11 Effective Things to Do Instead of Drinking: Are you starting your sobriety journey and need something to do to occupy your mind? Deciding to get sober (and stay sober) is a wonderful and courageous thing but it has some challenging moments.
You may feel like drinking if you’re bored, stressed, or understimulated, so spending your days filled with activities can help switch your attention.
Here are 11 simple and fun things to do instead of drinking so you can stay sober and keep changing your life for the better.
1. Journaling
Writing about your feelings and your journey to sobriety can be healing and transformational. You’ll understand yourself better, love yourself more, and have compassion about the choices you made in the past.
2. Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation are two of the most peaceful activities to do if you want to feel the full benefits of sobriety. If your mind and body are restless, 15 minutes of meditation paired with 30 minutes of yoga are enough to soothe your entire being.
3. Exercising
Exercise is the best way to boost your good mood hormones and feel better in no time. It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise – jogging, brisk walking, yoga, or dancing can also help lift your mood instantly.
4. Cooking a Meal From Scratch
One of the easiest ways to learn how to stay sober is by cooking meals from scratch. It’s more about the process of preparing the meal rather than the end result. You’ll gain new skills and eat healthier food.
5. Declutter Your Home
As you keep going on your sobriety journey, you can start tidying up parts of your home and getting rid of old and unused stuff. Living in a clean, clutter-free home is one of the best health benefits of sobriety.
6. Volunteer at a Homeless Shelter or an Animal Shelter
Volunteering at a homeless shelter or an animal means giving back to your community. It’ll put things into perspective and give you a purpose for your day or week.
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7. Start a New Hobby
If you’re wondering how to get sober, starting a new hobby is the perfect solution. You’ll focus all your attention on learning and distract your mind with new things to discover.
8. Read Books or Listen to Audiobooks
Reading books or listening to audiobooks is perfect for working on your mind and wellbeing while staying on track with your sobriety.
9. Have a Picnic
On sunny breezy days, go for a picnic in the park. Bring a friend or a loved one, pack your favorite sandwiches, and enjoy the sunshine.
10. Go Outside in Nature
If you have a forest nearby or a river, spend a day soaking up the beauty of nature. This is one of the best benefits of not drinking – you get to see and experience the world around you in full.
11. Talk to a Friend
Good friends are there to support you and be there for you on your sobriety journey. Call a friend to do something fun together and talk about all kinds of things.
These 11 Things To Do Instead of Drinking Will Help You Stay Sober and Still Have Fun
Whether you’ve been sober for a while or are just starting your sobriety journey, there are so many other things to do instead of drinking. By staying focused on your goals, doing self-care, and taking things one step at a time, you can stay sober and turn your life around.
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