Once you’ve successfully completed a drug rehab program, it is often times said that this is where the work begins. You’ve now acquired all of the valuable skills needed to maintain your recovery and now is the time to put them to real-life practice.
As the leading drug rehab facility in Boise, Idaho, we know first-hand the challenges that accompany the winter months. Along with a decrease in temperature and sunlight can come a decrease in outdoor physical and social activity. Similarly, along with the holiday season may come temptation, and with that, loneliness. This is commonly known as seasonal affective disorder, or “the winter blues.”
For these and other reasons, we at Moonlight Mountain Recovery know that maintaining sobriety can seem like an impossible challenge. The good news is that it isn’t! Boise, ID is luckily a great winter location for activities and support for the challenges you will certainly face during the winter months.
Here are some tips for staying strong after your hard fought drug rehab program.
Diet And Nutrition
When faced with drug addiction, eating healthy may not seem like that big a deal. However, abusive use of drugs and alcohol can significantly impede the body’s ability to properly process vital nutrients, even after detox and rehab.
The human body requires a variety of healthy foods to function optimally, especially when creating a healthy lifestyle when recovering from addiction. Be sure to include the carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals your body needs to keep yourself feeling AND looking your best.
Once your body begins to heal from the affects of drug addiction, those in recovery soon begin to notice the effects that a proper balanced diet can make, such as improved mood, stronger immune system, more energy, better memory and reduced risk of sickness.
In addition, the achievement of regularly eating healthy foods provides a boost in self-esteem, unlocking the desire and momentum to incorporate more healthy life changes.
Routine Physical Activity
As you’ve learned in your drug rehab program, sobriety doesn’t necessarily equate to instant extraction of stress, depression or anxiety. A major factor in improving one’s well-being is the adoption of regular exercise and physical activity. Regular exercise is known to release endorphins, the brain’s natural chemical that triggers positive feelings in your body when released.
There are endless options of what type of exercise you can do, and it really doesn’t matter which ones you decide to do, as long as it is something that is enjoyable and will keep you coming back regularly. Regular physical activity has been shown to increase memory and improve thinking, increase self-esteem, improve sleep quality, enhance energy and is a great, healthy way to manage stress.
Boise offers a wide variety of options for getting quality daily activity in. Some can be quite expensive (but worth it!), while others are completely free!
Skiing And Snowboarding
Just a quick trip from Boise are mountain resorts like Tamarack and Brundage Basin that offer both the the elevation and thrill of downhill skiing or snowboarding, as well as the calm and tranquil forest trails for cross country skiing. Either of these options provide a rigorous workout and the incredibly fresh Idaho air.
Go For A Long Walk
In Boise, winter is an especially beautiful time to walk through the streets or wander off into the trails in the woods. Walking is 100% free and is an excellent way to clear your thoughts while increasing your heart rate, which has been shown to help ease the depression often associated with seasonal affective disorder and drug addiction.
Walking, as well as any outdoor activity has the added benefit of increasing your exposure to the sun, which can be difficult to come by during the cold and short days that Boise is known for.
Go To The Gym
Joining a gym helps out those in drug recovery in two ways:
- Modern gyms offer virtually any activity you could ask for, from resistance/weight training, crossfit and basic bodyweight strength training, to cardiovascular exercises like running, biking and swimming without having to deal with the outdoor winter elements. Most offer an array of classes for all levels, giving you an opportunity to try something new.
- Most people working out in gyms have a high focus on improving themselves, not only physically, but in mind and spirit as well. Gyms are a great social platform and are often filled with people who have also been through drug and alcohol rehab programs themselves, and can offer a great deal of support.
Take A Class
Boise hosts a multitude of studios offering classes for yoga, different martial arts and even dance. These have all proven incredibly effective in improving mood, strengthening discipline and a sense of community. Classes like these incorporate artistic expression, as well as a thorough physical workout, making them an excellent option to cure the winter blues.
Always Work Your Recovery Routine
Regardless of if the winter has you feeling depressed, stressed or even if you love the winter, it is important to keep your recovery routine in mind and in practice. Always be sure to get enough rest, go to meetings and talk to your support team regularly, eat good foods and get plenty of exercise and sunlight. The best way to remove bad habits is to replace them with routine good habits.
The winter can be a tough time in Boise. It’s important to always remember that there is always someone and somewhere to turn to at Moonlight Mountain Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, or in maintaining sobriety after drug rehab, please don’t hesitate to call on us so that we can help.
Call Now 208-505-9990
