Thriving in Recovery: Best Hiking Trails in Austin

Benefits of Hiking for People in Recovery from Addiction 

One of the common struggles that many people in active addiction deal with is feeling as though they are boxed and inundated with emotions that they can’t understand. For instance, it wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility for a person that has an addiction to drugs or alcohol to also struggle with anxiety or another mental health condition that holds them back from living their best possible life. 

While it’s true that participating in a drug rehab or alcohol rehab program will help you to focus on overcoming these struggles, tackling your addiction head-on will also help you to learn more about your likes and dislikes which can open you up to a world of new possibilities that you never thought existed. If you decide to work with the Resurgence Behavioral Health team, we will always encourage you to take part in different activities as this will help you to heal holistically. 

An activity that you may want to consider is hiking. Hiking provides you with a unique opportunity not only to experience the beautiful scenery in and around the Austin area but also to find more of a sense of peace as you begin your recovery journey. Here are just a few examples of the benefits associated with taking the time to go on a hike and some local hiking trails in Austin: 

A group activity or a solo climb 

Are you looking for ways to reconnect with friends or loved ones now that you are on the road to recovery? Maybe you’re looking for something to do that will bring you a certain sense of peace and relaxation? Making time to go on a hike is an excellent option. During your hike, you can explore different areas of Austin with a group of people that may help to support you in your steps toward recovery. If you decide to go on your own, you will have the time to reflect and come to peace with certain things in your life that may be troubling you. 

Better night of sleep 

Have you ever noticed that you feel more tired at the end of the day when you have spent it outside? The fresh air and the physicality that comes along with going on a hike can help you to relax at the end of a long day and get a more peaceful night of sleep. Not only will going on a hike help you to sleep better but the deep rest will help you to wake up the next day more refreshed.

Increased self-esteem 

Any avid hiker will tell you that there are trails that are more challenging than others. In fact, there are many trails that you will have to train and prepare for prior to tackling them. However, there is a tremendous boost to your overall self-esteem when you are able to accomplish this feat of conquering a hiking trail. This self-esteem is something that can trickle over into other aspects of your life which can make you overall happier. 

Spending Time in Nature is Good for the Body, Mind and Spirit 

Have you ever sat outside and just listened to the chirping of the birds? Perhaps you ventured outside early in the morning and watched the sunrise? Even if you aren’t an overtly outdoor person, there is an undeniable sense of peace and calm that comes along with spending time outdoors which is why it’s recommended as a way to refresh your body, mind, and spirit. Even just taking the time to get some fresh air can help to reassess a stressful situation and help you to refocus on more important things. 

Benefits of Exercise for Addiction Recovery 

Do you like hiking as a causal activity? You wouldn’t be the only person that falls into this category. However, you should be conscious of the fantastic benefits associated with exercise and the positive impact that it can have on your recovery. Here are some examples: 

Change in physicality and emotions 

Sooner rather than later, you will notice a definite change in yourself physically and emotionally as you begin to follow a dedicated workout schedule. You will see the changes in your body take place as you may begin to lose weight and gain muscle. Psychologically, you may begin to notice that you’re thinking clearer or you have an easier time focusing on something. 

Healthy weight maintenance 

Unfortunately, part of addiction can entail either weight loss or weight gain depending on your drug or drink of choice. Maintaining a healthy diet is something that you will begin to focus on when you come for treatment, however, regular exercise can also help you to maintain a healthy weight which is something that is critical to your overall well-being. 

Decreased stress 

Have you ever noticed a drop in your stress level once you commit to a workout? It’s possible that you may begin a walk or your time in the gym feeling an intense amount of stress, anxiety, or even anger at a certain situation. However, at the end of your workout, you suddenly feel as though you can take a deep and healing breath which can help you to put certain things in perspective. 

Help to reduce cravings 

Cravings can appear at any time for the rest of a person’s life. While a person may feel cravings early on in their recovery journey, it’s possible that you could be weeks, months, and even years into your sobriety and still experience these cravings in some way, shape, or form. However, when you take the time to work out, you give yourself a distraction so the impact of these cravings will not ultimately lead you to give into them. A good rule of thumb is that you use an exercise such as meditation that you can incorporate into your overall workout plan so that you can fight through these cravings in a healthier way. 

Best Hikes in and Around Austin 

Although Austin is considered to be a fairly industrial city, there are a handful of incredible hiking trails that are close to the area. If you’re planning on spending a day on the hiking trails, why not consider some of these options: 

Lady Bird Lake Trail

Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail has a little bit for everyone when it comes to enjoying times outdoors. As the name of this trail indicates, you can decide to either hike or bike. It’s not the stereotypical hiking trail that is found deep in a secluded wood. Instead, you will have the chance to see Austin in a way that you may have never thought of before while still getting in a great workout along the way. 

Lady Bird Lake Trail, Austin, TX 78701

3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704

Addiction Treatment and Recovery Support at Resurgence Behavioral Health 

The addiction treatment team at Resurgence Behavioral Health goes above and beyond to ensure that you have every opportunity to receive the help and the care that you need when you are ready to make this critical change in your life. When you initially reach out to our intake team, we will begin to learn more about the extent of your addiction and can provide you with an initial treatment plan. For example, it may benefit you to begin your recovery journey in detox which is something that our treatment team can organize for you. Keep in mind that this plan is fluid which means that it will develop and change as you continue on in your recovery journey. If you would like to learn more about our options for addiction treatment or if you are in recovery and simply need more direction, we encourage you to reach out to us today at (855) 458-0050. 

If you are in recovery in the Austin area, check out these cool hiking trails! #hiking #recovery https://t.co/9vckjp9nhb

— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) November 9, 2021

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

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