Many people recovering from addiction have discovered the healing benefits of exercise. According to research, physical activity can promote recovery in many ways. Exercise can reduce cravings, restore damaged brain cells, provide a structured routine, decrease drug effectiveness and serve as a positive coping mechanism.
If you're concerned a healthy lifestyle is expensive, don't worry. You can find budget-friendly ways to improve your physical and emotional fitness.
Shop for Fitness Gear Within Your Budget
When you need the motivation to exercise, new gear and clothing can help. However, buying fitness equipment can put a dent in your budget if you're not careful. You can find ways to save money, though, if you do some research before shopping:
Coupons: You may find coupons in your newspaper or online.
Promotional codes: Some retailers offer promo codes that you can use while shopping online. Search for a Finish Line coupon code before you shop and simply enter the code at checkout.
Cash-back offers: Retailers may offer cash-back or rewards programs for spending a specified amount.
Look for such details at companies like Finish Line and Dick's Sporting Goods so you can get the gear you need without breaking your budget. Walking and bicycling are among the best ways to stay fit that don't require ongoing expenses like gym fees. Use your savvy shopping skills to find shoes and equipment for these activities that are durable and long-lasting.
Take Care of Yourself
As vital as it is, exercise is just one component of health. You need to care for your whole body, including your mind and spirit. An exercise routine only goes so far. Caring for your physical needs means getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and seeking regular medical attention in addition to exercise.
Your mind and body are inseparably connected. You can take care of your mental well-being through low- or no-cost activities such as:
Enjoying a hobby
Sharpening cognitive skills with books or puzzles
Reading a book or watching a movie
Devoting time to relationships
Practicing self-compassion by maintaining a positive inner dialogue
Taking the time to clean, declutter and organize your living space to create a positive and healing home atmosphere
Spiritual well-being is another critical component of self-care. Research indicates that spirituality is linked to mental health, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being.
While spirituality is often linked to religious beliefs, caring for your spirit, in essence, means that you acknowledge and appreciate the connection between you, other people, and the universe. This connection can exist in or outside of organized religion. You can care for your spirit by attending religious services, praying, meditating, and spending time in the natural world.
Keep Up Your New Routine
If you've found a routine that works for you, congratulations. You've overcome a major hurdle. The next step is to maintain your newfound healthy lifestyle.
Go easy on yourself. It's acceptable to miss an exercise session or go to bed an hour late — just pick up the next day and get back on schedule. You may find that accountability motivates you. In that case, share your goals with a supportive friend. Ask him or her to help by checking in regularly and encouraging you to keep up the good work. A personal trainer can also keep you accountable and help you reach your goals — see how Westside Strength & Conditioning can help.
Your effort to replace bad habits with healthy ones is commendable. With some research, you can find ways to take care of yourself on a budget and continue your success.