Finding Fitness Motivation

Whether you vowed to move more as part of your New Year’s goals or have included exercise in your overall sobriety strategy, you likely know by now that the benefits are plenty. Physical activity makes you happier and less stressed and it also helps fend off some pretty serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. 

3 Tips to Stay Motivated

Knowing that something is good for you and doing that something that is good for you are two different things. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to let exercise fall by the wayside – especially with all of your other recovery to-dos. The good news: You can motivate yourself to make movement part of your every day. Here’s how: 

1. Think movement, not exercise. You can reap the benefits of exercise without hitting the gym. The goal is this: Move more – and that can mean taking the stairs, cleaning the house, or parking further from the store. 
2. Set a date – and stick to it. Whether it’s a daily walk with a friend or weekly yoga class, setting an appointment can help keep you accountable. 
3. Write it down. An exercise journal is a great motivational tool. Start by tracking what you did and for how long (and don’t forget to include household chores) and add it all up at the end of your day. Consider jotting down how different types of movement made you feel; for example, relaxed or reinvigorated or more limber. 

Let Us Help You Find Fitness Motivation
The best form of fitness during addiction recovery is the kind that motivates you and supports your new sober lifestyle. At Complete Harmony, our hybrid addiction recovery program offers exercise planning to strengthen your body during addiction recovery. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.

Running 101 for Recovery

Running is an inexpensive and powerful addition to your recovery plan and new, sober lifestyle. In addition to providing a healthy distraction, running can help you better manage stress and anxiety (common relapse triggers), improve sleep, boost self-confidence, and maintain a healthy weight. 

If you’re thinking about becoming a runner, these proven strategies will help you ease into it. 

Get your doctor’s clearance. Especially if you’ve been sedentary for more than a year, are overweight, or have a history of diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before embarking on a new exercise plan. 

Walk before you run. Slow and steady win the race when it comes to learning how to be a runner. Begin with purposeful walking (for half an hour or so), next combine walking and jogging until you slowly increase your jogging.

Invest in proper footwear. Visit an athletic store and consult with the staff on the best shoe for you. It should fit well and be designed for the impact of running.

Find a fitness partner. Inquire about a running club or group in your community, or pair up with your sponsor or someone whom you’ve befriended during recovery.  

Keep a fitness journal. This will help you stay motivated as you track your progress and gradually increase your distance or speed. Remember to celebrate your fitness goals along the way.

Listen to your body. Pushing yourself too hard or too quickly can lead to burnout and injuries. It takes time to build stamina and strength and improve your health and fitness levels.

Exercise to Support Your Sobriety 

At Complete Harmony, we know that fighting addiction is more than simply giving up drugs and alcohol. It’s about creating a new sober lifestyle that supports your health holistically. Our hybrid addiction recovery program offers exercise planning to strengthen your body during addiction recovery. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.