Can exercise help you during inpatient rehab?
If you are going through inpatient rehab, you may be wondering if exercise can help you in your recovery process. The answer is yes, exercise can have many benefits for your physical and mental health, as well as your overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that exercise can help you during inpatient rehab, and how to get started with a safe and effective exercise routine.
Exercise can help you during inpatient rehab by:
– Improving your mood and reducing stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make you feel good and reduce pain. Exercise can also lower your cortisol levels, which are hormones that increase when you are stressed or anxious. By exercising regularly, you can improve your mood, cope better with negative emotions, and feel more optimistic about your recovery.
– Boosting your self-esteem and confidence. Exercise can help you feel proud of your achievements, improve your body image, and increase your sense of control over your life. Exercise can also help you set and reach realistic goals, which can motivate you to keep going and overcome challenges. By exercising regularly, you can boost your self-esteem and confidence, and feel more empowered in your recovery.
– Enhancing your physical health and fitness. Exercise can help you improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your muscles and bones, and prevent or manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. Exercise can also help you reduce withdrawal symptoms, improve your sleep quality, and prevent or reduce weight gain from medication. By exercising regularly, you can enhance your physical health and fitness, and reduce the risk of relapse or complications.
– Providing social support and connection. Exercise can help you connect with other people who share your interests, goals, or challenges. Exercise can also provide an opportunity to make new friends, join a group or a class, or participate in a community event. By exercising regularly, you can provide social support and connection, and feel less isolated or lonely in your recovery.
How to get started with exercise during inpatient rehab:
– Consult with your doctor or therapist before starting any exercise program. They can advise you on the best type, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise for your specific needs and goals. They can also help you monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
– Choose an exercise that you enjoy and that suits your abilities and preferences. You may want to try different activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, yoga, dancing, or weight lifting. You may also want to vary your routine to keep it interesting and fun.
– Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise. You may want to start with 10 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week, and then gradually increase to 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise five times a week. You may also want to include some warm-up and cool-down exercises to prevent injuries and soreness.
– Listen to your body and respect your limits. You may experience some discomfort or fatigue when you start exercising, but you should not feel pain or extreme exhaustion. If you do, stop immediately and rest. You may also want to avoid exercising when you are sick, injured, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
– Reward yourself for your efforts and celebrate your achievements. You may want to track your progress by keeping a journal, using an app, or wearing a fitness tracker. You may also want to reward yourself with something healthy and enjoyable such as a massage, a movie night, or a new outfit.
Exercise is a powerful tool that can help you during inpatient rehab. By exercising regularly, you can improve your mood, boost your self-esteem, enhance your physical health, and provide social support. However, exercise is not a substitute for professional treatment or medication. You should always consult with your doctor or therapist before starting any exercise program, and follow their recommendations. Remember that recovery is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and compassion. You are not alone in this process, and you deserve to be healthy and happy.
The Grove Recovery provides inpatient rehab to Santa Ana and Orange County.Let us know if we can help you, call us today.
