11 Ways Yoga Helps People During and After Addiction Treatment

How Practicing Yoga and Meditation Benefit People In Recovery

If you or a loved one is in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction, the steps they (or you) take next will matter more than you might realize. Recovery and addiction treatment is an ongoing process, one that must be carefully nurtured every step along the way. By developing a meditation and yoga practice, you can keep that recovery going, so you can avoid future stressors, resist your triggers and keep going when times get tough.

Practicing yoga and meditation can present many benefits during your recovery, both in the initial stages and years down the line. Yoga can help your body heal from the inside out, increasing your core strength, building your muscle tone, and giving you insight into the inner workings of your body.

The psychological benefits of practicing yoga and meditation can be just as profound, including giving you insight into your mental health, helping you identify your personal triggers and root causes for your addiction, and giving you the strength you need to carry on.

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we are big believers in the power of yoga and meditation and in the holistic approach to treating drug addiction and alcoholism. Now that you are in recovery, we encourage you to take up these practices to experience their physical, psychological, and emotional benefits for yourself.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

The Basics Of Practicing Yoga: What It Is and How It’s Done

There is a widespread misconception that you have to already be in great shape to practice yoga, but that is not the case. People of all body shapes and ages can practice yoga, and so can you.

You do not have to be in great shape, or even particularly flexible, to get started with a yoga practice. All you need is the desire to do it and the right teacher. There are gentle forms of yoga that help you build your stamina, strength, and flexibility so that you can work your way toward the complex and challenging yoga poses you have seen on TV and the internet.

Cultivating Self Reflection and Inward Awareness

There are many physical benefits to practicing yoga, including improvements in flexibility, core strength, and more. Still, for those in recovery, the cultivation of self-reflection and a sense of inner awareness is the real payoff.

For those in recovery, developing a sense of self-reflection and awareness of the body and the mind could be the key to staying clean and avoiding a dangerous relapse. A big part of recovery is recognizing and overcoming triggers, and the self-discipline that yoga creates can be a big step in that direction.

Physical Benefits of Yoga

There are many physical benefits to practicing yoga during addiction treatment, and this gentle form of exercise has been gaining favor among all age groups, genders, and athletic abilities. You do not have to be a guru to get started, and when you begin practicing yoga, you can enjoy these significant benefits right away:

  • Increased core strength
  • Pain reduction
  • Improved flexibility
  • Gentle exercise
  • Less stress on your joints than other types of movement
  • The chance to focus on your body

Mental and Emotional Benefits of Yoga

In addition to the physical benefits, practicing yoga regularly also gives you some critical mental and emotional benefits, including:

  • Greater focus during your recovery
  • Inner peace
  • Improved memory
  • Keeps the brain healthy
  • Relief from the symptoms of anxiety and depression

Cultivating the Mind-Body Connection

Much has been said about the mind-body connection, and for a good reason. Cultivating the relationship between the body and the mind is an integral part of a successful recovery, and it is an essential part of what we do here at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab.

We take a holistic approach to supporting your recovery, giving you the tools you need to stay drug-free and live a healthier and more successful life.

Why Treating Addiction Holistically Matters

Treating addiction is a complicated matter, with root causes to address, underlying mental health challenges to consider, and friends and family members caught in the middle. We understand the complexities of treating addiction, and that is why we take a holistic approach to help your body and mind heal.

Our holistic approach and medical team incorporates everything from the building of coping skills to the use of yoga, meditation, and other alternatives practices to build your strength and help you heal. If you are ready to get started on the healing process, we encourage you to reach out to us today to assist in your recovery.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.