Boredom is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome when you commit to sober living. When you’re used to drinking, trying to figure out what to do to fill up your time on holidays and days off from work can be tough. You suddenly find that you have to come up with things to do that don’t involve alcohol. You also have more time and a clearer head, which makes it easier to start thinking or dwelling on your situation. This can end up making you feel restless or even depressed and angry, leading to a higher risk of relapsing. When you do find yourself feeling bored, use the following ideas to make sure you stay busy.
See a Movie
Going to the movies gives you a safe way to take your mind off things and just relax for a couple of hours. Choose a movie that you know you’ll be interested in and those hours you spend in the movie theater will fly by.
Volunteer
Volunteering your time to help a local charity or organization is a great way to keep yourself occupied and focus on something positive while you’re going through 12 step recovery. Whether you’re more comfortable serving soup to the homeless, walking dogs at the local animal shelter or spending time with seniors in nursing homes, you’ll find plenty of volunteer opportunities in your local area.
Visit an Art Gallery or Museum
If you love learning about local history, natural history, science or the arts, make plans to spend a day at an art gallery or museum near you. You can take as much time as you want checking out all of the displays.
Enjoy a Cup of Coffee or Tea
Head to a local coffeehouse for a soothing cup of coffee or tea with a friend or family member. You’ll have time to unwind and socialize a bit without being tempted to drink alcohol. Keep in mind that your local coffeehouse might host musical performances or other fun events for you to attend.
Sign Up for Dance Lessons
If you’ve always wanted to dance but never took lessons before, now is a perfect time to do so. Look for local places that offer lessons in the type of dance you’re interested in, whether that’s ballroom, line dancing or salsa. You’ll have an entertaining way to pass the time on a weekly basis while also learning a new skill.