Physical wellness is essential for everyone, but perhaps especially for those receiving treatment for addiction. While the body is healing from damage caused by substance abuse, it’s vital to give it all the support possible. Taking care of the body is worthwhile, not just in its own right, but as a way to prevent long-term disease. It’s also a powerful way to positively impact self-esteem, emotions, and self-regulation.
If you or a loved one is seeking an addiction recovery program, contact The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare. We’re available at 844.413.2690 or by online message and are happy to share examples of physical wellness that can be tied into our array of effective treatment programs. At our facilities near Austin, TX, we know that acknowledging the body-mind connection is a cornerstone of effective healing.
What Are Three Examples of Physical Wellness?
Physical wellness takes many forms, but here are three that doctors regularly cite as essential to overall health:
- Adequate sleep – Most people feel stressed and poorly rested without seven to nine hours of sleep per night. This is especially true in recovery when clients need extra time to heal from the damage done by substance use. Sleep solidifies new neural connections made during skill-building or therapy and provides time to digest nutrients. Studies consistently show that the deepest phase of sleep, when rapid eye movement (REM) occurs, is especially important for health.
- Good nutrition – Eating a nutrient-dense diet fuels health for several reasons. Healthy food provides sufficient amino acids, which form the building blocks of neurotransmitters. These are the primary mood regulators within the human body. Moreover, a diet rich in protein and the vitamins found in fruits and veggies ensures the body has all it needs to repair damage. It likewise allows for ideal muscular repair and growth after exercise. Many people with substance addiction are malnourished, and a healthy diet can work wonders to support recovery.
- Physical exercise – Physical activity boosts overall physical wellness by producing feel-good chemicals called endorphins. When people work out, they experience a “high” similar to that produced by commonly abused substances. Those who exercise regularly usually feel happier overall and are generally more able to handle emotional stressors calmly and effectively. Beyond this, regular exercise can boost immunity by promoting a healthy heart rate and blood pressure while reducing inflammation.
Promoting Physical Wellness in Addiction Treatment
Awareness of physical wellness will be part of any alcohol or drug recovery program worth entering. Clients often receive access to nutrition counseling to help them understand how healthy eating affects mental health and physical recovery. Ideally, they meet with a nutritionist who tailors a dietary plan to their unique needs, including food allergies or preferences.
Exercise activities like group sports can be a great way to promote physical health in recovery. They likewise foster cooperation, mutual support, and a sense of accomplishment. Solo or group outings like hikes or jogs also promote fitness and give access to the naturally therapeutic great outdoors. In some cases, outdoor activities also involve animals like dogs or horses, which reduce stress and provide outstanding emotional support.
In addition to nutrition counseling, medical monitoring, and therapeutic intervention, clients in recovery strive to meet their sleep and relaxation needs. Many people who’ve lived with addiction have significantly dysregulated sleep. They may also feel unable to relax without substance use.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today at The Arbor in Georgetown, TX
If you or a loved one could use an addiction recovery program in the Austin area, contact The Arbor now. We’re standing by at 844.413.2690 or online to answer your questions about our range of inpatient and outpatient offerings. Don’t wait another minute to start the journey toward better mental and physical health through qualified addiction recovery treatment.