How Does Movement Help Recovery?

Regular movement is essential to maintaining a healthy mind and body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.” During treatment, physical symptoms of withdrawal can interfere with daily exercise routines.

However, the clinicians at Healing Pines Recovery encourage clients to find healthy activities that can help them stay focused during downtime. Working out, taking a walk, or spending time with the animals at our facility can decrease anxiety and improve focus. Building a routine that includes daily exercise during rehabilitation makes it easier to continue healthy behaviors after completing the program. Staying active can significantly improve general well-being and provide a healthy outlet for nervous energy or strong emotions.

The Healing Power of Movement

Healing from the harmful effects of substance use disorder (SUD) takes time, dedication, and hard work. Part of the recovery process includes replacing unhealthy and maladaptive behaviors with ones that rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. According to The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, “A growing body of evidence suggests that individuals with substance use disorders . . . are interested in exercising and that they may derive benefits from regular exercise, in terms of both general . . . fitness and SUD recovery.”

Rehabilitation facilities like Healing Pines Recovery incorporate nutrition and regular exercise into every client’s treatment plan to achieve a better outcome. The clinical team uses group and individual activities to ensure our client’s emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Group and Individual Activities

Group and individual activities have different benefits. Yet, they both improve mood, encourage emotional stability, and develop interpersonal relationship skills. In most facilities, group activities allow clients to interact in a low-stress environment where they can build trust and learn to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Group activities encourage positive social connections and problem-solving.

Individual activities give clients a way to focus their thoughts and practice mindfulness or meditation techniques. Healing Pines Recovery uses a holistic approach to care that ensures everyone finds an activity that suits their needs. We believe it is vital to replace maladaptive behaviors with new routines during early recovery. Some everyday activities that many people find helpful include:

• Community or group activities
• Equine therapy
• Exercising
• Walking
• Dancing
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Biking
• Pickleball
• Indoor workouts
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Strength training

The remote location of Healing Pines Recovery offers a unique opportunity for clients to fully immerse themselves in nature. We have 40 acres of ideal land for hiking, horseback riding, or taking meditative walks in the great outdoors. Activities people enjoy become part of their treatment plan. Group and individual activities often enhance the effectiveness of other therapies and allow for more profound personal growth.

Embracing New Experiences During Recovery

Recovery provides an excellent opportunity to embrace new experiences and adventures. Often, individuals in treatment for SUD have traumas to work through, and activities like equine or adventure therapy can assist in emotion processing and regulation. Many people are surprised by how much their mood improves with only ten to fifteen minutes of additional focused activity every day.

Even people who live with chronic pain or other disabilities can include activities in their day-to-day schedule. An easy way to do that is by branching out into new areas, including:

• Learning a new form of yoga, meditation, or other mindfulness-based therapy
• Participating in low-impact activities like swimming or pool calisthenics
• Equine therapy or other animal therapies that focus on emotional healing and physical connection

Creating New Routines After Rehabilitation

Recovery is a lifelong journey, and unexpected short-term setbacks are part of the process. Healthy activities are one area where clients can maintain balance and control even when other aspects of their life feel unstable or out of control. Some people need an adrenaline rush to stay focused and feel balanced, while others prefer quiet, meditative activities. The best way to find what works is by trying various things until individuals discover something that fits their personality and lifestyle. They can use those activities to create a routine that keeps them moving forward.

Joining Peer-Supported Community Activities

Individuals in recovery often rely on peer support to maintain accountability. Events and activities in the local recovery community can be an excellent opportunity to improve social skills and enhance the benefits of peer support groups like 12-Step meetings. Volunteer work in the recovery community is a popular way to stay moving and motivate others who may be new to treatment and recovery.

No matter what individuals choose to do with their time, dedicating a few minutes to healthy exercise daily can decrease their risk of relapse and leave them feeling more relaxed and emotionally stable.

Physical health impacts your ability to focus and embrace the essential coping skills we teach during rehabilitation. Daily exercise, equine therapy, adventure therapy, and other therapies we offer can improve physical fitness and emotional health.

At Healing Pines Recovery, we encourage clients to stay active and move throughout the day. Regular physical activity produces a calming effect on the mind and body, decreasing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood-related disorders. The dedicated clinical team at Healing Pines Recovery encourages every client to push beyond their comfort zone and try new solo and group activities. We offer many outdoor options, including pickleball, horseback riding, and hiking.

Our facility is in a remote area with an intimate setting and access to 24/7 one-on-one therapeutic care. To learn more about our services and programs, call our office today at 720-575-2621.