Physical Activity to Support Teens in Recovery

School and Community-based Approaches

Below are school and community-based approaches for parents and educators to utilize support teen recovery. They are all grounded in movement and physical activity and build healthy habits, manage stress, and promote physical and emotional well-being - critical components of recovery from substance abuse.

• Incorporate physical activity into the curriculum: Incorporate physical activity into the school day by offering physical education classes, or by incorporating movement and physical activity into other subjects. This can help increase youth’s overall activity levels and provide them with opportunities to engage in healthy physical activity.
• Encourage outdoor activity: Encourage youth to spend time outside and engage in outdoor physical activity. This can include encouraging recess and outdoor physical education classes, or organizing field trips that involve outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.
• Promote healthy lifestyle habits: Promote healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding substance use. These habits can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being and can help reduce the risk of substance abuse.
• Teach stress-management techniques: Teaach kids stress-management techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, and deep breathing, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. These techniques can also be incorporated into physical education classes, making them more accessible and appealing to kids.
• Partner with community organizations: Partner with community organizations to provide kids with opportunities for physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits. This can include partnering with local sports teams, parks and recreation departments, or community health organizations to provide kids with access to physical activity programs and resources.
• Model healthy behaviors: Focus on modeling healthy behaviors themselves, such as engaging in regular physical activity, eating nutritious foods, and avoiding substance use.

School and Community Programming

• Physical Education (PE) Classes: PE classes in schools can promote healthy habits and provide an outlet for physical activity and exercise. Incorporating activities that focus on stress relief and relaxation, such as yoga or tai chi, can also be beneficial for teen recovery.
• Sports Teams: Joining a school or community sports team can provide a positive outlet for physical activity and social interaction. It can also help build self-esteem and confidence.
• Outdoor Adventure Programs: Outdoor adventure programs, such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing, can provide a physical and mental challenge, as well as an opportunity to connect with nature and build resilience. These camps provide youth with:
• • opportunities to learn new skills, such as outdoor survival skills, teamwork, and leadership, which in turn can help build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of self-worth.
  • a supportive and positive social environment, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • opportunities to make new friends and build meaningful relationships, which can be important for overall well-being.
  • opportunities to engage in mindfulness and learn other stress-management techniques, such as yoga and meditation.
• Martial Arts: Martial arts can provide kids with many benefits that can help reduce the risk of substance abuse. By improving physical fitness, promoting mental focus and discipline, providing social support, teaching anger management skills, and promoting healthy habits, martial arts can help youth avoid substance use and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
• • The high level of physical activity and exercise in martial arts improves physical fitness, reduce stress, and boost overall health and well-being.
  • Martial arts require mental focus and discipline, which can help build skills that can be applied in other areas of life, including avoiding substance use.
  • The focus and discipline required in martial arts can help kids build self-confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of self-worth.
  • Martial arts can provide kids with a supportive and positive social environment as well as a sense of belonging and community. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be risk factors for substance abuse.
• Dance or Movement Therapy: Dance or movement therapy can provide an opportunity for teens to express themselves creatively and physically and can also help them manage emotions and develop stress-management skills.
• Group Fitness Classes: Joining a group fitness class, such as a fitness boot camp or an exercise class, can provide a structured and supportive environment for physical activity and can also help build a sense of community and accountability.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer opportunities, such as working on a community garden or participating in a neighborhood clean-up, can provide a sense of purpose and engagement, as well as an opportunity for physical activity.

In summary, spending time in nature, engaging in physical activity, and connecting socially with others can be important components of a comprehensive approach to teen recovery from substance abuse. These activities can provide numerous positive benefits that support the recovery process and promote overall health and well-being.