Spring is finally here. It brings with it a sign of relief to many, especially those who live in areas with harsh winters. It also offers you the opportunity of a fresh start to better yourself in different ways. Now that everyone doesn’t have to continue staying cooped up inside, it’s a perfect chance to ring in spring with fun sober activities.
When you’re in recovery from addiction, making sure that you make time for fun sober activities is crucial. If you’re new to your recovery journey, you might not have found that many yet. Don’t worry, there are plenty of different things to choose from, and you can find some that fit well into your life during this current season. Just remember to stay open and not be afraid to get adventurous.
If anything, warmer weather provides more opportunities for fun sober activities because they don’t have to be done indoors.
Understanding Why Fun Sober Activities Are Important in Recovery
When someone struggles with substance misuse, most of their hobbies often revolve around using drugs or alcohol. Maybe a typical Friday evening in your old life would include going to a party or bar. It may have included spending time surrounded by others who are engaging in substance use. Now that you have started recovery, these things are no longer options.
As such, it is important to find new, fun, and fulfilling sober activities to fill in your spare time. Everyone needs to have fun in life; it cannot be just a cycle of work followed by more work. This will only lead to poor mental health and burnout.
Sober activities provide you with an opportunity to enjoy and express yourself. They provide something to look forward to and give life greater meaning. They are also a great way to meet new people and form bonds with them.
Consider Learning Something New
You are never too old to start learning something new. Maybe there’s a skill you always wanted to learn growing up and never had the opportunity to due to time, finances, or other restrictions. It’s not too late! Consider coming up with a plan to learn that skill.
Maybe the thing you always wanted to do was learn how to play an instrument. Now is your chance. You can contact a teacher or even teach yourself by watching videos online. Enjoy the weather by practicing outside.
Or maybe you’ve never really learned how to cook or bake. Consider taking a cooking class or following some beginner recipe videos from YouTube to learn how to prepare some healthy spring recipes. As you get more comfortable over time, you can then try more complicated dishes. Most importantly, you’ll save money by being able to prepare nutritious meals from home without having to go out.
Maybe the thing you always wanted to do was run a marathon but never thought you could do it. Now is the time. With warmer weather approaching, you can start practicing now. Completing a half marathon or a marathon is greatly rewarding no matter where you place.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Spending time outside is critical for your mental health. It allows you to take in vitamin D, which boosts your mood and fends off depression. Exercise also can decrease stress levels. Whenever you have the chance, try to work in activities that ensure you’ll be in the great outdoors. The following are just a few ideas for you to consider:
#1. Plan a camping trip with friends. If spending the night in a tent doesn’t sound like your thing, you can rent an RV or stay in a cabin. This is a great way to really immerse yourself in nature while spending time with people you care about. Don’t forget to have a bonfire and roast marshmallows.
#2. Go for a hike. Take a hike in the mountains or woods and take pictures of the beauty you come across along the way. This is a great way to not only get exercise but to practice looking for the small joys of life.
#3. Birdwatching. Spend some time birdwatching at a local park and try to find species you’ve never seen before.
#4. Water activities. Spend some time out on the water, whether it be swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or whatever other activity you enjoy.
#5. Friend and family activities. Consider hosting a backyard barbeque and inviting friends or family members to come over and enjoy food and games.
#6. Gardening. Pick up a hobby like gardening. You don’t have to have a big yard at all to start a garden. Consider planting some fruits or vegetables. In a few months, you’ll have produce right in your own backyard to enjoy and share with others.
#7. Walk your dog. Take your dog for a walk and enjoy the sights, smells, and sensations that you can only experience during the springtime.
What are your favorite sober activities that you enjoy since starting your recovery journey? Maybe you’re having trouble thinking of more than a couple. It’s never too late to start implementing new sober activities into your life. Springtime is the perfect time to do just that because you now have access to better weather and can spend time in the great outdoors. Make sure to get outside this spring; doing so is crucial for your mental well-being. If you’re currently struggling with substance misuse and are ready to make a change, our team at The Ho Tai Way can help. Call (714) 581-3974 today to learn more about the different types of services we provide.
