By now, you’re likely not too surprised to hear that exercise is an important part of the addiction recovery process. Yoga mats and fitness equipments are becoming mainstays of many rehabs across the country. Make sense: A stronger body will be better able to rid itself of toxins and a stronger mind will be better equipped to handle the emotional strains and stressors of getting (and staying) sober.

Even if you hate to exercise, it’s hard to argue with the many recovery benefits. According a study published in Mental Health and Physical Activity, having regular physical activity be part of your treatment plan can decrease your chances of relapse.

Here are a few more of the many health perks of making fitness part of your short- and long-term recovery plan.

1. More emotional control. A good sweat session is sure to help you literally work out any anger, stress, frustration, or any other negative emotions you’re feeling during recovery.
2. Enhanced confidence. Exercise can help you boost your energy and improve your self-perception. What’s more, researchers found that physical activity can give patients being treated for drug or alcohol abuse greater confidence in their ability to recover.
3. Fewer cravings. Exercise helps reduce cravings by boosting the brain’s “pleasure circuit” or “feel-good” neurotransmitters.
4. Less boredom. Staying active will keep your body and mind busy, which is critical for preventing relapse in early recovery.
5. Better sleep. Regular exercise can help you restore those circadian rhythms or sleep cycles that are often thrown off from years of addiction. The result: It will be easier to fall and stay asleep through the night.

Finding Fitness at Seabrook
At Seabrook we help our clients make regular exercise part of their overall addiction recovery. Our fitness center’s equipment includes recumbent bikes, elliptical trainers, treadmills, free weights, and the Precor Universal Machine. To learn more, call today: (888) 223-0298.