Bored in Recovery? Here’s Some Things To Do!

Focus on the Exciting and Fulfilling Aspects of Recovery and Avoid Boredom

Boredom is one of the main reasons people experiment with substances like alcohol and drugs. You might look for excitement when you’re not occupied because you want to feel happy or high to fill the void you’re feeling. While using drugs and alcohol might be a quick fix, it does more harm than good- especially for people who are trying to focus on their addiction recovery.

A common fear when entering a recovery program is that life without drugs and alcohol will be boring and uneventful. Luckily, this couldn’t be further from the truth! It may take some time to get used to your new routine, but there are plenty of ways to stay busy in recovery. In fact, you’re likely to find that your sober life is more fulfilling and exciting than you imagined.

What do sober people do for fun? While each person’s likes and dislikes are different, here are some things you can try:

• Go outdoors

  Getting outside lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress, it also helps to improve mood and focus.

• Meditate

  Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace, and balance that can benefit your emotional wellbeing and your overall health. Meditation can help you be more calm through your day and may help you manage symptoms of certain medical conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

• Exercise

  Taking an exercise class or going to the gym has many benefits. Regular exercise helps combat health conditions and diseases, improves mood, and boosts energy!

• Get creative

  The way the brain acts during creative activities is similar to the experience during meditation, mindfulness, and yoga exercises. These activities are designed to help you find peace, calm, and happiness by blocking out external stimuli. Creativity can produce a natural “high” or feeling of joy and contentment.

• Try a new recipe 

  Cooking is a wonderful hobby for people in recovery since eating healthy food can help heal some of the damage done by past substance abuse.

• Write in a journal

  Journaling is a great tool for improved mental health. It can help manage anxiety, reduce stress, and help you better cope with depression. 

• Redecorate your home

  A change in your surroundings can give your mood an instant boost. Rearrange the furniture, paint an accent wall a bright color, or buy some new wall art that inspires you.

• Connect with sober friends 

  Sober friends are essential to recovery. They can help you avoid drugs or alcohol and encourage you on your path to recovery through support to heal emotionally and spiritually. You can meet sober friends at AA or NA meetings.

• Form a book club

  There are many excellent memoirs and self-help books for people in recovery. Get together with friends to discuss a book of your choice.

• Have a games night

  Whether it’s a classic like Yahtzee or Scrabble, or a newer party game like Cards Against Humanity, a game night provides a chance to socialize with friends without feeling pressured to drink.

• Get a pet 

  Pet ownership can be a source of comfort and support for someone in recovery. Pets reduce stress and provide companionship. If getting a pet is not feasible due to your current living situation, consider volunteering at an animal shelter instead.