Hobbies in sober living solidify the lessons learned in treatment, believe it or not. By diving into something new, you are doing something wonderful for yourself. Amongst other things, you are:
- Minimizing chances for boredom
- Gaining motivation
- Avoiding isolation
- Meeting new people with your new (and positive) interests
At Westwind Recovery®, our sober living programs include opportunities for people to express themselves and immerse themselves in recovery. Learn more about hobbies in sober living from our team today by contacting online or calling us at 855.340.8832.
5 Hobbies to Consider in Sober Living
1. Learn an Instrument
Music can be powerful. Because of its calming and relaxing ability, many people use music as a temporary escape. So, if listening to music can have that effect, what can playing music do for you? With practice and determination, anyone can learn to play an instrument.
This is a wonderful hobby to pick up while jumping into your new sober life. Music can give you a focus, it can be challenging, and it is rewarding. Your new instrument will submerge you into a new group of people with similar interests. So, choose an instrument, such as a piano, guitar, saxophone, flute, or drums, and get started.
2. Get in Shape
Exercise makes you feel great. It releases adrenaline and endorphins, which naturally make you feel better. Finding an activity that you enjoy can get you active, give you something positive to do, and place you around like-minded, healthy individuals.
While there are all kinds of ways to get in shape, choosing to join team support will up the chances of meeting new people and give you a chance to engage the competitive spirit.
Some of the most fun and active team sports include:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Racquetball
- Volleyball
- Football
Even joining a running team or a community bicycle riding group can be rewarding. If team sports are not your thing, that is ok too. You can still work on getting your body healthy without being part of a team. Running, swimming, or taking walks in the woods are excellent ways to get in shape on your own.
3. Volunteer at a Non-Profit
There are always people who need help. In fact, we all do it from time to time. Volunteering your time can be rewarding. Giving back to others and seeing people smile because of your kindness can do wonders for your soul. It just makes you feel good, plain and simple. And, if something makes you feel so good, why not keep it up?
Joining a non-profit organization or just occasionally volunteering your time there will allow you to surround yourself with good people, including people who want to make a difference.
A few ideas of how you can volunteer your time include:
- Check out your local soup kitchen. These facilities generally offer a hot meal to those who need one. Volunteers can help with preparing the meal, serving the food, cleaning, and interacting with the patrons.
- Volunteer your time at your local food pantry or food bank. These facilities act as grocery stores for those in need. Food banks usually need assistance in collecting, organizing, and distributing food.
- Find a part of your community that could use some cleaning up and gets to work. You can look for groups that already do this, or you can start your own. Place flyers up to get others involved. Pick up trash, repair broken mailboxes, paint park benches, or garbage cans. If you live near the beach, a beach cleanup does wonders for sea life. Take pride in your community.
- Look for your local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. This organization builds houses for those who qualify. Volunteers come together and, regardless of skill level, work together to create a final masterpiece.
Doing something purposefully that you know will positively impact someone else’s life can leave you feeling a new sense of purpose.
4. Learn a New Language
While learning a new language doesn’t have the warm factor that volunteering does, it is something that you can immerse yourself in that is positive and can engage your focus and mental abilities. As an adult, it is not easy to learn a new language as it requires much dedication and time. Therefore, if you want to stay occupied and not fall victim to boredom, this could be a productive hobby.
Meeting and conversing with people of diverse backgrounds can help you perfect your newfound knowledge. Who knows? Maybe your new language skills can lead you to visit a new country one day.
5. Take Cooking Classes
Now that you are in recovery, you have learned how essential healthy eating habits are. An excellent hobby to pick up would be to take cooking classes and then start cooking. You can learn new techniques, learn how to pair foods, and even learn about how to make a healthy meal taste good.
Cooking brings people together. Bring friends, family, and co-workers together to mingle over your healthy home-cooked meal. It occupies your time, you are doing something good for your body, and you are surrounding yourself with positive people. It’s a win-win situation.
Explore Hobbies in Sober Living at Westwind Recovery®
Your time is now. Find sober living hobbies for your recovery. Surround yourself with others who share the same interest and let yourself grow as your perfect it. You have worked too hard during addiction treatment, so keep your motivation going with sober living activities. Learn more about addiction recovery hobbies from our Westwind Recovery® team today by calling 855.340.8832 or contacting us online.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
