Running has many benefits. For those who are struggling with addiction or are in addiction recovery, running gives them something more than just a fit body, but a path to a better life.
Being physically active is highly rewarding for everyone regardless of age or gender. And when it comes to physical activities, nothing is as simple and straightforward–even cost-effective–than plain old running. No equipment but your running shoes, and you can do it practically anywhere.
Running strengthens your heart and respiratory system, that’s for sure. But for people who are in addiction recovery, running provides more benefits that can help them be on the right track in their sobriety.
Let’s take a look at the 7 ways running can help in addiction recovery.
7 Ways Running Can Help in Addiction Recovery
1. Runner’s high. Who needs drugs when running provides you with that all-natural high? Running, as well as other forms of physical activity, increases the brain’s endorphin and dopamine levels, making you feel good and have a good mood that you can carry on throughout the day.
2. Reduced depression. Those who are in addiction recovery, particularly early recovery, can experience anhedonia, or that lack of capability of feeling happiness even in things that should make them happy. Well, running can help reduce that down feeling.
3. Reduced unhealthy cravings. Your spirits are up, thanks to the adrenaline, endorphin and dopamine rush, so your body will be so preoccupied with these feel-good things that it won’t have time to crave for the unhealthy stuff.
4. Clearer thinking. You are less likely to think about negative and irrational stuff because your mind is clear. You become more focused and driven.
5. Better outlook. Because of those feel-good chemicals and the fact that you’re in better shape physically, you become more confident. You have a better sense of achievement, a sense of satisfaction, and you have an everyday purpose in your life.
6. More positive about the future. Instead of feeling down or dwelling on the things that are not going right in your life, you are running. And this makes you feel good about your life right now. This also creates a ripple effect that makes you feel more hopeful about your future, with less fears and apprehensions about what the next day brings.
7. Lower relapse rates. Those who exercise and are active are less likely to relapse. This is because exercises prevents you from being idle and bored, which is one of the biggest factors for relapse.
Overall, running has many short-term and long-term effects on the body and mind. Best of all, it makes you get out of your couch, go out into the world, have the sunshine on your face, and just live life.
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