Physical exercise reduces stress and keeps the body healthy. However, many people recovering from persistent mental health disorders struggle to maintain physical wellness routines. According to the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Research suggests that exercise and physical activity can help to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.” Regular exercise enhances the effectiveness of treatment. Laguna Shores Recovery Center combines therapy and physical activity to ensure a holistic healing experience for individuals struggling with mental health disorders.
The Connections Between the Brain and Body
Emotional and physical health are directly linked. Circumstances that affect one will impact the other. Untreated mental health disorders cause physical side effects that worse symptoms and interfere with treatment. Some of the most common physical side effects of mental health issues include:
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Headaches or migraines
- Nausea
- Digestive issues
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
- Muscle tension
- Restlessness
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, “Physical activity has many well-established mental health benefits,” including “improved brain health and cognitive function . . . a reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep and overall quality of life.” Laguna Shores Recovery Center uses comprehensive assessments to determine what types of treatment and support services a person needs to heal. Physical exercises may be added to the treatment plan for individuals who have difficulty staying active in their everyday life.
Exercise Enhances Physical Health
Some people have difficulty maintaining physical fitness. In many cases, they either don’t have enough time or have other priorities. However, prioritizing physical exercise will help clients heal faster and reduce their risk of developing diseases as they get older. Regular exercise helps the body grow stronger and healthier.
Even a few hours of exercise each week significantly improves a person’s overall well-being by doing the following:
- Increasing blood flow and improving circulation
- Strengthening the heart and other muscles
- Increasing oxygen levels
- Managing weight more effectively
- Enhancing the immune system
- Improving Physical coordination and mental focus
Everybody is different, and the amount of exercise each person needs varies depending on multiple factors, including their general health, age, and physical ability. However, in general, adults should engage in exercise for several hours a week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Each week, adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity.” Two and a half hours of weekly exercise translates to 30 minutes every weekday. Any activity that gets your body moving and your heart rate up can count as exercise. Walking your dog, biking with friends, and engaging in other everyday activities will keep you active and healthy.
Exercise Enhances the Benefits of Therapy
Therapy helps people find healthy ways to process and cope with issues related to mental health. Exercise enhances focus by reducing body tension, overall stress, and feelings of depression. In addition, exercise enhances self-awareness by improving the mind-body connection. You will feel more in control of yourself and your environment if you regularly exercise while engaging in mindfulness-based techniques. Yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, and other holistic therapies can be combined with physical exercise to enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
Creating Healthy Routines Using Therapeutic Techniques
Exercise routines allow clients to address multiple mental health issues and provide the following:
- A sense of structure
- Consistency
- Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved focus
- Increased mindfulness
Improving your physical health positively affects your mental health. The better you feel, the easier it will be to heal and recover from the damage caused by mental health issues. Laguna Shores ensures every client can access engaging and healthy activities they find interesting. The best way to stay motivated and continue your exercises after treatment is to focus on activities you genuinely enjoy.
Exercise Enhances Aftercare Services
Laguna Shores Recovery Center ensures clients can access the resources and tools they need to make lasting positive changes. Exercise is an effective way to reduce stress and maintain emotional stability during the transition to aftercare. Each program provides access to the same activities and exercises. Clients can use the services to create healthy aftercare routines to support success in recovery.
Outpatient programs offer a variety of healthy activities, including:
- Outings involving kayaking and other hobbies
- Adventure therapy
- Activity therapy
- Yoga
Intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) programs provide flexibility and the option to personalize complementary activities. Clients get to choose how to fit daily or weekly activities into their treatment plans. Laguna Shores ensures a smooth transition into aftercare by providing extended support and alumni services to clients who require additional help maintaining healthy changes during aftercare. The care team provides clients with the knowledge and resources they need to continue making progress and improve their ability to function after they leave treatment.
Physical activity benefits your mental health by strengthening your body. The mind-body connection makes exercise and a healthy lifestyle essential to long-term recovery. Many people struggling with mental health issues have difficulty completing basic tasks of daily living, including staying active. Untreated mental health symptoms decrease energy and motivation. Early intervention and treatment is the best way to address mental health issues. Clinicians at Laguna Shores Recovery Center provide clients with the tools they need to build a healthier lifestyle. Physical movement and low-stress exercise routines are available to every client undergoing outpatient care. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you exercise more effectively, call us today at (866) 774-1532
