How Exercise Can Help Your Recovery

Many people who get clean and sober celebrate the many ways their lives are enriched in recovery. One of the tools that is important to try out is exercise. Regular exercise offers many benefits for people who choose to stick with it. Some of these are physical benefits while others are mental. Read on to learn why physical fitness is such an important part of recovery for some people.

Using Exercise to Calm Your Mind

People who get regular exercise often seem calmer than others. There’s actually a science behind this; studies show that exercising releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that also are overactivated when a person uses certain drugs. Endorphins can also help calm pain in the body and help you react better to stress.

People who are depressed and start an exercise regimen often report better moods, just like people who run before studying for a test feel more centered. The endorphins interact with other chemicals in the body, creating a natural feel-good buzz that helps us think more clearly and find the time after we exercise more rewarding.

Getting Started With Exercise

If you don’t get regular exercise, it’s advisable you have a visit with a doctor before you jump into a new lifestyle routine. The easiest and gentlest way to start exercising is walking. In fact, it only takes about fifteen minutes of walking every day to start to have benefits such as better blood sugar and less stress or anxiety.

Some people in recovery want to return to things they once enjoyed, such as soccer or volleyball on the beach or surfing. Once you’ve had a checkup with your doctor, it’s up to you to make the decision how you jump back in to exercise. Just remember, go slow at first. Make sure you are fueling your body with healthy meals, too.

Recovery often brings inspiration to daily life. You may want to try new things, such as joining an adult soccer team or playing pick-up basketball. It’s up to you to find what you enjoy most! Exercise should be fun, not tedious.

Getting Help

If you or somebody you love has a problem with alcohol or drugs, recovery is possible! We have helped many people in various stages of their recovery journey get and stay clean. Give yourself a chance and call us at 1-619-363-4767 to learn more about our programs.