Carrying guilt and shame from years of addiction can weigh you down like nothing else in the world. In order to begin healing, you need to form a deep connection with your mind, body, and soul. Yoga is a therapeutic practice that teaches you how to build that mind-body-soul connection. This practice can help you release the pain and trauma you hold inside due to addiction.
What Exactly Is Yoga?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), yoga is “an ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy.” Yoga began as a spiritual practice but has evolved into a popular way of “promoting physical and mental well-being.”
Yoga is often considered a mindfulness and meditative practice. Like mindful meditation, yoga allows you to feel in the present moment. You release thoughts and worries running through your mind. If you’re struggling with addiction, you are no stranger to intrusive feelings in your mind. Yoga can teach you to become calmer and truly enjoy the present moment, one day at a time.
Benefits of Yoga
Practicing yoga can have many benefits for your mind, body, and soul. The NCCIH points to studies that have found possible benefits of yoga in general wellness areas like stress management, mental and emotional health, healthy habits, better sleep, and overall life balance.
Additionally, the NCCIH mentions that yoga may help improve back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches. It has also been found to be highly effective as a way to help manage anxiety and depression, and other chronic diseases that interfere with your overall quality of life. Due to the connection between addiction and co-occurring disorders, these benefits are important to consider.
Yoga and Addiction
According to a 2011 study in the International Journal of Yoga, yoga and meditation practices “exert positive influence on addictive behaviors.” Yoga can help people heal addiction by teaching them to be more respectful of their bodies. Additionally, it can help them feel more positive and better overall.
Addictive behaviors can take up a lot of headspace. Yoga teaches you how to care for your vessel – your body – and, in turn, care for yourself. When practicing yoga and meditation, you can also learn how to detach from negative thinking and gently observe your thoughts without judgment.
The ancient Indian practice of yoga has evolved in the modern day as a powerful way to promote physical and mental well-being. Yoga can help heal addiction by fostering a strong mind-body connection that allows you to release negative thoughts and worries, along with guilt. At The Guest House, the practice of yoga is central to our holistic treatment programs. You can find solace and peace while practicing yoga in our beautiful 52-acre estate while creating a deeper connection to yourself. For more information, call us today at (855) 483-7800.