A big part of the Recovery journey is learning how to take good care of yourself. It’s true that women are most frequently the caretakers in the family. They often care for their children, other’s children, their partners, and elderly family members.

Despite, or perhaps because of this,  women can be woefully lacking in the area of self-care. Things like getting themselves to the doctor or dentist, resting when needed, eating Healthy, exercising and treating oneself to a bit of extra pampering take a backseat to meeting the needs of others.

This results in fatigue, burnout, resentment, and impatience. You can only go so long without caring for yourself before you snap!

The Benefits Of Exercise In Recovery

Exercise is just one of many ways to care for yourself in recovery, and it is an important one! Exercise helps you stay healthy both physically and mentally.

Fitness is something that should be started as soon as possible in recovery. There are several reasons for this. First off, your Body is likely in desperate need of care. Drug and alcohol use deteriorates the body. Your muscles, respiratory system, and circulatory system are likely to be weak and sluggish. When your body is feeling this way, fatigue and lethargy are common. Lack of physical energy manifests itself psychologically, as well. If your body doesn’t feel good, your mind probably won’t, either.

The sooner you get back into good physical condition, the better. Good nutrition is essential, of course, followed by exercise. Exercise doesn’t just benefit the body, though, it also benefits the brain. Movement increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain. This stimulates healing and regeneration. Vigorous exercise also elevates mood. You will enjoy the benefits of increased energy levels, as well.

7 Ways To Stay Fit

Here are some basic ways to stay fit in your recovery. You don’t need an expensive gym membership to get fit and healthy!

1.  Walking

Let’s start with the most basic tip first: Walking. What makes walking so wonderful is that it is low-impact, effective and doesn’t cost you anything. You can do it regardless of fitness level, and it helps improve circulation, burns calories and tones muscles. If you want to increase your activity level, walk faster and walk uphill. Try varied terrain and if the weather isn’t ideal, go for the treadmill. Walking for even ten minutes a day improves overall fitness and staves off depression and anxiety.

2. Running

Running isn’t for everyone, but if you want a great way to burn calories, increase endurance and get that flood of endorphins that can elevate mood and energy levels, running may be for you. If you have injuries, you should avoid it, though. Make sure you have good shoes and stay hydrated!

3. Weight Training

This is a somewhat misunderstood form of fitness because most people only think in terms of lifting weights and getting bulky. But weight training encompasses more than just lifting. Body weight exercises are a great way to build healthy muscle mass, burn calories and increase strength

Weight training isn’t just for men, and women who do weight training do not have to worry about getting “too big.” The only way a person gets big and bulky with weight training is if they are putting in a lot of effort to do so. Aside from weights, you can do bodyweight exercises such as squats, push-ups, deadlifts, and lunges. A quick Youtube search can yield great routines that don’t require equipment or a gym membership.

4. Swimming

If you have access to a pool, swimming is a wonderful form of exercise with many benefits! Aside from burning calories and toning up your whole body, swimming works your lungs and circulatory system and it also promotes relaxation. Swimming expends a lot of energy, so if you are struggling with insomnia, a good, vigorous swim can only help!

5. Yoga

Yoga is good for the mind, body and spirit. You don’t have to be an expert to reap the benefits of yoga, even a few basic moves will make a difference. In addition to increasing strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina, yoga can help you minimize stress and anxiety, promote focus and impulse control and help you live a more balanced life.

6. Team Sports

Team sports are not just a good way to get some exercise, they are also a way to have fun and be social. You can get a group of friends together for a game of softball, football, soccer, etc. Team sports can be a great way to get to know people and expand your support group. Choose people who are clean and sober and go outside and enjoy yourself.

7. Sneak In Fitness

Again, you don’t need a fancy gym or equipment to stay fit. You don’t need a lot of time, either. Go for a daily walk, squeeze in a few minutes of push-ups, squats and lunges. Go dancing or play volleyball. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further from the store so you have to walk more. Even small changes add up.

Taking good care of yourself is not selfish, it is one of the most important things you can do. If you don’t do it, no one else will! You are more able to care for others when you are feeling healthy, happy and strong, and when you have the energy for it. Constantly running yourself down endangers your recovery. Feeling bad about your body endangers your recovery, as well. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and eat healthy foods, and get some exercise!

Where To Get Help

If you are a woman struggling with addiction, you can get the help you need at New River Wellness Center. Our program doesn’t just treat the addiction, though, it treats the whole person. New River Wellness Center incorporates holistic recovery therapies that nurture the mind, body and spirit, and our program is designed specifically to meet the unique needs of women. Call 1-877-697-3268 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

The post 7 Ways To Stay Fit In Sobriety appeared first on .