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One of the worries many have when they give up alcohol or drugs is what to do with their time. There is a misconception that life in recovery will be boring. The reality is there are plenty of exciting things you can do with this newly available free time. Here are twenty hobbies that are not only fun, but that can also strengthen your sobriety as well.
Active Hobbies
The great thing about hobbies that involve physical activity is that they improve your level of fitness and general health – they also help to keep your weight under control. If you are not active in recovery, it can soon lead to symptoms of depression, low energy levels, obesity, illness, and a reduced life expectancy. Here are some of the active hobbies you might want to try now that you are sober:
- Walking is suitable for almost everyone and can improve your mood while reducing your risk of asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke – it is recommended that you walk 10,000 steps a day to enjoy these benefits.
- Running is an easy activity to take up because all you really need is a decent pair of trainers.
- Swimming is an excellent form of exercise because it involves so many muscles while not putting pressure on the joints.
- Cycling is a nice way to explore the surroundings while keeping fit.
- Joining a gym offers an opportunity to socialise as well as improve fitness.
Relaxation Hobbies
The inability to manage stress can be a real problem for those in early recovery. Relaxation hobbies offer a great way to unwind and improve your ability to deal with stress in the future. Some of the most popular activities in this category include:
- mindfulness meditation does not only improve the ability to handle stress, but it has also been shown to be a powerful tool for dealing with addiction cravings
- tai chi is a type of moving meditation as well as a martial art – it is perfect for those who do not like the idea of sitting down to meditate
- yoga involves graceful stretches that improve health and help combat stress
- minimalism is a way of life as well as a hobby. The idea is that reducing possessions simplifies life, thus reducing stress.
- journal writing is an excellent way to let off some steam and feel more in control of life.
Mentally Stimulating Hobbies
The brain is like a muscle – if you don’t use it, you lose it. Here are some hobbies that can stimulate the brain and keep life interesting:
- reading every day improves knowledge of the world and can lead to important insights into one’s own life
- part-time study can increase opportunities in life
- writing is a great way to get thoughts down on paper to get to know oneself much better
- learning a new language is a wonderful way to explore a completely new culture
- drawing or painting can allow for expression of creativity.
Outdoor Hobbies
Many people spend too much time indoors these days, and this disconnection from nature can have seriously negative consequences for physical and mental health. Here are five outdoor hobbies that allow for reconnection with nature:
- gardening allows you to get into the rhythm of nature; it can be a very rewarding hobby
- camping allows one to spend lots of time outdoors and it also means cheaper holidays
- caving is a very exciting and challenging activity in places most people don’t get to see – this extreme sport involves climbing, diving, hiking, and crawling
- fishing is well worth considering because it combines relaxation with spending time outdoors
- mountain climbing offers a chance to test climbing skills against the best nature has to offer.
