Everything alive on Earth requires water to survive. That is to say, water is absolutely foundational to life. That is why people on Earth work so hard to ensure everyone has access to clean water and why those exploring space are always on the lookout for signs of water on other planets.
While water is important to everyone, in this blog post, we want to take a look at three ways in which water can play a positive role in the lives of those who are in recovery from a substance use disorder. Read on as we consider water’s centrality to hydration, its usefulness for providing exercise opportunities, and the many ways in which it can support rest and relaxation.
The Importance of Hydration
Keeping your body hydrated is a key to staying healthy—and staying healthy is key to keeping your recovery going strong. When it comes to hydration, water is your best option when choosing a beverage.
When it comes to choosing something to drink, it might seem like water is the most boring option available. But other beverages are often less effective at keeping you hydrated and may be problematic in other ways. For example, soda, juice, and many options at the local coffeeshop are often high in simple sugars and calories while coffees and teas may be high in caffeine and disruptive to your sleep. Water, of course, is free of sugar, calories, and caffeine.
We are not saying you should not enjoy your favorite (non-alcoholic) beverage from time to time. But focusing on water as your go-to drink serves your body and your recovery well.
An Opportunity for Exercise
Regular exercise should be a key part of your recovery routines—and there are plenty of exercise activities that can be done in or on water. Exercising in water can be especially helpful to those who have joint pain or who deal with chronic pain, but it can be a great option for just about anyone.
Swimming, for example, is a great way to get aerobic exercise while also building your muscles. You might also enjoy kayaking or canoeing, water aerobics, or even just walking in water (here’s list of exercises you can do in the pool). Any and all of these activities—and others like them—can help you improve you physical health, which in turn supports your recovery.
One essential key to getting exercise in water is a focus on safety. Make sure you are in a safe environment and wear necessary safety equipment like lifejackets when out on open water. When in a pool, make sure you are not alone and, ideally, that there is a lifeguard on duty.
Pursuing Rest and Relaxation
The sound of running water—like a burbling stream or a waterfall—and the sounds of rain or even thunderstorms are relaxing to many people. If you are among those who find those sounds restful and calming, you might consider adding a tabletop fountain in your home or office (or both). You might also seek out audio tracks that include the sounds of water to listen to as you drift off to sleep at night.
There are also quite a number of hobbies that involve water. We have already mentioned kayaking and canoeing and there are other boating options that require a little less physical effort. You might enjoy waterskiing or fishing or collecting shells or driftwood (check the rules in your area) or sitting on a beach with a good book. You do not have to live near the ocean to enjoy water. Try exploring the various lakes, rivers (here’s something you can see in Wichita where two rivers come together), and streams in your area.
Rest and relaxation are good for your mental health—and good mental health is good for your recovery. So enjoying yourself in and around water can be a great way to support your recovery efforts.
Of course, all the safety notes we shared above apply to the activities listed here as well. Take the necessary precautions to ensure you can have a safe and restful time.
If You Aren’t Seeking Treatment, You’re All Wet
Have you ever had someone say to you, “Oh, you’re all wet!”? It would, of course, be an appropriate thing for someone to say to you if you were, for example, tracking water into the house after running through a sprinkler in your yard. But the idiom has another meaning. You might say someone is all wet if they are making a significant mistake and seem intent on continuing to make it.
So, we will use that meaning here: If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol but have convinced yourself you do not need to seek treatment, you’re all wet.
At Bel Aire Recovery Center, located near Wichita, Kansas, we can stem the tide of a substance use disorder. We provide medically supervised detoxification and a rehabilitation program that also addresses co-occurring mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and more. When you are ready to reclaim your life, we are ready to help.
