How to to Enjoy Your Free Time With Sober Activities?
If you are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, you probably have more free time. The question is: What should you do with all that time? How can you create some fun activities that will help you to recover?
There are many ways you can make the most of your free time while staying sober. While it may seem difficult at first, there are many ways to enjoy your free time while recovering. Our list includes solo activities or ones that you can do with friends and family.
Ways to Have Fun While Recovering
It’s easy for your brain to become idle, so keep yourself occupied with things you enjoy. Please use our list as a guide.
- Get Outdoors: Whether you’re recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, outdoor activities can help to distract you from your addiction and get you out of the house. Go hiking, take a road trip, go camping, and explore your neighborhood. You can even try renting an RV to have some fun while you’re out on a drive.
- Participate in fun games: While many people might prefer playing video games, this may not be possible for people recovering from addiction. However, it’s still possible to enjoy non-dramatic games such as chess or board games when recovery is part of your lifestyle. They help keep you mentally active and are also something that will help keep you away from drugs and alcohol for long periods.
- Volunteer: Volunteer at an organization like a local community center or homeless shelter. Offer your time and skills to bring a smile to adults and children. Consider getting involved with charity organizations by hosting a fundraiser or donating your time. You can also volunteer at organizations such as hospitals or other health care facilities where you provide company to patients.
- Visit art galleries or museums: You will find many exceptional pieces of art that are beautiful, educational, and entertaining!
- Reading: Reading is a great way to relieve stress, relax and learn. It’s also an excellent activity for improving your writing skills. There are many books on the market that you can read while recovering from addiction.
- Take up a sport you enjoy: A great way to make your recovery more enjoyable is to take up a sport you enjoy. If you love basketball and have always wanted to learn how to play, do it now! Head to your local gym or purchase a basketball hoop for your backyard. Playing sports offer the opportunity to unwind by playing something that you enjoy. Plus, exerting your body releases dopamine-mood-boosting neurotransmitters. If you don’t like sports, try going on a nature walk or seeing what other outdoorsy activities interest you.
- Learn something new: What better way to spend your time than learning something new? So many hobbies and interests can be an excellent distraction from substance use. Start small: Try taking a weekly class and see what new skill sets you find yourself developing! Have fun, whether learning how to paint or draw or trying new cooking recipes! For example, if you enjoy working with wood or building things, consider a crafts or wood class.
- Plan a vacation: Many turn to watching movies and TV shows to escape their daily troubles. Why not take the opportunity to travel? If you have always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands, now is your chance! Planning a vacation can be exciting, but it’s also very therapeutic. As you prepare for your trip, try including some activities that will help you expand your horizon. Traveling is also an opportunity to try new things and make new friends. Consider a weekend getaway to a nearby city or town—eventually, save up for your dream vacation. Have fun on your next trip!
- Paint, draw, or write poetry: If you have time, try painting, drawing, or writing poetry. Allow yourself to experiment with different types of art before settling on one style that speaks to you. Many people find that creativity helps them to express themselves. Additionally, it is a great stress reliever, and it can help you clear your mind.
- Get a pet: Pets are a great way to keep your mind occupied. Pets also lower stress levels and decrease blood pressure. Additionally, they provide companionship and love to those who need it. Some common pets include snakes, dogs, cats, turtles, fish, and more! Consider getting a fish or cat if you’re looking for an easy-going pet that will not take much attention! Dogs require more attention. But they are great fun, especially for long walks.
- Music: If you love playing the guitar or singing, music can be a calming hobby and a creative outlet for your talent in recovery from addiction! Also, check out your local venues for concerts to attend.
There are many ways to enjoy your time while recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. It is essential to find what works for you and makes you happy! It’s easy to get bored when you have time on your hands, but hobbies are a great outlet. So consider finding hobbies or activities you love doing, whether running, painting, cooking with friends in the kitchen, or playing video games online with other players worldwide. There are plenty of events happening all over town that might interest someone looking for a new adventure, such as concerts at local venues for music lovers. At Restoration Recovery, we will help you reach sobriety to enjoy your new hobbies and plans recovered. Our treatment program includes evidence-based therapies, peer support, and holistic treatment options–like art, yoga, meditation, outdoor activities–at our facility. To learn more about our comprehensive treatment program, please contact us at (888) 290-0925.