Healthy Activities
As I’ve started doing more Instagram Live video chats, I am being asked many questions about my recovery. One recurring question many people pose is what did I do to pass the time when I first got sober? When we quit drinking it can feel like there is this sudden surplus of time on our hands, and filling our days can become a bit of a challenge. Here are six healthy activities I feel can help fill the void of alcoholism.
1. Exercise
One thing I started doing (and it’s something I’ve always enjoyed) was being more physical. Now you don’t need an expensive gym membership or fitness plan to get going on this one. I’d often take evening walks around my neighbourhood and use the time to reflect and refocus. Or go for a bike ride and enjoy a beautiful day exploring my city. There are so many benefits to exercise beyond just filling up your day. Even if you’re not comfortable going out, doing yoga at home or developing a stretching routine can help you relieve stress and help clear your mind.
2. Cook
As you start making a shift into a healthier lifestyle, cooking can be a great and rewarding way to pass the time. Even if you’re no master chef, start simple and experiment. There’s no shortage of recipes online and you’re sure to be able to find something that pleases your palette. Cooking your own meals and eating healthy will help you feel better overall, and the sense of accomplishment when you enjoy your own creation can be a great reward! I found cooking to be a great distraction early in sobriety as it shifted my mind’s focus and provided a much needed distraction to my negative patterns.
3. Volunteer
For me, this actually tied into my desire to get out and walk more. I figured if I’m going to be walking, why not do so in the companionship of a dog! So I signed up to be a dog walker at the local animal shelter. If animals aren’t your passion, there are many organizations that would gladly welcome the extra help. Fill orders at your local food bank, read to seniors and provide them some needed company, coach a local sports team or lend your talents to others in whatever creative way you can.
The good thing about volunteering is it establishes scheduled activity for you, gives you something to look forward to and can provide genuine fulfillment in your life. Plus it’s a great way to meet new people that aren’t your traditional party crowd.
4. Reconnect With Family and Friends
I was fortunate; despite quitting drinking I was able to maintain almost all of my close connections with great friends. Recovery – especially early on – can feel lonely. As you adapt to your new lifestyle, reconnecting with family and friends can offer amazing support and fill you with a sense of value. You may not be able to reacquaint with everyone, especially if they trigger negative feelings or emotions that may cause you to drink. But surrounding yourself with healthy relationships can assist in filling the void that sobriety may bring on. If it’s too soon for that, try connecting with people in similar situations utilizing online resources.
5. Hobbies
With all your free time, getting back into passions that once motivated you can be a great way to fill your days. For me, playing guitar has been a saviour in tough times. Music is an unbelievable emotional outlet and provides challenges and opportunities for growth that I truly value. Try and remember back to what excited you in your youth. Building model cars, working on arts and crafts, finally taking horseback riding lessons, learning a second language. No matter what the interest is, indulging in these healthy activities can spark much needed fire in your soul. And the sense of accomplishment and achievement is something not to be taken for granted.
6. Self-care
This encompasses all of the above, yet can go much further. Start looking after yourself. Maybe it’s time to get a massage, talk with a counsellor or therapist, set financial goals for yourself or just rediscover who you are. However this looks for you, investing in some self-care has nothing but benefits for you and your overall mental health. If you’re anything like me, you put yourself through torture during addiction. Recovery is a time to let the wounds heal and start filling your life with positivity and love. And that should begin with loving yourself. So look after yourself!
Healthy Activities Help
The early days of recovery can feel like an eternity; staring down a dark tunnel with no end in sight. Finding constructive and positive ways to occupy yourself during these challenging times are so important for your long term sobriety. Start small, and grow from there. Choosing just one of these healthy activities to do each day can have an enormous impact on your long term recovery and help bridge the gap from drinking to sober living. You deserve to experience a happy life. Let yourself live!