Namaste! 5 Proven Benefits Of Yoga For Addiction Recovery

Did you know that approximately 300 million people practice yoga worldwide?

Out of these 300 million, approximately 43% of them practice yoga at home. Since yoga can bring so many health benefits, why should you do yoga for addiction recovery?

Yoga has been used for more than three thousand years to bring peace and emotional stability for the practitioners.

That’s why it’s frequently used as a way to help addicts get rid of substance abuse such as alcohol.

Are you currently struggling to remain sober? Keep reading to find out how yoga can help you and why you should start practicing it.

5 Benefits Of Yoga For Addiction Recovery

Some say that the benefits of yoga appear over time, but this isn’t necessarily true.

You’ll feel calmer and more at peace after your first session. Here are some of the benefits you’ll start noticing along the way:

#1 - Yoga Improves Flexibility

This practice improves blood circulation, so more oxygen gets to your tendons, joints, ligaments, and muscles.

As a result, you’ll become more flexible and feel more “connected” with your body. Yoga can even alleviate joint pains if it is practiced regularly.

It's known that alcohol tends to dehydrate you. Dehydration leads to stiff joints and tendons, so by practicing yoga, you're reversing this process.

Practicing yoga one or two times per week helps to improve your flexibility regardless of your age.

#2 - Yoga Improves Sleep

It is a well-known fact that many people rely on alcohol to fall asleep, particularly addicts.

Unfortunately, this is a temporary solution and not very efficient.

Instead, addicts should try yoga. This practice helps you relax and achieve a state of mental peace which leads to a good night’s sleep.

Healing addiction with yoga is entirely possible and an increase in the quality of sleep is the first thing that you’ll notice after practicing yoga.

#3 - Yoga Adds Mental Strength

One of the worst things addicts have to deal with is alcohol cravings.

Resisting alcohol and remaining on the sobriety path can be a challenge. Luckily, yoga can become your ally because it increases your reserves of will power.

Yoga helps you achieve more mental clarity and this is why you’ll be able to make better decisions when it comes to your life and your health.

#4 - Yoga Reduces Depression and Anxiety

Other things addicts have to face with are feelings of depression and anxiety.

One way to alleviate these symptoms is through exercise, particularly practicing yoga.

Yoga is known to release a hormone called GABA which is known as the hormone of “happiness”, similar to serotonin.

When you practice yoga, your brain releases more GABA which automatically makes you feel better and less anxious.

#5 - Yoga Helps You Focus On The Positive

Another benefit of yoga consists of changing your focus.

Instead of constantly thinking about your addiction and how to avoid alcohol, practice yoga to shift your focus towards more positive things.

This is possible because yoga naturally makes you focus on your body, your breath and the positive aspects of your life.

You’re basically training your mind to become more optimistic and this will help with your recovery.

Start Practicing Yoga Today!

Practicing yoga for addiction recovery is known to be efficient, so why shouldn’t you give it a try?

And after you do yoga for a few times, you can reward yourself with one of those gifts for recovering addicts!