Learning to Manage Stress in Recovery Through Fitness
Stress is one of the most common factors contributing to relapse for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Managing stress allows clients in treatment to focus on healing from the effects of substance abuse. According to Frontiers in Physiology, "Physical activity has long been considered beneficial to health, and regular exercise is purported to relieve stress." pH Wellness encourages clients to use physical exercise to reduce stress and improve overall health and wellness. Clients have access to a state-of-the-art gym and exercise areas to facilitate healthy exercise routines and help them manage stress in recovery.
Manage Stress in Recovery Using Exercise
Physical exercises and low-stress activities like yoga or walking meditation help people in treatment manage stress more effectively. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health states, "The management of stress in drug-dependent patients is crucial." Chronic substance abuse often causes changes within the brain that impact stress tolerance. Using physical exercise to manage stress helps the mind and body heal from the effects of substance abuse.
Physical movement reduces emotional distress by doing the following:
Increasing oxygen content in the blood
Reducing blood pressure and heart rate
Releasing endorphins and other feel-good hormones
Promoting healthier cognitive function
The mind and body are directly linked. You can improve mental health by focusing on physical self-care. The care team at pH Wellness helps clients develop healthy exercise routines designed to strengthen their bodies and boost the healing effects of treatment. Establishing and maintaining healthy physical activity can reduce some of the symptoms and side effects caused by SUD and co-occurring disorders.
Health Benefits of Fitness and Exercise
Prioritizing your physical fitness during treatment for SUD will make it easier for you to manage symptoms. Some of the primary benefits of fitness and exercise in early recovery include:
Stress reduction
Improved moods
Better quality sleep
Increased energy
Healthy exercise helps the mind and body function more effectively. If you remain physically active and regularly exercise during your stay at pH Wellness, you may find it easier to focus on treatment and your recovery goals.
Manage Stress in Recovery Through Healthy Activities
Stress is one of the most common factors impacting how people respond to treatment and the severity of their symptoms. Healthy activities distract individuals from intrusive thoughts, cravings, and other symptoms of SUD. Managing stress is more manageable when people feel physically and emotionally healthy. Part of treatment for substance abuse involves helping people establish positive routines to help them avoid falling back into old habits after they transition into continuing care.
Some of the routines people use during treatment to reduce stress and improve overall health include:
Developing hobbies
Engaging with peers
Eating more balanced meals
Creating a sleep routine
Becoming more physically active
Making even simple lifestyle changes can profoundly affect one's level of stress. pH Wellness provides guidance and support for individuals who need additional help identifying areas of their routine they can improve during treatment.
Stress Reduction and Management During Treatment
Reducing stress is essential during treatment for SUD. If clients feel comfortable and secure, they engage more fully with the care team and peers. Reducing stress improves social interactions and makes it easier for people to regain control of their health.
People improve their mental health by adding physical exercise to their daily routine. The British Journal of Health Psychology states, "Engaging in physical activity is related to better mood and less stress." Many people incorporate physical activities and exercise routines into the treatment plan. Everyone has the opportunity to create a tailored exercise routine with the help of support staff.
How Does pH Wellness Help Clients Manage Stress in Recovery?
Fitness goals are often a motivator for healthy lifestyle changes. pH Wellness provides clients the equipment, space, and coaching to pursue their fitness goals during treatment. Clients in every program have access to the gym and outdoor workout spaces. Members of management, the care team, and support staff provide moral and practical support to individuals using physical exercise to manage stress. In addition to physical activities, many clients also engage in peer activities, events, and outings to remain active, reduce stress, and build strong social connections.
Integrating Exercise Into Daily Routines
Setting daily and weekly routines is an essential part of recovering from substance abuse. The time previously spent thinking about, procuring, or abusing substances needs to be filled with productive activities. Physical exercise is an excellent alternative and is easy for people to work into daily routines. Every level of care provides clients time throughout their day to take advantage of the gym. pH Wellness offers clients wellness coaching and many different activities to choose from. Many clients begin to notice positive changes to their energy, focus, and moods within a short period. Daily exercise often becomes a cornerstone of healthy living for people in recovery.
Your physical health directly affects your emotional stability and stress levels. People who regularly exercise and engage in healthy activities often report fewer symptoms related to anxiety and depression during early recovery from substance abuse. Taking steps to improve your fitness will also help reverse some of the health issues caused by chronic substance abuse. The care team at pH Wellness provides wellness coaching and fitness instructions for individuals who may not be familiar with exercising in a gym. The clinicians, support staff, and management all provide support and guidance for individuals who want to improve their fitness. To learn more about our programs, amenities, and services, call us today at (951) 262-8046.