Relaxation in Recovery
. Many activities and practices of relaxation and meditation are designed to release tension from the body. In recovery, releasing tension can have many desirable outcomes.
Alcoholrehab.com indicates the following benefits of using relaxation techniques:
“* Relief of stress
* Sleeping better at night
* Improved concentration
* Increased ability to learn
* Increased blood flow to major muscles
* Reduced feelings of anxiety
* Increased confidence in the face of challenges
* Reduced feelings of anger and frustration
* Combats hypertension (high blood pressure)
* Slowed the heart rate
* Slowed respiration
* Relieved muscle tension
* Reduced pain intensity
* Reduced hyperactivity in children
* Improved immune system functioning
* Reduced risk of developing heart problems or suffering a stroke
* Looking healthier and fresher
* Improved mental health
- Potentially improved symptoms of a number of different medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, psoriasis, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, panic attacks, and diabetes” (https://alcoholrehab.com/addiction-recovery/relaxation-techniques-in-recovery/).
Generally speaking, recovery is stalled or halted when individuals are experiencing excessive amounts of stress. Stress is how the body deals with demand and in addiction, there is a prevalence of excessive demand. Many times, then individuals feel stressed, they turn to their addiction to cope. Deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, listening to relaxing music, meditation, guided imagery, and mindfulness are some of the powerful relaxation activities that can enhance recovery.