April 11, 2024
Almost all of us have been there, tossing and turning in frustration, fighting off anxious thoughts, pacing back and...
Read MoreYour body constantly seeks renewal, but the way it regenerates matters. Exercise is one part of a holistic approach to physical renewal that can help you feel better. For people who struggle with addiction, exercise can help heal the body and rid it of toxins like addictive substances, creating a fresh, positive start on the path to recovery. Ready to start your journey to recovery? Call us at (866) 750-0763.
What Is Holistic Exercise?
Holistic exercise accounts for the body, mind and soul. It addresses a person’s whole being rather than focusing only on physical training. Such an exercise program, when combined with other wellness methods, promotes complete well-being. Instead of just weightlifting or running, holistic exercise or fitness programs focus on nutrition, mindset and other factors that impact a person’s overall sense of wellness.
Holistic exercise also focuses on finding workouts that people enjoy and can incorporate into their routines. During training, participants focus on mental improvement rather than simply working for physical gains.
What Are the Benefits of Exercise for Healing?
Exercise has many healing effects. Here are a few benefits people often see by adding exercise to their healing journey:
- Improved mental health: Moving the physical body often releases endorphins and serotonin, making people feel better mentally.
- Better sleep: Exercise can make you feel more awake during the day and help you fall asleep faster at night. Calm exercises can also slow the mind, preparing the body for sleep.
- Better mental clarity: Improved energy from working out can lead to clearer thoughts, promoting mental healing. Exercise also creates a healthy outlet to release stress.
- Improved self-image: Even small actions taken to improve the body can also enhance self-perceptions, allowing those who exercise to embrace new healing possibilities.
Holistic Exercise Activities
People’s activities as part of a holistic exercise regimen often fall into similar categories as traditional exercise, but holistic exercise focuses more on finding the best option for each individual. Holistic routines also add new levels like healthy eating and mental health practices. A holistic exercise program might include:
- Low-intensity exercise: Yoga, Pilates and other similar exercises add movement and mobility and improve cardiorespiratory health.
- Anaerobic exercise: Training involving short bursts of energy and high effort, like weightlifting and sprinting, falls under this category and can decrease the neurological effects of certain drugs.
- Aerobic exercise: Motion like running, swimming and hiking that increases the heart rate for an extended period is considered aerobic. These activities can aid in brain repair and dopamine and serotonin production.
- Meditation: Some may not think this practice is exercise, but it is a physical activity allowing people to focus on breathing and letting go of emotions. It produces many helpful effects similar to other movements.
Exercise in Addiction Recovery
Exercise forms an essential component of a holistic approach to recovery. A few benefits of this routine include:
- Curbing cravings by introducing healthy endorphins back into the body
- Establishing a consistent routine
- Filling your time and thoughts with a beneficial activity
- Relieving stress and boosting mood
How The Sanctuary Can Help
For those seeking a better approach to addiction recovery and holistic health, The Sanctuary in Sedona offers a comprehensive therapeutic process to address hidden barriers to healing in the mind, body and soul. Our practice includes exercise with a state-of-the-art fitness center containing Pilates equipment, exercise machines, free weights and cardio equipment. Seek complete recovery by reaching out online today or give us a call at (866) 750-0763.
