Yoga has many benefits and is often used as a way of soothing stress. One unique application for yoga is by pairing it with addiction recovery. While yoga may not be the sole approach to overcoming addiction, the practice can help a person’s overall holistic health and promote wellness. Let’s dive into what yoga is and the different benefits of yoga for addiction recovery.
More On Yoga?
If you’re not familiar with the practice of yoga, it is an old practice that combines both physical and the mental well-being of the performer. While the original form of yoga was much more simple, the practice has been refined and embellished over the years to accommodate changing interests.
All yoga methods – from hot yoga to restorative-focused routines – there is something for everyone that targets both the mind and body. Holistic approaches are very important as described by Hollywood Hills, which is why yoga is often paired with recovery. Read on for the benefits you might find in the process.
1. Relieves Stress
One of the greatest benefits of yoga is its ability to relieve stress. There could be a few different reasons for this, such as regulating your breathing or dedicating time to yourself, but the benefit still remains.
When it comes to addiction recovery, the process can be especially stressful as it is one of the hardest things a person will have to do. Taking time to focus on oneself, even only a few times a week during a yoga routine, can help make all of the difference in making a patient focus on what matters most.
2. Regulate the Body
Depending on a patient’s individual addiction, they may struggle with their weight and maintaining their strength. Fortunately, the way to both build strength and lower a person’s weight where necessary can both be targeted with yoga. Unlike harsher activities such as cardio or weight training, the delicate nature of yoga helps to improve your physical wellness and limit
3. Keep Busy
When going through recovery, one of the hardest things a person will need to do is keep their mind off their addiction. Oftentimes, addiction can become a part of someone and turn into an activity that is done during social gatherings, when alone, and even out of boredom. For example, cigarette smokers may have trouble getting away from smoking when they are used to smoking on work breaks, when stressed, or at friend gatherings on the weekends. Replacing those habits with something that can keep your mind off of them will be an invaluable tool.
4. Ease Aches and Pains
Yoga relies heavily on stretching. Working out muscle pains and aches is important to promote overall well-being. It’s often when we don’t feel our best that we can slip into bad habits.
Learning holistic ways to help soothe your mind and body may help to prevent turning to things that harm your overall well-being. Instead of turning to alcohol or drugs, turning to yoga or other natural options can be the key to sticking to the plan.
5. Self-discipline
Paired with overcoming addiction is the idea of willpower and self-discipline. These two words go hand-in-hand to help a person navigate their recovery and the idea of simply saying “no.” When it comes to strengthening that self-discipline, there are plenty of methods to do so, but practice will make perfect. By strengthening your willpower in other areas, such as a dedicated yoga schedule, a person can build their strength and learn to stick to what is best for them in other areas of their life, including their addiction.
6. Emotional Outlet
Yoga targets the mind, body, and yes, emotional aspects of a person. As with any physical activity, moving your body and doing something that you love can help to boost emotional wellness. When you’ve spent time turning to bad-for-you alternatives to cope with strong emotions, learning to lean on healthier options like yoga can be life-changing.
Conclusion
Recovering from an addiction can be overwhelming when looking from the outside in. One way to help relieve that stress and promote your overall well-being is by using yoga as a tool. With its holistic health benefits and ability to clear your mind and emotions to focus on what matters, yoga may be the perfect addition to your recovery.
