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The Benefits of Stretching in Recovery 

woman stretches before run

As you’re getting your body prepared to be in the best shape possible, you’ll have to do things that you’ve never done before to boost your health – and you’ll have to continue to do things that have been working well for you. Recovery isn’t just about treating the addiction itself – it’s about restoring what you’ve been missing all these years to live a happy, healthy life. Physical health is incredibly important because your body serves as the foundation that gets you to where you need to be; without physical health, it would be harder to get to where you need to be. Stretching is a great way to boost your immune system and get your mind and body prepared for healing and rejuvenation. Studies have shown that stretching is beneficial for a number of reasons: it promotes flexibility, it improves our posture, and it prepares our muscles to fight injuries if this happens. In addition to this, stretching increases blood supply – which means that nutrients are better able to reach the places where they need to go. There are three main paths that stretching enhances, including the mind, body, and spirit. Light movement has actually been shown to improve our mental health and can boost our mood. In fact, experts explain that exercise can increase a certain protein in the brain that actually helps nerve fibers grow – which means healthier nerve connections and a better chance at sustained mental health. Much like a car needs to run for a few minutes in the winter before it can drive effectively, our bodies need time to “warm-up” throughout the day to function at its best. Holistic practices such as yoga help us stretch and breathe at the same time, which can bring us closer to the present moment. Stretching helps our body become more in sync with itself, which can have a huge impact on our movements throughout the day.

At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms.  The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan.  We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.