If you struggle with substance abuse, you may have neglected key components of your life. However, it is important to do whatever it takes to repair the mental and physical damage of addiction. The mind-body connection factors into everyone’s recovery. Although most likely you are aware of the role of exercise in building a healthy life, it can be easy to neglect your physical health. Still, it’s never too late to make exercise a central part of your recovery.
This blog post will explore the benefits of exercise and how it can help you in your recovery. Also, this post will discuss how The Guest House incorporates exercise into its recovery programs.
What Is the Role of Exercise in Recovery?
It’s important not to underestimate the important role of exercise in recovery. One reason exercise is important is that it activates the reward pathway of the brain. Exercise releases feel-good chemicals in the brain like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals can provide a sense of satisfaction and contentment. In addition, these chemicals can reduce symptoms of depression.
The Benefits of Exercise in Recovery
There are both long- and short-term benefits of recovery exercise. Exercise can regulate your sleep schedule, improve your ability to focus, and decrease your anxiety. What’s more, exercising can help you feel a sense of accomplishment. As you better understand the role of exercise in recovery, you will be more likely to use this healthy coping skill to promote your overall healing.
The role of exercise in recovery can be quite extensive. Exercise can improve your overall mood and stabilize your mental health. Participating in exercise during recovery can increase your energy levels while working to reduce fatigue. During exercise, your heart pumps blood as you move which creates more oxygen to your bones and muscles.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise each week can lower your risk of heart disease. Regular exercise can lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well.
The Role of Exercise in the Mind-Body Connection
Recovery can promote a sense of connection among people. Connecting to people who are like you and share common concerns can create peace and calm. When you exercise alongside other people, you can feel this same sense of connection. Exercise can reduce stress, and the camaraderie of exercising with others can also reduce stress. Whether done alone or with others, exercise can facilitate mind-body healing.
The role of exercise Is to help you feel good on all levels. What you do to your body affects your mind and what you do to your mind affects how your body responds. The mind and body are connected.
For instance, scientific research published in the journal Physiological Reviews has shown a link between the mind and the immune system. Stressful situations can impact your mental health and, in turn, weaken your immune system. Therefore, if you decrease your stress through exercise, you can experience enhanced immunity and overall well-being.
How to Exercise if You Do Not Like to Exercise
Sometimes it is easier to give yourself an excuse not to exercise than it is to get up and get moving. Seriously, you have all of the reasons. Your leg hurts or you are too tired, or perhaps you have to go to bed early. All of those complaints are justifiable. Maybe you absolutely cannot wrap your mind around how the role of exercise plays a part in your recovery. Your thoughts are valid.
Most people understand the role of exercise in building a healthy life. However, it can be hard to implement that knowledge. The good news is that you do not have to do anything fancy or buy expensive equipment to start exercising. All you need is a willingness to show up and try.
Easy Starting Points
Let’s explore some easy exercises for the person who does not like to exercise. These activities can include:
- Doing chores
- Dancing
- Playing interactive video games
- Gardening
- Swimming
- Playing frisbee
- Walking a dog
Any form of exercise can help you to improve yourself. Recovery is about learning how to be the best version of yourself and the role of exercise can be just the thing you have needed. You do not have to do something major to explore the role of exercise. However, small steps lead to big leaps. Hence, starting small is the key to making changes.
The Role of Exercise at The Guest House
Exercise plays an important role in recovery. At The Guest House, we understand the dynamics of recovery and how your thoughts affect your actions. There are many ways to focus on the role of exercise in your recovery.
Exercise does not need to be rigorous or boring. For example, The Guest House offers adventure therapy that is just what it sounds like it is. The world is full of wonders to explore and you have the opportunity right at your fingertips. Still, sometimes it can be hard to appreciate the small things when your mind is consumed by negative thoughts.
Your adventure can be tailored to fit your needs. You are free to go on a big or little adventure. You are in control of what you choose. Perhaps you decide to go on a hike to find some treasure or a local park to walk your dog. Whatever you choose, an adventure awaits.
Exercise plays an important role in recovery. No matter where you are at on your journey, you can find a way to incorporate exercise. Whether it consists of an hour at the gym or walking your dog at the local park, exercise will release serotonin and create happiness. You have worked hard in recovery and deserve the best that life has to offer. At The Guest House, we understand the role of exercise in recovery. It is important to focus on the parts of you that you can change. If you or someone you know is struggling with recovery and the role exercise plays, give The Guest House a call at (855) 483-7800.