When you begin the journey of recovery, you might not know how to occupy your time.
If your recent activities and hobbies involved alcohol or drugs, you may feel isolated from the friends that you once drank with or the activities you once enjoyed while using substances or drinking alcohol.
It is very possible to enjoy many types of activities without alcohol or drugs, and it becomes very important to occupy your free time with sober hobbies that are meaningful and enjoyable to you while you are recovering.
Why Are Hobbies Important In Addiction And Sobriety Recovery?
Regardless of whether you have received treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, it is still going to be a challenge.
This is why it is important to adopt hobbies or activities to assist you in your process of recovery. The sobering process may become boring and tiresome.
One of the hard decisions you will be forced to make involves turning your back on your typical activities and leaving behind the friends that used a substance with you.
You may find that you have a lot more time on your hands. This can result in negative emotions that will make your recovery even harder.
This is why it is essential to spend your time engaged in positive activities. This can include hobbies that will make sure you remain occupied.
Here is a list of engaging yet simple hobbies that may assist you when it comes to overcoming alcohol or drug addiction.
1. Yoga
Yoga is great for your body, emotions, mind, and brain. There are many yoga groups to choose from, or you can practice yoga from the comfort of your home. This form of exercise is designed to help strengthen focus and relax the mind.
Yoga will help you to learn to keep calm and connect you directly to your inner-self. Holistic addiction treatments at most rehabilitation centers include yoga in their treatment programs.
Learn more about the hobby of yoga in this guide.
2. Practice Martial Arts
Martial arts are excellent physical activities that can help you to regain your confidence. This form of exercise requires focus and concentration, which can help you to avoid negative thoughts or emotions or the triggers that might cause you to relapse.
3. Exercise Outdoors
When you are on a journey to recovery, you will want to avoid staying locked up in a room. Get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air. Isolating yourself indoors can lead to negative thought patterns or behaviors.
Choose outdoor activities or exercises that you know you will enjoy. Exercise is one of the best diversions and will also help to keep your body strong and fit.
4. Buy Or Rent A Kayak
Kayaking is a fantastic activity for those that love adventure. Kayaking offers the perfect excuse to explore beautiful parks or shorelines that you can only experience out on the water.
You can either rent a kayak, from nature parks or rental companies, or you can choose to buy one if you planning on kayaking regularly.
5. Cooking
Cooking is one of those fun activities that can help you to feel like you have accomplished something. Rather than sitting on your couch feeling bored, get into the kitchen and test out those culinary skills. Think about a meal you have always wanted to prepare.
There are so many options to choose from, including pastries, desserts, main courses, starters, and more. Cooking is an excellent hobby to keep you feeling busy and satisfied.
You can either choose to buy a few cookbooks or refer to the videos on YouTube for step-by-step instructions.
6. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is great for building strength, and it’s also very fun and exciting to learn. It also helps you to build focus since it requires a lot of concentration on a rock wall or rocks, where you will need to analyze climbing patterns while planning every move with care.
You can either join a local group that offers indoor-climbing excursions or visit one of the indoor-climbing gyms to practice climbing or take lessons.
7. Writing
There are various benefits that you can gain from writing or journaling. This is a useful activity that you can use to express your emotions and feelings.
So rather than bottling up all those feelings, you can either open your computer or grab paper and a pen and allow all those words to pour out.
Writing or journaling is a beneficial way to let out your frustration, anger, or any other negative emotions you have been holding onto. It also allows you to overcome anxiety and distress.
8. Hike Local Trails
Hiking is one of those enjoyable physical activities that allow you to soak up the sunshine. It is also an excellent way to discover nature and explore your immediate surroundings. Hiking is also a hobby that you can enjoy in a group or on your own.
It is an activity that is mentally relaxing and physically energizing. Immersing yourself in nature gives you the best opportunity to calm your mind and clear any negative thoughts in your head.
Scientists and researchers have discovered that being out in nature rejuvenates the brain and reduces stress.
9. Volunteer At An Animal Shelter Or Farm
Volunteering can help you to feel like you are making a difference in your community.
If you are looking for hobbies away from your home, think about volunteering at an animal shelter or farm. These organizations are always looking for help from volunteers, and it will also allow you to connect to the animals.
10. Practice Archery
Archery is a sport that requires skill and focus, so this is a fantastic hobby to try if you are searching for a way to feel accomplishment. Archery includes hunting, contest shooting, and target shooting, so there are various ways you can use these skills.
11. Music
Music therapy is popular in many groups and communities. You can either use your voice or the assistance of musical instruments.
Music may help you to find ways to express yourself while providing a feeling of fulfillment. As you start to progress on a musical instrument, you will start feeling better and more confident about yourself.
12. Play Frisbee Golf
Frisbee golf may share a few similarities to golf, but this hobby game involves throwing a disc into a basket set up in parks. Many of these parks include 18-par courses.
This sport offers a way to get outdoors in the sun, explore a park in your local area, and enjoy healthy competition and sportsmanship with friends.
13. Cycling
There are many cycling trails to choose from throughout the U.S. Some of these trails can be found in the suburbs, while others extend into natural forest preserves. Cycling includes tricycling, unicycling, or bicycling.
Similar to hiking or camping, cycling allows you to get out in nature, soak up the sunshine, and get the physical exercise that your body needs. This is a popular activity that can be enjoyed with sober friends or, if you prefer, on your own.
Final Thoughts On Hobbies For Recovering Addicts
Overcoming alcohol and drug addiction becomes easier for those that are focused on becoming productive. Idle moments are bound to make you feel empty and lonely. There are many hobbies you can try to make your days feel happier and more satisfying.
It is also important to ensure you are caring for your mental well-being and health while you are recovering to decrease your risks of developing a co-occurring disorder, which is much harder to deal with or treat.