Exercise and Addiction – 12 Good Reasons to Take a Hike
Hiking can be solitary or group activity!
“Walking is a superfood. It’s the defining movement of a human.” Kathy Bowman/ Move Your DNA
When I look back on the road to my recovery from addiction, the 12-step aphorism, “putting one foot in front of the other,” has literal significance to me. I am always up for a long walk or a hike to blow out the cobwebs and get the blood flowing. I would choose a ramble on diverse terrain over anything else I can think of.
Exercise and Addiction Recovery
Everyone knows walking is good for you. But do you know how good? And walking provides additional benefits to those recovering from substance use disorders (SUD). Especially those attempting to rebuild a healthy lifestyle and reverse the ill effects of long-term drug or alcohol use. The best news about taking a hike? It’s free, easy to do, and a foolproof way to get your sober self back into shape.
The things you will see …
12 Good Reasons to Take a Hike:
1. Hikers are Happy
Hiking decreases depression and feelings of hopelessness. It also allows us to connect with nature and ourselves, bringing a sense of well-being.
2. Walking Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep patterns are disrupted in early addiction recovery. A bracing walk in the fresh air makes you tired and enhances REM sleep.
3. Your Heart, Lungs, and Blood Vessels Thank You
Hiking improves cardio-respiratory fitness. And the farther you get from the madding crowd, the cleaner the oxygen.
4. Walking Improves Muscular Fitness
Without putting too much stress on your joints, the muscles in your legs, glutes, and core will develop and strengthen on the winding, tilting path.
Muskegon, Michigan, hiking trail
5. When you Hike, You Experience Movement for the Joy of It
Getting out of doors for the joy of movement and not for the calorie burn or competition frees and opens the eyes to the splendor all around!
6. Hiking Improves Creativity
Spend time out of doors, and your attention span and brain power increase – creative juices flow more freely when you are active than sitting.
7. Walking Increases Bone Density
You get plenty of load-bearing exercise, especially if you walk with a pack.
8. Hiking Improves Your Connections
To the people you are with and your inner-self, without the distractions of daily stressors. The serene silence when you are alone recharges you to the core.
9. The Challenge of Hiking Increases Self-Esteem
Winding your way on a difficult track and taking responsibility for your actions improves emotional and physical stability.
10. Hiking Provides Beautiful Views
The sounds, smells, and sights in the majesty of nature have a calming effect on the mind.
11. Hiking Improves Balance
The uneven terrain will improve your balancing skills, automatically adjusting to ground-level changes.
12. Walking Keeps You Young and Lowers the Risk of Early Death
Research presented at the European Society of Cardiology showed that “those who engaged in daily moderate exercise such as a brisk walk or jog…have experienced anti-aging benefits that could add three to seven years to their lives.” Just seven active hours a week increases life expectancy!
Take a hike!
Whether you decide on a Sunday stroll, an afternoon hike, or a weekend in the wild, get out and chart your course, take control of your workout, and improve your overall well-being. Especially if you are in recovery from addiction, take a hike!
