As you’re getting your body prepared to be in the best shape possible, you’ll have to take on new habits that support your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Recovery isn’t just about treating the addiction itself – it’s about restoring what you’ve been missing all these years to live a happy, healthy life. Physical health is incredibly important because your body serves as the foundation that gets you to where you need to be; without physical health, you would be unable to heal effectively. Stretching is a great way to boost your immune system and prep your mind for rejuvenation.
According to UC Davis, stretching is beneficial for a number of reasons: it promotes flexibility, it improves our posture, and it prepares our muscles to fight injuries should they occur. In addition to this, stretching increases blood supply – which means that nutrients are better able to reach the places where they need to go. Stretching is great for your holistic health in the following ways:
Mental
Light movement has actually been shown to improve our mental health and can boost our mood. According to Harvard Medical School in 2016, exercise can “increase a brain protein called BDNF that helps nerve fibers grow.” Stretching throughout the day can lead to improved posture, which can reduce anxiety and depression – as well as leaving you with a better sense of well-being.
Physical
Much like a car needs to run for a few minutes in the winter before it can drive effectively, our bodies need time to “warm up” throughout the day to function at its best. Stretching can improve your circulation and give you fuller range-of-motion, which will make you less prone to falls and injuries.
Spiritual
Holistic practices such as yoga help us stretch and breathe at the same time, which can bring us closer to the present moment. Stretching helps our body become more in sync with itself, which can have a huge impact on our movements throughout the day.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
