Drug addiction is a health and societal menace that has been on a rise for decades now. The path to recovery is checkered with self-doubt, withdrawal symptoms, and health complications. While various techniques and programs are available for helping people recover from drug addiction, a holistic approach that involves practicing yoga could also be explored to induce calmness and reduce stress, which in-turn would help with recovery.
The ancient Indian practice of yoga, is a combination of exercise movements and meditation techniques, which help improve flexibility, stamina, mental health, and overall health body strength.
When recovering from drug addiction, there are various stressful triggers that one needs to be wary off to avoid relapsing, be it at work or home. As per a research published by Yoga Journal, yoga could help regulate and balance stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Yoga, when used in tandem with other drug addiction therapies and treatments, can help manage potential triggers and daily life stressors:
1. Palming
Step 1: Sit with your spine straight and close your eyes. Now, take a few deep breaths to relax.
Step 2: Rub the palms of your hands vigorously until they become warm and place them gently over your eyelids.
Step 3: Stay in this position until the heat from the hands has been completely absorbed by the eyes. Now, keep your eyes closed and lower your hands. You may repeat it three to five times.
2. Child’s pose
Step 1: Sit on your shin bones with your knees together, your big toes touching, and your heels splayed out to the side.
Keep an idea of your risk of weight-related issues.
Check BMIStep 2: Fold forward at your hips and walk your hands out in front of you, then sink your hips back down toward your feet.
Step 3: Gently place your forehead on the floor or turn your head to one side. Keep your arms extended or rest them along your body.
Step 4: Stay in this pose for up to 5 minutes while continuing to breathe deeply.
3. Savasana – Corpse pose
Step 1: Lay on your back with your feet spread and palms facing up. Notice your breathing.
Step 2: Experience how your body is gradually getting relaxed, from your face to your fingers and toes. Stay in this pose for as long as you want.
These three simple poses can be practised twice or thrice a week initially, and gradually be made a part of a daily routine to help boost drug addiction recovery and de-stress.