Giving up alcohol or drugs is probably the hardest decision an addicted individual ever has to make. Those addicted to mood-altering substances come to rely on them, so to give them up can be a major decision. In many instances, those with addiction will deny the problem for as long as possible because they are afraid of facing up to reality.
However, once the decision is made to get help and complete a programme of detox and rehabilitation, the affected person may be keen to ensure that his/her new life is as healthy as possible. If you are in recovery and want to do everything you can to increase your chances of having a long and healthy life, you will be pleased to know that there are a number of things that will help.
Exercise Regularly
It is important to ensure that you are getting enough exercise. You do not have to head off to join your local gym, as there are many ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Many little changes can be made that will not have a huge impact on your day, but that will improve your health.
For example, when taking your car to the supermarket to do your weekly grocery shopping, park as far away from the supermarket door as possible, meaning you have to walk a little bit further. Take the stairs instead of the lift or the escalator.
Try to include a 20-minute walk into your day at least three times per week. To do this, all you have to do is leave your front door and walk in any direction. Time yourself and once you have been walking for ten minutes, turn around and head back home.
Exercise is not only essential to health, but it is also an excellent way to keep your recovery on track.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Keeping your weight within healthy guidelines will help when it comes to preventing various illnesses. Those who are over or underweight are prone to physical health issues. Try to eat healthy meals and keep junk food for special occasions only.
It is a good idea to keep an eye on your weight to ensure that it stays within the healthy guidelines. Eating too much can cause you to develop problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. You may want to make sure you avail of various health screenings over the next few years too – your doctor will be able to suggest various checks so that you can be sure you are keeping fit and healthy.
Give Up Smoking
Giving up one addiction was probably very tough, so you might be wondering how you are going to do it again when it comes to your smoking. Nevertheless, the fact that you have already managed to kick one habit means you know what you have to do in order to kick another one.
Smoking puts you at risk of developing many health conditions, including lung disease and cancer. If you have not tried to quit smoking yet, now is the perfect time to do so.
Avoid Stress
Stress is a trigger for addictive behaviour, and you have probably learned new ways to handle stressful situations in order to prevent relapse. Nonetheless, stress can also have an adverse impact on your health, so avoiding it is beneficial in a number of ways.
Live Life to the Full
You know more than most how precious life is; you have been given a second chance, so enjoy every minute of it. While doing everything you can to increase your chances of a long life is a very good idea, there is no point in living for many years without really enjoying it.
Spend time with family and friends and do all the things you have always wanted to do. Make the most of this opportunity.