Look into discovering new hobbies for yourself that can add fun to your life. Try new activities that interest you and don’t hesitate to try something new. It can be painting, singing, knitting, gardening, or learning a new language. You never know what might become a new hobby for you.
It can be easy to dismiss contacting sober friends, especially in the beginning of your sobriety. You may feel as though you’re imposing on them, or you may feel embarrassed by your lack of confidence. However, reaching out to sober friends can be a great way to feel supported and connected in your sobriety. Reaching out to sober friends is a delicate process, though. You’ll want to avoid pressuring them into spending time with you, and you’ll want to give them space to be themselves. You may want to consider having coffee or going on a walk together instead of inviting them over to your house. This way, you can avoid imposing on them and also create a low-pressure environment for you to get to know each other again.
Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy in sobriety. Doing activities that engage both your mind and body, such as going for a walk and doing yoga, is particularly helpful. Additionally, staying active is a great way to build new connections and form new friendships. There are many different types of activities that you can participate in as a sober person. You can try taking a dance class, joining a sports league, or finding a group to volunteer with. It may take some time to find the right activity for you, but it’s worth the effort. Some studies even show that regular cardiovascular exercise can reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
Besides having fun, one of the best things you can do while in recovery is to help others in recovery. Helping others is one of the 12-step program principles, and it can be a great way to stay connected to your sobriety. You can help other people in recovery in many different ways, including volunteering at a local meeting or giving recovery coaching. You can also help other people in recovery by answering their questions and being a supportive voice in their lives. Helping others in recovery can be a great way to feel connected to your sobriety and to feel good about yourself. It can give you purpose and a sense of connection that you may have been lacking in your life. It can also help you to stay accountable for your own sobriety.
Embarking on a journey of sobriety is a difficult shift in your life, and mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools to help you find peace, balance, and joy. These practices allow individuals in recovery to reconnect with their inner selves, reduce stress, and foster emotional well-being. Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your sobriety journey can make a world of difference, offering not only a way to cope but also a path to greater joy and fulfillment.
Many people in recovery feel as though they have to do something fun each day in order to stay happy in their sobriety. While this is certainly not necessary, it can be helpful to have something to look forward to each day. One way to do this is by attending local 12-step program meetings and participating in activities related to the 12-step program. Attending meetings and working the steps can be an excellent way to get connected to a supportive sober community. However, be sure not to over-schedule your time. It can be easy to pile on too many activities, and you can burn yourself out by trying to do too much. Make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to rest and recharge, especially in the beginning stages of your sobriety.
The next couple of years are a unique and exciting time in your life. They’re a chance to make big changes, explore new things, and get to know yourself better than you ever have before. However, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut as a new sober person. It can be easy to feel bored and restless, to feel like there’s nothing to do with your time. The best way to combat this is to make your sobriety fun. There are lots of interesting things that you can do to make sobriety exciting, dynamic, and engaging. It’s important to find the things that speak to you the most, the things that bring out the best in you, and the things that make you feel happy and fulfilled. Once you do that, sobriety will feel like it’s never been more fun.
Sober living is an excellent choice for people who are in early recovery or who have been recently released from inpatient treatment. Not only do they statistically reduce the chances of relapse, but they also provide a safe, supportive environment where you can focus on your recovery without the distractions and triggers that can be found when living in a more general population.
They also provide many opportunities to make friends and discover new sources of joy and fun. If you are wondering how you can possibly enjoy sobriety, a sober living home is probably the best option for you. Contact Bridges Sober Apartments to find out how to enroll!
NIDA. 2023, March 9. Treatment and Recovery. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery.
Harvard Medical School. 2021, February 15. Protect your brain from stress. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. N.d. Recovery and Recovery Support. Retrieved on 2023, May 24 from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery