4 Ways Exercise Can Boost Your Addiction Recovery

By Camille Johnson

Guest blogger Camille Johnson shares 4 ways to assist in your addiction recovery today.

Whether you are taking your initial steps towards recovery from substance dependence or have been on this journey for some time, it is essential that you work towards health in every area of your life. Improving your physical fitness can equip you to turn your back on addiction for the long haul. Consider these four tips from Camille Johnson to help you leverage exercise and succeed in your pursuit of freedom from substance dependence.

1. Set and Celebrate Reasonable Goals

Recovering from an addiction is not something a person can accomplish overnight. Experts say it takes a long time and a lot of effort to overcome substance dependence in part because of how it affects many areas of one’s life. Therefore professionals approach treatment from various angles, such as breaking it down into 12 steps.

For using exercise as a tool to boost your recovery, be sure to create goals you can reach within a set period and appreciate the changes you see in yourself. The benefit of doing so is that it encourages you as you push through this hard process. Exercise can improve your mood, energy level, ability to sleep, and your experience of stress, so look for growth in these areas and celebrate it. And as ZenBusiness points out, not every workout has to happen at the gym; it’s possible to stay active at work, too!

2. Find a Workout You Enjoy

Addiction recovery specialists argue that there is no single form of exercise that is optimal for those fighting substance dependence. Instead, many types of workouts can be helpful for your recovery journey. Cardio exercise, such as running, can increase your stamina and help control your appetite as it strengthens your heart. If you don’t like to run, try riding a bike.

If you prefer more relaxing workouts, consider walking or doing yoga. Even some of your favorite hobbies, such as dancing, skiing, and hiking, may help you reach your fitness goals. Be sure to find an option that you can look forward to from day to day.

3. Partner With Friends

Studies show that meaningful relationships, including those with family members, friends, and significant others, promote both mental and physical health. Working out with others helps you stay on track with your routine. Having an exercise partner establishes accountability and makes the hard effort more fun. You could meet a friend at a park or a gym several times a week. Other options include enrolling in an exercise class or finding a personal trainer.

4. Take Advantage of the Latest Tech

Because battling addiction is a trying process, be sure to make use of every resource available to you. There are many devices, for example, that make it easier to pursue and reach your fitness goals. Wear a smartwatch or download an app on your phone so you can monitor your heart rate and daily step count. Studies also indicate that music can be an asset as you work out, so grab a pair of headphones that you can wear while you exercise.

While working out may not be a priority with so many other responsibilities vying for your time, physical fitness is a central component of the addiction recovery process. It also partners well with trying to maintain a positive outlook at home. Once you get started on your exercise routine, you could find that it improves a great deal more than just your physical strength or stamina. Regular workouts may soon become a key factor in your victory over substance dependence.