“Dear alcohol, we had a deal where you would make me funnier, smarter, and a better dancer…I saw the video…we need to talk.” – Anonymous.
Do you want to know what sober activities you can do to keep yourself away from your addiction?
People who are recovering from an addiction often run into this conflict: what can I do to keep myself busy while staying sober?
Right now, finding substance-free activities may seem like a hard task. Many individuals find themselves reliant on alcohol, or drugs, to have a good time. This way of thinking can cause people to associate “having fun” with drugs and alcohol. However, there are numerous ways to have an enjoyable time while staying sober. Additionally, you will find that sober activities can enhance positivity in your life.
55 Fun Things To Do Sober
Get this: We have compiled a list of 55 things to do instead of drink at night (or, during the day):
- Head on over to the website Hello My Name Is… . This site features beautiful and inspiring portraits of people who are in recovery.
- Improve yourself by taking these interactive online classes, focusing on music and art from certified teachers. artistworks.com.
- Replacing your addiction with a hobby, such as working out, can help significantly by keeping your mind occupied. My Yoga Works offers a free 14-day membership. Check it out HERE
- Interacting with other recovering addicts can help when you’re feeling alone. The Bubble Hour offers awesome recovery podcasts.
- Do you have a bucket list yet? Bucket List Ideas offer 100’s of ideas to include in your list. Make goals to complete before you kick-the-can.
- Get out of the house and go shopping! Look up local thrift or donation stores, and see what hidden treasures you can find.
- Need some mindless fun? Visit 15 dead stupid, utterly joyful PC games. Who doesn’t love PC games?!
- Take a breather. Hop on your bike and ride around town, or on a pretty trail to clear your mind.
- Rock climbing is rising in popularity, and there’s a reason for that. Learn how to rock climb at www.earthtreksclimbing.com.
- Binge-watch TEDTalks – “1900+ talks to stir your curiosity”
- Who remembers surfing Google Earth when it first came out? I sure do! Re-visit old neighborhoods, or stroll down the streets of a place you’ve never been. All from the comfort of your couch!
- Improve your memory, all while enjoying fun games at Luminosity.com.
- Sodoku or crossword puzzles are proven to help sharpen the mind, and lessen the chances of getting Alzheimer’s Disease. Visit Kakuro.com or Livewire Puzzles.
- Ever dreamed of becoming a clothing designer? Design your own custom swag at www.cafepress.com.
- Netflix offers hundreds of new movies and TV shows every month. It’s worth checking out. Hot tip: They offer a free trial for new sign-ups.
- If you’ve saved up any extra money, look into going on a sober cruise! sobercruises.com.
- Re-visit your 5-year-old self. Check out these classic cartoons right now! YouTube.
- There is a reason people invest in therapy animals. Nothing makes me happier than spending time around earth’s creatures! Visit a zoo or aquarium near you.
- I know I’m not the only one who drinks coffee. Make your morning cup of joe special, check out custom mug ideas HERE.
- Bake your neighbor (or yourself) a cake or some cookies. Tons of ideas at Bake Decorate Celebrate.
- Join a Photo a Day Challenge. Check out the prompt for today at Fat Mum Slim.
- Go back in time by visiting a museum in your area. In Lehi Utah, we have a dinosaur museum that transports you back into the stone age!
- What’s all the buzz with Minecraft about? Find out for yourself!
- Puppy Love Couture offers cute get-ups for your special furry friend!
- Start tracking your life by visiting WordPress. It is really easy and free!
- Take an art class at the local community center, or visit your local library.
- Research your ancestors at Ancestry.com, they have a 14 day free trial.
- Design your ideal car on the Aston Martin site. Dreams do come true!
- Write a letter (remember those?) to someone you miss or would like to smooth things over with.
- Dig up your old CDs or vinyl records and give them a listen. The aux cord recently busted in my car, and i’ve been jamming out to old CDs. I ain’t even mad!
- Browse through wikipedia.com and discover new facts.
- Create a Photo Book of your greatest memories, or a recent vacation. See Shutterfly for more.
- In middle school, everyone wanted to be the kid who knew how to make those origami birds. Learn how to yourself with this tutorial!
- Take a class to learn how to play a musical instrument.
- Make some money by selling your stuff online, you can use eBay, CraigsList and now even Amazon. Anyone can do it!
- Get a pedicure or a manicure. You can find amazing package deals on groupon.com.
- Check out amazing stories of recovery from people who are not anonymous, at IAMNOTANONYMOUS.org.
- Go to a spa and get pampered. (Again, groupon.com)
- Make a tie dye t-shirt or a painted jewelry box. Check out these ideas here: Michael’s.
- Find things to donate to Goodwill or your local donation center.
- Exercise! I know, not my favorite ether. But this website makes working out a lot more fun, and you can do it from home! Fitness Blender.
- Rearrange the furniture in your house. This used to be such a treat to do as a kid! Make your place look snazzy again.
- Discover new music at Last.fm, Pandora, Spotify or Youtube. These music sites offer amazing suggestions based on music you already love.
- Design your own Nike shoes at NIKEiD. Lookin’ fly, my friend!
- Learn about new things at About.com.
- Try on ALL the clothes in your closet, then get rid of the ones you don’t really wear.
- Start a garden! Here is a how-to at the BHG site.
- Pamper yourself with a homemade facial: beauty.about.com.
- Bring a blanket and lie on the grass at an outdoor concert, or simply stargaze in your backyard.
- Make homemade ice cream, yum! There are many great recipes at AllRecipes.com.
- Go swimming, indoor pools are often available at your local gym!
- Have a sober movie night! Check out these addiction/recovery themed movies at Friday
- Check out answers to your burning questions on Quora. I’m a huge fan of this site!
- Gather up a few of your sober buddies and go play Mini Golf!
If you’ve reviewed these 55 ideas for a fun time while staying sober and you’re still struggling, ask someone in your sober network (such as a mentor, counselor or friend/family member) what they do for fun without the use of substances. It may be a learning process, but you’ll get there. Find what you enjoy doing, or something you are passionate about. Keeping yourself busy is key!
You got this.