It is common for young girls to face mental health challenges. Fortunately, there are things they can do to feel better. Staying active can provide structure in a teen girl’s life and encourage her to develop self-discipline. Plus, when teens exercise with the family, this can help motivate them to stay on track with their recovery from mental health challenges and substance abuse. At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we take physical fitness seriously. Participating in an athletic program can give families peace of mind knowing their family member has the professional support needed to heal and move forward. This article will explore the benefits of exercise for recovery.
The Importance of Exercise for Recovery
It can be difficult for adolescent girls to overcome emotional challenges related to past trauma. Living with unresolved trauma can be damaging to mental health, leaving a girl deeply hurt and confused. Suppressing these intense emotions often leads to mental health challenges. Untreated past trauma can also manifest in self-injurious behaviors, eating disorders, and insomnia.
For example, teen girls may face problems coping with the tragic loss of a loved one. Another example is that a girl may develop attachment issues after being adopted. Sometimes teen girls experience mental and emotional issues from enduring physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from people in their lives.
The effects of abuse can lead to social withdrawal from others. This social withdrawal can negatively interfere with a teen’s mental health because positive connections contribute to healthy mental and emotional development.
Physical Activities to Explore
Being sedentary can be harmful to teen girls’ mental and physical health. A lack of activity may leave girls with too much time to think, which can ultimately worsen their condition. Physical activity can help girls avoid fixating on negative aspects of life and focus more on positivity and gratitude. According to Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, exploring different activities can help a person maintain mental stability.
In the beginning, it may be helpful to participate in activities that do not require strenuous effort. Light aerobic exercises that may improve an individual’s mental and physical health include:
- Jogging around the neighborhood
- Swimming at the beach or public pool
- Cycling on a scenic trail
- Walking a dog
- Gardening
The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Exercise for Recovery
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), staying active can improve one’s physical health. Not many individuals are aware of the many benefits of exercise for recovery. However, physical activity has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Staying active and healthy can overall promote mental stability. That will automatically make it easier to make positive, healthy choices.
According to the aforementioned journal, an individual’s mood may be improved with exercise due to increased blood circulation to the nervous system during physical activity. The limbic system, amygdala, and hippocampus play a role in mood and motivation.
Studies have found that spending at least 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week is adequate for producing these health benefits. This will help reduce stress and promote recovery. Other mental health benefits might include:
- Fewer depressive symptoms
- Improved self-esteem
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Increased perceived energy levels
- Better quality sleep
- Increased endurance
Exercise for Recovery as a Family to Increase Motivation
Additionally, it can be helpful for teens to engage with their families and friends during their free time. Quality time with others can provide the emotional support needed to stay motivated in their journey to recovery. Social support can improve a teen’s psychological state.
Watching a loved one struggle with their mental health can be difficult. When a family member begins to withdraw socially, this can negatively impact relationships. Taking time to exercise as a family can help everyone cope better with the path to recovery. Getting physically fit together can improve the family dynamics and home environment and lead to a better future for everyone.
Staying Active at Clearview
Although exploring new hobbies and staying active with family and friends may be beneficial, seeking treatment can help girls make steady progress toward well-being. It may be helpful to research different programs together and decide on the best recovery plan.
Finding peers who can understand their challenges is important for teens. Clearview brings teen girls together to work toward healing and recovery as a group.
Taking time to speak with a specialist about the program at Clearview might help your daughter find a desire to get started on her journey to relief from emotional distress. As part of this, our athletic program offers year-round activities such as aerobics, dance, and self-defense courses to help teen girls build self-esteem and overall wellness.
At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, girls attend individual, group, and family therapy sessions with licensed professional counselors. We provide specialized help for teen girls dealing with a variety of mental health and substance abuse problems. Clearview Horizon’s purpose is to give your daughter the tools and guidance for transforming her negative beliefs. We also want to help her implement healthy relational patterns and practice them in various contexts. Girls may also participate in several summer activities which include horseback riding, biking, hiking, river rafting, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and playing sports. Winter finds the girls snowboarding on Schweitzer Mountain and snowshoeing or sledding at the lodge. Call Clearview at 866-584-4788 to discuss the benefits of participating in our program.
