All Stretched Out: Why Yoga Is Good for Addiction Recovery

Yoga

Yoga may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re considering entering a detox and rehabilitation program. Yet, over the last decade, this restorative exercise technique, once the alternative therapy guru’s domain, has become more mainstream.  

Although addiction requires lifelong management in much of the same way as mental health, when we think about addiction treatment, we refer to the recovery aspect rather than the management of our health around it. Addiction rehabilitation treatment encourages us to think about creating new habits and routines to replace our previous lifestyle and consider ways to restore our body.

In this way, even for those who prefer not to work-out or are unable to tackle more vigorous exercise types due to physical limitations, yoga’s restorative qualities can help us check the activity box on our wellness checklist. 

Stretched, Not Stressed 

Yoga is specifically designed to address the imbalance of the mind, body, and spirit. When we incorporate yoga into our recovery process, we develop a deeper level of consciousness. This increased self-awareness has the potential to propel a more meaningful connection within ourselves.

Part of our recovery process asks us to think about how we feel, or our level of connection to the nature of our thoughts. This is important when we notice urges or cravings leading to a desire to consume our choice of substance.

Mindfulness is encouraged through a series of slow stretches and breath conscious work, permitting a more relaxed state of mind. When we develop an increased awareness of the backdrop to our thoughts and behaviors, we can become more mindful when faced with triggers and the risk of relapse.  

Re-balance and Restore

The physical nature of substance abuse can leave us with feelings of dislike toward our physical appearance. Our culture encourages comparison to images few people can live up to. For many people, taking up an exercise program for the first time is an intimidating endeavor.

Instead of focusing on specific physical abilities such as speed, strength, and flexibility, yoga’s non-competitive practice takes us as we are, making it possible to develop strength and flexibility at our own pace.  

The adaptive nature of yoga also makes it an excellent choice for those of us with mobility differences. Yoga from a seated position is every bit as effective as mat-yoga. No matter what your abilities might be, yoga is a truly unifying exercise.

Many of us dealing with addiction are searching for control of our lives. Through yoga, we can learn to keep our minds focused on the present, while the physical aspect of yoga helps us reach a state of relaxation, keeping our minds clear and aware. If you are trying to overcome addiction, yoga can help you develop the focus you need to get your life back under control.

Addiction rehabilitation treatment encourages us to think about creating new habits and routines to replace our previous lifestyle. Yoga’s restorative qualities can help us check the activity box on our wellness checklist. Through yoga, we can learn to keep our minds focused on the present while the physical aspects of yoga help us reach a state of relaxation, keeping our minds clear and aware. Surrounded by the sublime landscape of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the Detox Center of Colorado offers a solution-based transitional residence program aimed at accountability and recovery. Against a backdrop of clean, mountain air, your substance abuse or mental health recovery is supported by a range of treatment and aftercare options developed with your needs in mind. Call the Detox Center of Colorado at (303) 952-5035.  

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