If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you know that we frequently mention the benefits of exercise for individuals who are in recovery from a substance use disorder. Of course, regular exercise is good for everyone, but there are some specific benefits for folks in recovery—including the fact that exercise can help stave off a relapse by improving your physical and mental health.
But even if we have convinced you that exercise should be a key component of your ongoing recovery, you may find that you are having trouble getting started. That could be true for a number of reasons. Most basically, it might be the case that you simply do not enjoy exercising—or at least have never found a physical activity that you enjoy enough to do steadily. You might think you are far too busy to introduce regular exercise into your daily routine. Or you might have some physical limitations that make it difficult for you to find exercises you can do without pain or other issues.
If, however, you are able to walk without difficulty, adding steps to your day is a great way to get some exercise and support your recovery. And there is a good chance you could add some walking to your day without upending your busy schedule. We have some ideas to help you get started as a productive walker.
Take Your Phone Calls and Meetings in Motion
One effective way to add some steps to your day is to walk when you are on the phone. Whether you are making and taking calls at work or are chatting with friends or family during your personal time, phone calls provide an opportunity to get yourself in motion.
While some calls may require you to take notes or look up information on your computer, there are likely other calls that can be handled while you take a stroll. A 10-minute call can add 10 minutes of walking to your day. Three calls can easily add up to spending 30 minutes up and about.
Another alternative might be doing some professional development work while walking. For example, if you tend to read business books of one kind or another, you might be able to find audio versions you could listen to while in motion.
You can take these ideas even further by suggesting walking meetings. If you have regular one-on-one conversations, for example, you might see if the person you are meeting with might be up for taking a walk while you talk. Of course, this is just a worktime variation of taking a walk with a friend to catch up and enjoy one another’s company.
And speaking of walking with a friend…
Let a Pooch Take You for a Walk
In a previous blog post, we have written about the many ways a pet can be beneficial to a person in recovery from a substance use disorder. If that pet happens to be a dog, going for walks is part of the deal.
Many times, however, folks tend to think of walking the dog as a chore rather than an opportunity. If you can shift your mindset to think of this time outdoors with your dog as a chance to destress and enjoy yourself, you might find yourself walking a bit further than has been your habit. Adding a little time and distance to your daily walk is good for you—and good for your furry pal, too.
Don’t have a dog? You might consider asking a friend if you could go with them when they walk their dog (or even take their dog on a walk yourself from time to time). That would be a win for your recovery.
Build a Walk into Lunchtime
We believe it is important to really take a break for lunch rather than working through the midday meal. And part of that break could be a quick walk. That walk can help clear your head from your morning work and refresh you for the afternoon.
Of course, you also want to eat a healthy lunch, but there is a good chance that you could have time for both eating and walking in the middle of your day. And you can carry this habit into your weekend, adding a walk to your day around lunchtime.
When You Walk into The Aviary, We Can Help
If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, you want to point your feet toward an effective treatment center so that you can start your recovery journey. The Aviary Recovery Center—located near St. Louis, Missouri—is an exceptional option. In fact, The Aviary is regularly recognized as one of the best substance use disorder treatment centers in the country.
We offer inpatient, outpatient, and virtual treatment options, and each has the same goals: helping you leave drugs or alcohol behind and giving you the strategies and support you need to maintain your recovery over time. When you are ready to make a positive change, we are here to help you reach your goal.
