Often, people who misuse alcohol or drugs neglect important things needed for both emotional and physical health, and this can often leave you feeling unwell or in need of some TLC. When you start your recovery journey, you can often find yourself with ‘free-time’ and instead of letting boredom set it, put the time to good use by starting some simple short exercises. There are lots of different benefits to exercise such as improved health, lower blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, but when in recovery or treatment from substance misuse there are some primary benefits as follows.
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Exercise can enhance feelings of wellbeing – all which make life more manageable and enjoyable…increasing the possibility and sustainability of recovery
- Get active
Improved sleep exercise is proven to improve the sleep patterns and promote healthier sleep routines in those who partake in 20 mins of exercise at least 5 days a week.
Exercise relieves and reduces stress tension builds in our bodies and getting moving help to alleviate this, and release the negative emotions attached to them. Exercise is proven to relieve psychological and physical stress…Get Moving!
It naturally & positively improves brain chemistry when you exercise your body releases endorphins – a natural high – these are the same endorphins released when you use drugs. Only the release caused by drugs results in an imbalance that interfere’s with your ability to feel pleasure, happiness and satisfaction. Regular physical activity during treatment and recovery will help you reintroduce natural levels of endorphins into your system…helping you to feel better!
Improves your outlook exercising can give you feelings of accomplishment, pride and self-worth as you see your body get fitter and stronger and you reach little goals that you have set yourself. those who exercise report increased feelings of self-confidence and optimism and reduced feelings of depression and anxiety.
Gives you ‘you time’ and time to think – through movement, you can take time away from the hustle and bustle and refocus your thoughts on your own wellbeing, having a brief break from the daily grind. You could leave your work out with a clearer mind, feeling more rejuvenated and optimistic. Having this break, getting some clarity can sometimes make recovery much more manageable.
Getting active
The recommendations are to do 150 minutes of exercise a week (which is about 21 minutes per day, or 50 minutes 3 times a week). There are lots of different options to be more active, whether you like walking, gardening, running, team sports, or work out dvd’s.
NHS Choices has a whole web site dedicated to different options click the button to the right to take you to their website. They even have some exercise video clips online.
If you like running or want to give it a try, download the Couch to 5k app to your smart phone. This is a free couch – 5k 9 week running plan for people who want to be more active. It’s perfect if you are new to running – the plan is all about starting off slowly and building up gradually. Anyone can start Couch to 5k – you don’t need to be fit!
See these tools on how to help get active
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One You campaign apps
There are lots of apps available to download to help you be more active and keep track or support you on your way, take a look! See what apps will suit you!
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Exercise ideas with NHS Choices
Go to siteThis is a great resource for you with useful hints, tips and tools (including phone apps) to help you increase your activity. See how easy it is!
Ways to improve your wellbeing
Your wellbeing is crucial to recovery, and making sure you look after yourself whether you are the person who is using substances or whether you are worried about someone else’s use. Here are some simple steps you can take to look after YOU!