Swimming is way to connect to water, one of the earth’s natural elements. If you have the chance to swim during recovery, there are many benefits.
Physical Benefits Of Swimming For Recovery?
- Gravity in water relieves the body of stiffness in the joints. Detox from drugs and alcohol can cause the entire body to feel stiff, restless, and irritable. Spending time moving in the water can take away the chronic pain and relieve the body in a relaxing way.
- Being in the water and utilizing the exercise of swimming is proven to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure and heart problems are common side effects of long term alcohol abuse as well as the abuse of other drugs.
- Moving through water can be soothing and encouraging for people who have a hard time exercising. Though many people maintain a somewhat healthy lifestyle even during their worst times of using and drinking, many other people lose sight of their health entirely. Enduring rigorous aerobic exercise could be dangerous for the heart and body, as well as be discouraging and frustrating to someone in recovery.
- Breathing is an essential part of swimming. There are specific techniques for managing the breath and making sure there is enough oxygen. Breath is important in recovery. Learning techniques for meditation or pranic breathing exercises are great tools for mindfulness and stress management.
Psychological Benefits Of Swimming In Recovery
- The way that water takes the pressure off the body can be a practice in mindfulness. There is always a force or a method for relieving pressure. By limiting the focus on physical aches and pains, the mind can notice more clearly what i needs o pay attention to in a mindful and peaceful way.
- Focusing on the breath and the body is a practice in mindfulness. Swimming combined with mindfulness based focused can reduce stress and increase feelings of wellness.
Starting A Swimming Practice
Swimming as a focused aerobic exercise can be hard work. The body is pushing against the pressure of the water and using a specific amount of breath to continue going. Like any exercise routine it is best to consult a doctor or a trainer before beginning.
To start, get used to spending time in the water. Take your laps slowly, breaking whenever you need to. Follow up with good stretching. You can increase to two or three times per week for thirty minutes or more.
The beautiful residential home of Lakehouse Recovery Center comes equipped with the luxury of an Olympic size pool. During afternoon free time hours, clients are welcome to swim in the pool. For information on our residential treatment programs, call us today at 877.762.3707.