How Physical Exercise Can Help You Recover From Substance Use Disorders
A healthy fitness routine is an important part of your everyday life, providing a plethora of benefits. For those who are working to recover from an alcohol or drug use disorder, exercise is particularly helpful. Movement therapy, as part of an overall recovery strategy, encourages healing with a focus on the whole person, incorporating emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
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Choose Doable Activities
While it is best to find activities that are enjoyable, it is also important to choose exercises within reach, physically, financially, and geographically. There are many examples of physical activities that are both affordable and convenient for most people, including:
Walking
Jogging
Riding a bike
Hiking
Yoga
Swimming
Dance
It is interesting to note that some forms of exercise are particularly useful in reducing drug cravings, easing the symptoms of withdrawal, and decreasing anxiety, situations that increase reliance on drugs or alcohol. At its most basic level, physical activity provides a distraction when cravings arise. Putting effort into physical activity gives the mind something to focus on other than the thoughts or emotions that increase the risk of substance dependence.
Take Advantage of Technology
There are several fitness apps and other forms of tech that encourage physical activity. For example, a tracking app that helps users create fitness goals provides motivation for working toward the completion of those goals. Many smartwatches and similar technology pair with headphones, providing access to motivational music during workouts. For home workouts, look for quality Bluetooth speakers to listen to your favorite tunes.
Listen to Music
There's an important correlation between music and improved exercise. Many scientific findings show that music improves respiratory health and heart rate, physical strength, endurance, and motor skills.
Listening to music improves heart function, relieves chronic pain, increases the production of endorphins, and reduces the need for medication. Physical activity, especially when paired with music therapy, is a powerful aid in improving mental health.
Exercise Outside
Exercise naturally treats anxiety, reduces physical tension, and improves mental and physical energy, and these benefits increase when physical activity takes place outside. According to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology, exercising outdoors results in decreased levels of "tension, confusion, anger, and depression." Physical activity outside also improves feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction, calmness, and revitalization. Time spent outside provides many other physical benefits as well, including increased metabolism and energy levels.
Maintain Long-term Healthy Routines
One of the best ways to continue enjoying success in physical activity and recovery from substance use disorders is to create habits that last for many years. Some suggestions from physical fitness experts include starting with small, achievable goals before moving onto bigger goals, working within positive boundaries, choosing exercises that are enjoyable, and incorporating mindfulness in all wellness routines. Professionals who specialize in recovery from mental illness or substance use disorders recommend looking at long-term desires before creating specific, measurable goals.
The path to recovery from substance abuse disorders involves many strategies for avoiding behavioral patterns that lead to substance abuse. Incorporating each of these strategies can ease recovery symptoms and increase the likelihood of long-term success.