15.1 million people have had issues with alcohol, and fewer of those have taken the steps necessary to stop drinking. If you’re here, it’s safe to say that you’re looking for things to do instead of drinking.
Below, we will list eight of the most effective things you can do after you stop drinking alcohol. Not only are you going to discover things you’ve never thought of before, but you’re going to be happy that you’re making memories that don’t end in consequences.
1. Go Outside
We understand that saying go outside makes you wonder what you’ll be doing outside, but that’s the beauty of it. There are tons of things you can do when you go outside like:
- Hiking
- Running
- Cycling
These are just a few of the things you can do outside, or if you have children, you can take them to the park and play with them. There’s something about going outside and getting some fresh air that makes anyone feel better.
Not to mention spending time outside is great for everyone because you’re able to get your daily dose of vitamin D by absorbing the warm sun rays.
2. Read a New Book
Do you enjoy reading and discovering new worlds? If so, make a list of books that you’ve always wanted to read and start crossing books off your bucket list.
Reading books allows you to travel to a different place and see things through someone else’s eyes. If you’re not someone that enjoys reading fantasy books, that’s okay too because the number of genres you’ve to choose from is endless.
You can read self-help books, books about travel, and many more.
3. Take up a New Hobby
If you’re still trying to figure out how to stop drinking, you should try a new hobby. During the time you spent drinking, you might have noticed that you had little time to do things you once enjoyed doing.
If you’re not sure of things you like to do anymore, try a bunch of things until you find something you enjoy. Hobbies are a great way to keep yourself busy and keep your mind off of drinking alcohol.
4. Meet up With Friends
Part of the recovery process is mending relationships with people that you might have done wrong in the past. One of the best ways to keep your mind off of drinking is to spend time with your friends.
When you spend time with friends, it gives them a chance to see that you’re making positive changes in your life. Not to mention if you find yourself struggling to abstain from drinking alcohol, your friends can be there to provide you with the support you need to push forward.
You were taught in treatment that having a support network is essential to remaining sober. You need people in your corner that will remind you of the reasons you chose to get sober.
5. Volunteer
77.34 million people volunteer each year. There is no limit to the number of causes in the world that need help, and what better way to stay busy than to volunteer at one of the organizations in your area.
Before you start volunteering, we recommend thinking about a cause that you’re passionate about. For example, if you’re passionate about solving homelessness, you may want to look into volunteering at a soup kitchen.
Or volunteering somewhere where you can help homeless people obtain the resources that they need to take care of themselves.
6. Meditate
Meditation is a great way to redirect the negative thoughts you have that lead to drinking. The point of meditation is to center yourself and become more in tune with your thoughts and emotions.
When you practice meditation, you’ll learn that you’ll become more aware of the thoughts you’re having. Identifying negative thoughts before they start can help you redirect your thoughts before they become negative actions.
7. Work on a DIY Project
If there are things around your home that you’ve always wanted to do, now is the perfect time to work on them. Make a list of DIY projects that you want to complete and figure out a plan to get things done.
There’s something relaxing and fun about working hard and completing a project yourself. In a way, it’s like turning a new page and creating a new atmosphere to mirror the new leaf in your life that you’re turning over.
8. Go on Vacation
Everyone should take a vacation to relax and reset from the stresses of everyday life. If you don’t have the funds necessary to go somewhere on vacation, you can plan a staycation.
Find things in your area that you’ve never done before and act like a tourist. There’s something exciting about discovering new things to do that you’ve never thought to do before and taking time for yourself to relax.
Things to Do Instead of Drinking
There are tons of things to do instead of drinking, you’ve just got to take the time and think about things that you’ll enjoy doing. If you enjoy being outside, find some activities that you and your family can do together, such as hiking or going to the park.
Or you can take up a new hobby that you stopped doing while you were drinking. If you’ve not stopped drinking and are looking for help to make a change in your life, contact SOBA New Jersey.
We want to help you lead a healthier life and make a change for the best.
SOBA New Jersey is New Jersey’s premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment center, founded with the goal of helping young adults struggling with substance use disorders and addictions.
Learn more about SOBA New Jersey here.