What Type of Exercise Is Best for My Recovery?

Many people have a love-hate relationship with exercise. A select few may actually enjoy and look forward to it. Some may even try their best to avoid it. Regardless of what category you fall into, adding a little physical activity into your day or week can be highly beneficial.

Yes, this might require a little less time spent lounging on the couch. While this can sound like a drag, you might find that you actually begin to enjoy exercise if you find the right activity. Finding what works for you is key.

When you think about exercise, do you think about trying to get back into an old routine? Maybe you used to visit the gym five days a week, and the thought of doing that again sounds a little daunting.

Consider Your Interests

Think about where you are now. Consider what activities or things you already enjoy. Could those involve exercise? Maybe you enjoy a coffee each morning before work. Don’t we all? Try taking a quick morning walk before having your coffee and consider it a little treat afterward.

Maybe you really like to watch TV or movies. Turn on your favorite show while you walk on the treadmill or lift some weights. You might be surprised how quickly time passes when you are multitasking!

Do you love listening to music? Getting back into the routine of regular exercise is a great reason to create a new playlist. Create one for different activities. You could build one specifically for cardio exercises, complete with upbeat songs with a motivating rhythm.

Incorporate Exercise Into Your Daily Schedule

Another thing to consider when you think about exercising regularly is your schedule. Not having the time to squeeze in a bit of exercise is one of the most common reasons people don’t do it. When you think about your day, think about where you might have even 20 minutes to spare.

Some choose to exercise in the evenings after work. This can help you unwind from a long day and relieve stress. Others prefer to exercise first thing in the morning to help give them an energy boost and offer some motivation for the day. Others may choose to work out on their lunch break to help break up that day a bit.

The great news is that exercise is beneficial no matter what time you choose to do it. So, pick a time that works for your schedule. If you build it into your routine at a time that works well, you will likely follow through.

Accommodate for Personal Injuries and Experience

For those who may not exercise regularly, going to a gym or learning to exercise can be a little intimidating. By starting off slow, you can build your strength, endurance, and knowledge. This can also help you avoid injuries.

If you have existing injuries, it is important to select exercises that will not irritate them or cause any further harm. Yoga, light walking, or even swimming can be excellent options for those with pre-existing conditions.

The Benefits of Exercise in Recovery

When it comes to addiction recovery, exercise can be beneficial in several ways. Incorporating some physical activity into your routine can improve mental and physical health. In turn, this helps you heal.

Exercise releases endorphins and helps to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. As a result, you are left feeling more energized, positive, and relaxed. Physical activity also helps increase your ability to focus and promotes better sleep.

As your body begins to heal from consuming drugs and alcohol, it can send your appetite and digestive system for a loop. Exercise can help boost your metabolism, which will help balance your appetite and will, in turn, improve digestive function.

At Enlightened Solutions, we offer a variety of activities that involve physical activity. We emphasize yoga practice, as we understand it to be very healing and beneficial. Yoga encourages a mind, body, and spirit connection, which is essential to success in recovery.

Our programs also incorporate activities such as paddle boarding, fishing, surfing, and other forms of outdoor exercise. These activities serve as a therapeutic experience, as they provide healing and skill-building opportunities.

Identifying forms of exercise that work well for you in treatment and recovery is key. Consider any barriers that may keep you from engaging in exercise. Then, consider your interests and daily schedule. Prioritize exercises that are enjoyable, schedule-suiting, and safe. You might become a creature of habit and choose to participate in the same form of exercise daily, or you might like to mix it up. Either way, you are benefitting your recovery!

Exercise has many benefits for your mental and physical health. It helps boost mood, improves focus, promotes better sleep, and helps with metabolism and digestion. In treatment and recovery, you can receive all of these advantages as a result of exercise. In order to ensure consistency and longevity, it is essential to select the best forms of exercise for you. To do this, you will need to consider your interests, schedule, and experience. You will also need to be mindful of any injuries or existing conditions. At Enlightened Solutions, we incorporate a variety of activities to promote healing through exercise. We hold frequent yoga classes and offer activities through our experiential therapy program that involve physical activity. We help clients identify activities they enjoy and can carry into recovery. If you have an addiction and need treatment, call Enlightened Solutions at (833) 801-LIVE.