We all know that yoga, meditation, and mindfulness have been clinically proven to help with conditions such as anxiety and depression, but what about addiction? Yes, in fact they do help addiction and substance dependency. How so? Here are 5 ways they help fight addiction:

 

Reduce stress and anxiety – yoga has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a trigger for many addicts to turn towards their substance abuse. By becoming more mindful, we’re able to better observe and be aware of stressful or challenging situations without the need for an immediate reaction. We are more aware of our emotions and how we navigate them, which lessens the pressure we put on ourselves.

 

Boost attention and awareness – These practices focus on self reflection. Being aware of ourselves can help us to better understand our patterns of behavior, including our triggers for relapse. Often times being aware is all we need to detach from the control of our substance use. We become used to recognizing uncomfortable feelings without reacting negatively because of them.

 

Lessens the cravings – Sometimes the cravings themselves are the strongest of challenges for most people. How can we say no to something we feel like we physically need? When we are mindful of our cravings as exactly that – cravings – we can lessen the control by remembering and acknowledging that we are only having urges, our bodies don’t need it. It’s like craving junk foods.

 

Better mood – Being in a negative bad mood increases our chances of relapsing. This is because when we don’t want to live in that mental space, we reach out to something in efforts to feel better. The different breathing patterns in yoga exercises help to improve our mood and regulate our emotions. Meditation and being mindful also have the same effects when we focus on our breath – taking in deep slow breaths.

 

Shifting our attitude – Being mindful and aware helps us to be nonjudgmental, especially towards the present moment. This shifts our attitude into a more positive, detached, and healing perspective. We learn to accept ourselves, others, and situations without victimizing, blaming, or criticizing ourselves. This expands our compassion for ourselves and the world we live in.

 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please contact Crownview Medical Group to get connected with a specialized medical professional who can offer advice and assistance. Crownview Medical Group also offers in and outpatient programs focusing on addiction and recovery.

 

Resources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/urban-survival/201509/5-ways-yoga-and-mindfulness-fight-addictions