Addiction ruins lives and causes considerable misery for everyone involved. Overcoming it is difficult. If you are addicted and made the decision to quit you need all the help and support possible. Rehab is effective in addressing the psychological aspect of addiction. However, it seldom addresses the physical issues of addiction. Starting an exercise program in recovery makes the process easier due to an increase in energy, confidence and self-esteem gained from the physical activity.
Benefits
Recent research indicates exercise during recovery produces a positive and lasting effect for the recovering addict. Doctor James Prochaska reports in a recent edition of "Principles of Addiction Medicine," exercise aids in controlling stress and anxiety. As little as 60 minutes a week of physical activity provides the recovering addict with numerous health and psychological benefits. Exercise is an effective recovery tool. In addition, exercise improves willpower, increases motivation and self-esteem and gives the addict a sense of self-control over a previously shattered life.
Yoga
When suffering from addiction, uncertainty, doubt and helplessness are natural feelings. To ease emotional issues and balance your feelings, yoga is effective in the initial stages of recovery and in later stages when the roller coaster of emotions begin to mellow. According to Michael's House, a multi-addiction treatment center, yoga provides a chance to achieve peace and tranquility in your life during and after rehab. In addition, yoga is an efficient way to stretch sore muscles commonly caused from recovery and detox. Performing yoga exercises reduces the effects of everyday distractions, allowing a smoother, long-lasting recovery.
Cardio
Cardio exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, treadmill and stationary bikes increase heart and respiratory health. In active addiction, all body systems are affected. Depending on your drug of choice, some systems sustain more damage than others do. By performing cardio workouts, you aid in circulation while improving damage caused by drug use. Cardio exercise releases natural stress relievers and reduces anxiety. Something as simple as a long walk soothes the mind and burns excess energy, easing the restlessness experienced after cessation of drug or alcohol use. When beginning an exercise program in recovery, start slow and work up to a more strenuous routine. It is important to be consistent and work out even though some days it will be the last thing you feel like doing. Once you get started, you will be glad you did.
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