When you first enter recovery, you need to make sweeping changes in your life. You’re not going to go to rehab, get through a treatment program, and then return to the same life you were living before. The reason for this is simple: that life contains the reasons you started using in the first place — and besides, you’re not the same person you were before. It’s time to start building new routines and expectations in recovery.
With this in mind, it’s not always easy to find new activities that are uniquely beneficial to your sobriety — after all, around 70% of adults over 21 consume alcohol regularly. You might have to get out of your comfort zone to build a new, sober lifestyle, and at Hickory Treatment Centers, we can help! Here are a few fun, sober activities that you can start doing today!
Enjoy the Solitude of Nature
Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air is an easy (and free) way to start building a new sober routine. Depending on what you have access to, you can get out on a local walk or bike path, find the nearest hiking trail, learn to rock climb, or explore one of America’s breathtaking state and national parks!
Pick Up a Team Sport or Join an Exercise Group…
Getting involved in with a team or group can hold you accountable to your own contribution and progress — including in your recovery. Most communities have recreational team sports leagues, where you can find a group to join. Or, if sports aren’t for you, consider joining a Crossfit gym or runners’ group — these are communities where you’ll not only find a place where you can fit in, but also, sobriety and wellness is valued more than in the general population around you!
…Or, Start a Solo Fitness Routine
But that doesn’t mean the only way you can work on your own strength and fitness is with a group. Training on your own or going on solo runs can be a great way to relieve stress and clear your head without resorting to using drugs and alcohol.
Start Practicing Yoga or Meditation
Yoga and meditation are great ways to build mindfulness and relieve stress. They’re also associated with a wealth of cognitive benefits, according to some studies. They’re also great activities to add to your new sober lifestyle that go hand-in-hand with wellness and overall health.
Get Involved in the Local Recovery Scene
Many recovery centers are staffed and supported by alumni — people have graduated from addiction treatment themselves. There are two reasons for this:
One is that they’re thankful for the support they got when they needed it most and they want to give back to people who are in the same place that they were. Two is that they see it as a great way to participate in sober activities. Because after all, what’s a better way to stay engaged in your recovery than to get involved in the overall mission?
We Support a Sober Lifestyle
Are you or a loved one looking for ways to stay sober? Contact Hickory Treatment Centers today to learn about all the ways we can support your recovery for the rest of your life.
