Did you know that the last Wednesday in September is always National Women’s Health and Fitness Day? This is a time to promote women’s health and the importance of staying active and taking care of your body. Self-care is especially important for women who are in recovery from addiction and whose bodies and minds are healing from the effects of drugs and alcohol. Physical exercise can be a wonderful way to reduce stress, boost mood, and tone and strengthen the body.
Try a Variety of Activities
Staying fit is something that all women can do, and you don’t have to be an athlete or runner to keep up. Try a variety of activities and figure out what you like best. Sign up for different classes in the community or at the gym; you can also check out workout videos online or on DVD. Keep an open mind and give these activities a chance – don’t decide five minutes into it that it’s too hard or boring or time consuming and you don’t like it. Stick with an exercise or activity for a while to really give it a chance and see what you think.
Go with a Friend
Keep yourself motivated and accountable – and have fun while you’re at it – by exercising with a friend. You’ll have a partner to try new things and can give each other encouragement. You can talk to one another and boost your mood while becoming healthier.
Combine Cardio and Strength Exercises
Don’t get stuck in a rut of only focusing on one type of exercise. Work your entire body by alternating between strength and cardio, or combining the two. This can also help to reduce your risk of injury by working different muscles and giving your body a chance to recover.
Pay Attention
How often do you find that you’re just mindlessly going through the motions to get your workout over with and say you did it? Make it more impactful by being focused and in the present. Pay attention to your form and feel each movement in your muscles. Mindfulness is an important part of recovery, whether you’re spending time with friends or hitting up the gym.
Look Past the Numbers
Don’t let yourself get too caught up in what the scale says. Everyone’s body is different, and muscles weighs more than fat. Exercise to make yourself feel good and improve your health, not to hit a certain number on the scale. Plus, if you’re not seeing the results you wanted when you wanted them, it can lead to disappointment or being too critical of yourself.
Eat a Healthy Diet
As you’re adding more physical activity into your routine, don’t forget to eat a well-balanced diet as well. Incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your meals. Diet and exercise together can have a positive impact on how you look and feel inside and out.
Crossroads encourages women to engage in healthy activities throughout recovery. From yoga or Pilates to hiking or other recreational activities, the possibilities are endless. Staying active is an integral part of addiction recovery, so explore what works best for you, your body, and your needs. Combine this with evidence-based therapies and holistic healing for even more effective treatment at Crossroads.
[cta]Are you struggling to stay focused on your recovery? Contact Crossroads today to see how we can help you be more successful.[/cta]
