better and become more active. You’ll feel better physically and emotionally. You’ll reduce stress, which is one of the most significant factors in relapse. Studies show that people who exercise regularly have a lower chance of drinking alcohol or taking drugs than those who don’t.
Fitness is a Learning Experience
A popular trend in recovery circles is to add knowledge to your recovery toolbox. You can learn about sports, nutrition, and exercise techniques at your gym or community center. You can talk to other people who are in the process of overcoming addictions and find out what they did that helped them realize they need help. A good personal trainer will also be able to give you little tips that go a long way toward helping you achieve your fitness goal.
Fitness Increases Self-Esteem
Engaging in physical fitness makes you more aware of your body. You’ll notice when you’re more robust and more flexible. You’ll appreciate how your body moves and that it can do things you once thought impossible. When you improve, it increases your self-esteem, which is an integral part of recovery because it prevents the guilt, shame, and other negative emotions associated with addiction. A positive self-image helps you feel good about yourself and know that there’s a life beyond addiction. Fitness is a beautiful thing. When used creatively, it can help you through the recovery process by giving you structure, providing a sense of community, and allowing your body to heal physically and emotionally. If your fitness goals revolve around making you feel good, staying away from negative people and places that lead you back to drug or alcohol abuse, or encouraging you to be a healthy role model for your family, they’re worth pursuing. Call us at 844-844-3463.