After getting off drugs or alcohol, each person is different. Some of us may have done a lot of damage to our body’s organs, skin, hair and nervous system on account of substance abuse. You may find you don't have energy, or that your metabolism has gone haywire due to unhealthy eating habits. But it is completely possible to get back to good physical health after you’ve become sober.

Exercising, eating healthy and having regular medical appointments to treat any damage that has taken place are a great way to start back on the path to good health.

Give Yourself a Boost with Physical Exercise

If you are just coming off drugs and alcohol, your energy levels may be low at first, and you may find that you’re not as in shape as you once were. Regular exercise can go a really long way in helping provide blood sugar balance, which supports mental stability, emotional wellness and mental well-being. The endorphins released during physical movement can help you make better decisions and support your sobriety, as well as assist you in making the right choice when it comes to cravings for drugs or alcohol.

If you think you have to be a gym rockstar, you don’t. Starting to walk daily can help you become more active and get you back into the swing. Heart-healthy activities like walking, swimming and even dancing are a great way to begin to move more.

Walking more can begin your first step to better fitness. If you have a hard time walking long distances, try parking farther away at the grocery store, using the stairs instead of the elevator and getting in at least one walk every day.

You don't need a gym membership, but if you do join a gym, finding time in your daily routine to hit the gym for even a half an hour can do wonders for your endorphins. Many gyms offer classes like yoga, aerobics, weight lifting or even martial arts. All of these forms of exercise can help you find something you really enjoy doing, and they can take your mind off of substances.

Don't try to force exercise routines that you aren't enjoying, because it can be harder to implement them over time. The key is to find something that you really like doing, and which will help you keep up a good routine. The healthier you are, the more you will want to support your sobriety.

Fuel Your Body With Healthy Foods and Supplements

It's not a bad idea to see a nutritionist in order to find out if you are deficient in any vitamins and minerals. There are a lot of people who aren't addicts who can be deficient in vitamins and minerals, and this can be even more so for alcoholics and addicts. Both drugs and alcohol can cause nutritional imbalances in the body. A nutritionist, or your doctor, can help you find out which vitamins your body may be more in need of, and supplement you accordingly.

Staying away from heavy junk foods, sugars, and other substances is also a good start. Cleaning up your diet can help support your emotional wellness, and curb the cravings for sugar that many alcoholics get.

Eating clean foods and staying hydrated will balance your body and help your blood sugar feel more stabilized, avoiding the swings that can happen from sugar and junk food. Many alcoholics tend to lean towards sugar after they become sober, due to blood sugar imbalances. Avoid this trap by choosing fruits and healthy snacks when you have a sweet craving and to avoid excessive weight gain.

Remember, moderation is key. You don’t have to run a marathon right after you become sober, but taking the steps to get your body back on track is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your sobriety. Stay well and keep moving, making the right positive changes to body and mind, and sobriety can be yours!