There is a deep rooted connection between mind and body and when we find an unhealthy connection like an addiction to drugs or alcohol, recovery can be a painful process. Approximately 1 out of every 8 Americans is living with some form of addiction. The addiction can take over and rule the mind, which is why most people with strong addictions rarely believe they are indeed sick. It is this dysfunctional, addictive behavior that keeps life feeling unmanageable and off balance. To get to the root of these addictions we must look at traumatic experiences, various patterns, while looking for new forms of emotional healing within the body and mind.
People in early recovery can typically suffer from tremendous physical, psychological, and emotional issues based on their harmful repetitive behaviors. They must find a way of achieving self-confidence, getting rid of daily compulsive behaviors, and negative triggers while learning how to regain self-control, and physical / mental well-being. This can be a lot to ask of someone who feels unbalanced and unstable, but what better way to teach these skills then through a dedicated yoga practice. By taking on a daily yoga practice, negative repetitive actions can turn into an hour of reconnecting with their body without feeling shame or anxiety. Learning how to stay calm, how to quiet the mind, and focus can bring intense relief they can access at any time or place. Learning to use utilize these simple techniques can bring relief from terrorizing thoughts of drugs and alcohol use along with reminding them how to connect with themselves and others.
A dedicated daily yoga practice is the key to long-term sober success in that it teaches the tools needed to defuse destructive thoughts and behaviors. Of course the emotional and mental effects of yoga are vast but keeping up a practice can also boost numerous physical aspects. Yoga can increase strength, provide better sleep patterns, increase flexibility and stamina, improve circulation while repairing previously damaged organs, increase coordination and overall boost self confidence.
Here are some great yoga poses for recovering addicts:
Forward folds
Calms the mind and reduces mental chatter while redirecting the focus of outside stimulus to internal feelings and emotions.
Twists
Works like a detox system, cleansing the organs bringing fresh blood and vitamins to new areas of the body.
Sun Salutes
Healthy repetitive actions that boost mental clarity and body awareness.
Standing Postures (i.e., Warrior 1, 2, 3)
Helps bring intense concentration and focus, increases body awareness while supporting the breath. Teaches the power of patience in a pose or elsewhere.
Inversions
Increases endorphins providing a natural euphoric feeling. Can increase body awareness along with self confidence.
Balancing Poses
Learning how to focus within stressful situations while breathing through difficult postures.
A life of addiction can feel isolated, unbalanced, chaotic and frightening but yoga, as well as acupuncture and meditation, is just one holistic form to bring balance back to the mind and body. The harmful connections can run deep and with dedication and an open mind, we can fight addictions and take another step towards health and wellness.
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