Here’s some recovery advice you won’t hear every day – get some exercise!
But you may have to work out on your own, because most others aren’t doing it. The U.S. ranks 46th on the list of most active nations in the world, and 27 percent of us get zero physical activity most days. As a result, we are more vulnerable to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and – addiction.
That’s right – addiction.
SMART Recovery has produced a list of benefits addicts can receive from regular exercise.
1. Exercise can help provide structure to your day. Most of us get into trouble because we aren’t into anything else. Structure keeps us grounded, and exercise brings structure.
2. Exercise is a good use of time. Addicts frequently identify boredom as a trigger for acting out. A daily exercise routine helps to alleviate that.
3. Exercise boosts positivity. Addicts often act out when they don’t feel good about themselves. Physical fitness and losing weight can help combat that.
4. Exercise can heal your brain. Fitness contributes to overall wellness. Cardio-vascular health and good physical conditioning contribute to self-esteem and reduce the need for artificial stimuli.
Recovery Step: The Bible speaks of the benefits of exercise (1 Timothy 4:8) and it reminds us that our bodies are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). Do you want recovery? Try exercise.