How Walking Became My Secret to Staying Addy Free
When I started my Addy Free journey in July of 2021, I didn’t have a recovery plan to follow. There wasn’t a guidebook on how to heal from an addiction and dependence on Adderall or Vyvanse. So, I had to listen to my body — and instinctively, it led me to movement.
Finding Peace in Motion
It started in rehab. Every afternoon, during whatever “free time” we had, I’d walk laps around the small campus. It didn’t matter that I was just circling the same path — it gave me a sense of control when everything else felt uncertain. Instead of spiraling into my thoughts, walking pulled me out of my head and into my body.
After I left rehab, I kept walking. Every morning, I’d head outside around the same time I used to take my Vyvanse. In the afternoons — when my cravings hit hardest for those little blue 10mg Adderall tabs — I walked again. Rain or shine, it didn’t matter. Being outside, moving, breathing, and connecting with my body was always better than sitting in my craving mind.
Over time, walking became more than just a coping tool — it became my anchor. It reminded me that I could still get up, move, and feel alive without the stimulant. That realization — that I was capable, even without the medication — gave me back my confidence.
In that first year off Addy, walking turned into my new magic pill. And it turns out, science agrees: walking really is one of the best natural tools we have for recovery.
Why Walking Helps in Recovery
Walking doesn’t just move your body — it rewires your brain, balances your emotions, and rebuilds your sense of self. Here’s how:
Releases Feel-Good Brain Chemicals
Walking boosts serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins — the same neurotransmitters antidepressants target.Reduces Stress Hormones
It lowers cortisol and adrenaline, calming the body’s fight-or-flight response that often drives anxiety and cravings.Increases Blood Flow to the Brain
More circulation means clearer thinking and better emotional regulation.Improves Sleep Quality
Walking outdoors helps reset your sleep cycle, which is essential for mood and energy recovery.Creates Structure and Control
A daily walk provides routine — something recovery thrives on.Promotes Mindfulness
Step, breath, step. The rhythm grounds you in the present moment and quiets overthinking.Boosts Self-Esteem
Each walk reinforces that you’re showing up for yourself — proof of your own strength.Reduces Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
It burns off adrenaline, relaxes muscles, and lowers heart rate.Encourages Social Connection
Walking with others builds community — one of the strongest predictors of lasting recovery.Increases Exposure to Natural Light
Vitamin D, serotonin, and melatonin all get a natural boost from the sun.Sparks Creative Thinking
Studies show walking improves creative problem-solving and helps shift your mindset when you feel stuck.Builds Resilience
Each time you walk — especially when you don’t feel like it — you prove to yourself that you can take positive action even in hard moments.
this is all great information… where do i start!?
As a perfectionist who needs SPACIFICS or else I will get too overwhelmed and just not start at all…. I like to have a plan and that’s what I’m going to give you below. But remember… Keep it Simple Stupid. and Progress Not Perfection. Habits are hard to start but my recomendation… move your feet and your head will follow. JUST START!
YOUR ADDY FREE WALKING PLAN:
Step 1: FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER OR A WALKING GROUP
Lucky for you, this is possible!!! Join our 8:00 a.m. ET Addy Free women’s walk and talk meetings and link up with someone who shares the same goal to keep you accountable for the rest of your week. You can text each other every morning to stay accountable to one another.
Email community@addyfree.com to join
STEP 2: WALK WHEN YOU CRAVE
How I eased into this was just listening to my body. I didn’t have a set time every morning to walk; that came later. I just started walking when I was anxious or when my body craved Addy. Over time, that benefit of walking turned into a new craving and I wanted more which then made it easier for step 3….
Step 3: WALK FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
Walk first thing in the morning. It’s easier that way. Mornings are your time to set the day for intention. “Why am I choosing to become Addy Free today?” You can brainstorm this on your walk as your body moves out of stress and into calm. Plus, it is when most of us took our first Addy of the day!
