Once you choose to maintain sobriety, it becomes important to seek out activities that don’t involve alcohol. Especially in the early stages of recovery, it is important to avoid certain people, places and events in order to prevent relapse and keep triggers at bay.
Depending on your lifestyle, sober activities may not be things you are very familiar with, or you may struggle to find creative ways of planning a good time without the consumption of alcohol. That’s okay! Don’t be hard on yourself if you find yourself stuck in this rut – transitioning to a whole new lifestyle takes patience and time, so we’ve done the hard work for you.
Activity ideas for sober living
Whether you like to be outdoors, are into traveling or would prefer to stay home with friends, the possibilities are endless for having fun and filling your life with goodness without including alcohol.
Go hiking
Even if you live in a city, odds are there are some hidden gem hiking spots within an hour’s drive of where you live. Hiking is not only good for keeping your body physically active, but it’s crucial for also keeping your mental health sharp. If you have a dog, bring them with you for a quality day exploring the outdoors; get up early and hike during the sunrise; plan a hike that includes a waterfall or lake and take it on a hot day.
Hiking can be done alone or with friends, can take all day or only a few hours, and can be strenuous or relaxing – no matter what kind of hikes you’re into, take the time to incorporate this into your list of sober activities.
Outdoor adventures
In addition to hiking, there are countless ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty our country offers, including:
- Balloon rides
- Jet skiing and paddle boarding
- Parasailing
- Whale watching
- White water rafting
- Horseback riding
- Ziplining
- Archery ranges
- Sky diving
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
Depending on where you live or how open you are to traveling, you might be able to enhance your recovery and life with these thrilling experiences.
Explore a local museum
Every big city has some form of museum, including art, science and natural history museums that provide both an educational experience and a peaceful way to spend a morning or afternoon. If you live in a city but have never visited any of the museums, consider taking the time to go. Bring a friend for some commentary, or go solo to truly soak in the artwork and exploration.
Find a farmer’s market
A crucial part of addiction recovery is building and adhering to a healthy diet, and what better way to build and boost your health than local, farm-fresh food?
Supporting your local farmers and experiencing the freshness and flavor of the produce served is a great way to give back to your community and heal your body from the inside out. Not to mention the fact that farmer’s markets provide a relaxing environment in which to shop, giving you the chance to get outside on your weekend.
Go to the zoo
Zoos and aquariums aren’t just for little kids – watching animals and wandering through the zoo can provide a peaceful environment in which to unwind after a long week. Pack a picnic lunch, bring some of your friends and enjoy the company of the animals on a warm fall day or cool summer weekend.
Get a hammock
Portable hammocks can be strung up anywhere two trees grow close together, giving you the opportunity to sit outside with a book, a podcast or a journal and just rest. Whether you choose to take a nap, work through some chapters or just cloudwatch, odds are your soul will be refreshed and rejuvenated after an afternoon spent swaying in a hammock.
Explore the art of cooking
Cooking is a real art form, but it’s one that can be learned and enhanced through patience and practice. Again, healthy eating is crucial to recovery, and by learning to cook, you can start enhancing your recovery through delicious, homemade meals. Plus, cooking is a great activity to do with friends and family. Inviting people over to either enjoy your cooking or to make a meal builds community and closeness in a unique way.
Enroll in a class
Community classes of all kinds are available in your area if you know where to look. You might be interested in a yoga or adult dance class at your local ballet theater; exercise classes such as Jiu Jitsu or Tai Chi offer unique workouts to keep you fit and engaged. Additionally, you may consider looking into classes based on your hobby preferences, such as cooking, pottery or photography classes. Or, check out the offerings at your local library to get enrolled in a book club. The possibilities are truly endless.
Need additional sober support?
Whether you are looking for a sober support group or one-on-one sessions with a counselor, High Focus Centers offers you the support you need when you need it.
To learn more about our services, contact us by calling our offices at 800-877-3628 to get in touch with someone today.
