STRETCHING FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY

Stretching can become a grounding ritual, replacing harmful habits with healing ones as it triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin. These natural feel-good chemicals elevate mood and reduce anxiety.

Stretching as part of a broader exercise routine can play a unique role in addiction recovery when used well.

In the recovery support process, we often focus on therapy or coaching, nutrition, skills development, and structure, among other aspects. There’s more that those in recovery may gain from a physical health perspective, using full body stretching as a stand-alone exercise or including it in other forms of exercise to target the whole person.

Full-body stretching, during and after exercise, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, increases feel-good hormones, lowers cortisol, and enhances emotional regulation. I recommend stretching as a simple, scalable tool for reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and cultivating mindfulness, creating community among participants, and a great way for addiction prevention for young people.

As a wellness and recovery advocate, I integrate stretching into the daily routines of those in recovery, paired with affirmations, links to resources, trigger management, relaxation, and spiritual reflection. All these complement the understanding and importance of approaching recovery while building proper foundations for holistic wellness and a self-directed life.