For many people, getting regular exercise is already part of their daily habits. But for plenty of other people—perhaps you among them—exercise seems like a chore. And we all already have enough chores to do without adding anything else to the mix. It might seem like exercise—unlike, say, doing the laundry or mowing the lawn or washing the dishes—is a chore you can just let go.
Of course, exercise is a key to good health, so it is a good practice for just about everyone. But it is an especially important habit to get into if you are in recovery from a substance use disorder. That is because exercise supports your recovery by supporting your overall well-being.
Let’s take a look at the importance of exercise. We will also offer up a few options for getting started if you tend to be somewhat (or very) exercise adverse.
The Benefits of Exercise in Recovery
Most everyone generally understands that getting enough exercise contributes to a person’s physical health. Various kinds of exercise help a person build strength, increase flexibility, improve cardiovascular conditioning, and more.
What few people consider, however, is the benefits of exercise in relation to a person’s mental health. Physical and mental health are deeply intertwined, and so when you exercise to support your physical well-being, you are also supporting your mental well-being.
Physical and mental well-being both underpin your recovery efforts. Maintaining your recovery over time is more easily accomplished when you are physically and mentally healthy. With that fact in mind, you might find yourself more motivated to exercise than you otherwise might be. After all, maintaining your recovery is an essential goal, right?
But even if you have new motivation, you might be a little short on direction. What sort of exercise should you take up? We have some suggestions.
First things first, however: If you are thinking about starting a new exercise program, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor. You want to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that your exercises of choice are serving you well.
Walking Is a Wonderful Way to Start
For those who are able, adding some walking to each day is a great way to add some exercise right away. After all, most of us are already doing some walking—from the car to the office, for example, or from one end of your home to the other. Those short trips might not add up to much by themselves, but they do provide a starting point to get some more steps in every day.
For example, you might start parking a little further from your workplace. Once inside, you might choose the steps rather than the elevator. Rather than sending an email to a colleague, you might walk over to talk with them face-to-face. And you might add, say, a 10-minute walk to your lunch break (a practice that has the additional advantage of getting you away from your work station for a bit).
A home, you might add an evening walk around the block (or around two blocks or more) as a way to wind down. You might be joined on the walk by a pet, and both of you will benefit. Or your partner or a friend might join you and you can enjoy each other’s company and strengthen your relationship while you also get the benefits of some exercise.
Over time, you can add more steps to your routine. Doing so will benefit your physical health, your mental health, and your recovery efforts.
Other Options Are Available
Walking can be an easy place to start, but there are, of course, many other options for exercising that you might enjoy if you give them a chance. Maybe you would enjoy practicing yoga. Perhaps swimming or doing other exercises in a pool is appealing. Maybe you would like to get in on the pickleball trend. Perhaps you would enjoy working out at a gym with others who share your fitness goals.
The key to getting regular exercise is to find something you truly enjoy. When you do so, it makes it much, much easier to stick with the activity. We encourage you to try a few things until you find something that seems right for you. And if that activity starts to feel like a chore rather than something you look forward to, try something new rather than giving up on exercise entirely.
Your recovery is worth the effort.
Exercise the Option to Get the Help You Need
Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, The Farley Center is committed to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. We rely on evidence-based practices that are supported by our expertise, experience, and empathy. From our medically supervised detoxification through our rehabilitation program and beyond, you can count on ongoing support as you work to leave drugs or alcohol behind you.
Just as any new exercise program requires you to take the first step, you can take the first step toward reclaiming your life. It is no idle exercise. It is a life-changing transformation.
