Most of us struggle with addiction in some form whether it be coffee, cigarettes, food, alcohol or even drugs. Beating these addictions are tough and most people have a hard time finding activities to keep our mind off them. Many are finding that horseback riding can help ease the pain of kicking these addictions.
Research now shows that horses can change your brain wave patterns. This is pretty exciting news for those suffering from addiction. Simply being around a horse will instill a sense of serenity and allow you to focus on present moments, taking your mind away from your addiction. This simple step in distancing your self from your addiction momentarily can allow you to have a clearer mind. This clarity points you in a direction of being able to focus on more productive areas of your life. Pretty interesting isn't it?
This isn't the only way that horses and riding are helping. Horses require you to be completely mindful of your actions and body language towards them. They are prey animals and don't take kindly to those who are not aware of their actions. This allows us to remain completely focused on the horse and our actions toward the horse. It takes great effort to stay mindful in their presence and you will find that your addiction is not on the forefront of your mind. Getting your addiction to take a backseat in your mind is incredibly beneficial. Your brain is only capable of thinking of so many things at once and if you are focused on staying mindful of the horse then you will simply forget about your addiction in working with horses.
A change in regular routine also help those trying to beat an addiction. Riding is certainly a change of routine for most who don't own horses. This change to a healthier routine distances you even further from your addiction. The more activities you can find which replace old habits the better off you will be!
Riding is also physically strenuous. This results in your body releasing feel good endorphins. These endorphins simulate the same endorphins released while smoking, snacking or drinking coffee. So the more you ride the better you will feel without having to go to your addiction!
See all the benefits horses can offer to you at your local stables or ask a friend who owns a horse to take you for a ride. I hope you can kick all your habits out of the barn!
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