Exercise
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 176
Exercise
I don't know about anyone else on these forums, but so far in sobriety, at least early-ish sobriety (about 5 months), I have found that the gym/exercise has been just as important as anything else in keeping me sober.
I'm not sure if it's the feeling of getting up and doing something physical, the body image / health improvements or what, but I don't think I can live without it now.
Combining a little better diet, obviously the benefits of not drinking, and some exercise has completely changed me physically, and I think mentally as well. I do suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety occassionally, but it seems like exercise has actually helped in that department as well. You would think exercising would make you more tired, but I'm finding that I seem to have more energy now after a good workout.
Just sharing something that has seemingly made a huge difference in staying sober, at least with me.
Take Care All!
I'm not sure if it's the feeling of getting up and doing something physical, the body image / health improvements or what, but I don't think I can live without it now.
Combining a little better diet, obviously the benefits of not drinking, and some exercise has completely changed me physically, and I think mentally as well. I do suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety occassionally, but it seems like exercise has actually helped in that department as well. You would think exercising would make you more tired, but I'm finding that I seem to have more energy now after a good workout.
Just sharing something that has seemingly made a huge difference in staying sober, at least with me.
Take Care All!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 587
I had the same experience. In the beginning I just kept exercising. If I was upset I exercised, If I wanted a drink I went for a walk. If I was depressed, I went out to play tennis etc. I cna clearly say exercise really helped me in the beginning and still is an important part in my life now (almost 15 month sober). I still like to go for walks. It relaxes me.....
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,466
I think it's a ripple effect. When you do one thing to help improve your mental, physical or spiritual health, it has an effect on other parts of your life. And, I have found that for me, balance is the key to recovery. 
Guest
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 115
Great post. I plan on doing a lot of exercise as well. I have a treadmill here. When I feel better, I will definitely be on that!
I read another interesting post. "if you feel like drinking eat something" I'm not trying to push pounds on you, but I know when I drink, I surely won't eat usually until I'm so wasted I think I need pizza. Food ruins the buzz.
I read another interesting post. "if you feel like drinking eat something" I'm not trying to push pounds on you, but I know when I drink, I surely won't eat usually until I'm so wasted I think I need pizza. Food ruins the buzz.
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 14,911
Exercise has made a huge difference for me. My passion is now tennis. It works for me on several levels. It keeps me busy, (I play several times a week). I hang out with other people who like to play (and as a consquence are into a healthy lifestyle). It has improved my overall fitness and well being. And best of all, it's more fun than drinking.
Member of SMART Recovery
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,722
Exercise made a huge difference for me, too, and I don't say this enough. I'll admit that I got a little TOO involved in my exercise program at first--kind of a substitute addiction, to be honest--but that passed in time. Nothing is better for health or mood, and I met some of my best non-drinking friends at the gym!
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