The benefits of exercise extend far beyond physical health. In fact, the impact of exercise on mental health can prove to be the difference between long-term recovery and relapse. People in recovery from addiction and mental health issues often struggle with managing their emotions and finding healthy coping mechanisms.
Exercise has proven to be a powerful tool in promoting overall well-being and providing individuals with the necessary tools for maintaining long-term sobriety and mental wellness. But what exactly are the effects of physical activity on mental health? Here’s everything you need to know to get started exploring the benefits of exercise.
The Science Behind Exercise and Mental Health
Physical activity effect on mental health is a research topic that is as exciting as it is important. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to understand how exercise affects our mental well-being. The results of these studies consistently show that exercise has a positive impact on reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
While the mechanisms are still being studied, research shows that the release of endorphins can be a powerful tool to promote natural relaxation. In short, exercise not only provides a psychological, but also a physical release from stress and anxiety.
For people in addiction recovery, it’s incredibly important to find healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and mood disorders like depression. Exercise’s positive effect on mental health makes it an ideal tool for those in recovery to adopt into their daily lives.
Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health
In addition to reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, exercise has also been linked to overall improvements in mental well-being. Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance mood, self-esteem, cognitive function, and mindfulness.
Mood Enhancement
Studies have found that there are many benefits of exercise for mental health, including mood enhancement. Research shows that people can experience benefits such as:
- Enhanced affective, or depressive, states
- Enhanced mood
- Enhanced emotional states
These benefits can be seen even with acute bouts of exercise, and can be especially pronounced in individuals who continue to maintain a regular exercise routine. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training can be used to enhance mood. With mood disorders being the most common co-occurring conditions with addiction, the positive impact of exercises effect on mental health can be used as a powerful tool in recovery.
Self-Esteem Improvement
Self-esteem is positively associated with overall well-being. Studies have shown that no matter what exercise people engage in, this can lead to improved levels of self-esteem and thus, overall mood.
While it might not seem significant, low self-esteem has been linked to addiction. Whether it’s improving your body composition, setting and accomplishing an exercise goal, or simply feeling better about yourself, exercise can positively impact self-esteem and potentially reduce the risk of relapsing in addiction.
Cognitive Health Improvements
Furthermore, regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and even thinking skills. Unfortunately, both short-term and long-term use of substances can lead to cognitive deficits. These can be especially pronounced during the beginning withdrawal and abstinence periods.
Fortunately, these effects are usually only temporary. However, continued drug use can lead to more permanent damage and cognitive decline. Exercise can not only combat this decline, but also allow you to feel improved clarity, focus, and improve your ability to learn new patterns of thought and behavior that lead to successful recovery.
Improved Mindfulness
Lastly, there is evidence that suggests combining mindfulness with physical activity can lead to improved mental health and well-being. There are several feasible ways to do this if you’re looking for a mindful exercise routine.
One option is to incorporate meditation into your workout routine. This can involve practicing mindfulness while walking, running, or doing yoga. By paying attention to your breath and body sensations during physical activity, you can increase awareness and reduce stress levels.
Another option is to join a group fitness class that combines both mindfulness and exercise. These classes often incorporate elements of yoga, stretching, and relaxation techniques to help improve overall mental well-being.
Additionally, simply being outdoors in nature while exercising can lead to feelings of mindfulness and improved mental health. Studies have found that spending time in nature can reduce anxiety, depression, and improve substance abuse.
Explore the Power of Exercise and Other Treatments Today
At Premiere Addiction Recovery, we believe in utilizing a holistic approach to addiction treatment. Our ultimate goal is to create an effective, individualized treatment plan that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of addiction. Along with traditional therapy, we also incorporate alternative treatments such as yoga, relaxation techniques, mindfulness in recovery, dual-diagnosis treatment, and so much more. From detox to 12-step recovery, inpatient treatment, and more, we’re with you every step of the way in your healing journey. If you’re looking for addiction treatment in Cocoa Beach, FL, call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards lasting recovery.
