Anyone who has recovered from addiction will tell you that addiction recovery is not a one-and-done process. While you might be past the stage of active treatment, recovery is a lifelong journey of choices and decision-making geared toward maintaining sobriety.
Relapse remains a possibility for a number of people who have overcome a substance use disorder no matter how long they’ve been sober — obviously, it’s a greater risk for those who recently completed treatment than those who’ve been sober for a number of years. But no matter where in your journey you find yourself, it’s important to fill your extra time with healthy activities to not simply keep you busy but to keep you active and motivated in maintaining recovery.
Activities to help maintain sobriety
You might already have a list of activities you utilize to help you remain sober and prevent relapse, but in case you need some ideas or new activities to freshen up your routine, we’ve got you covered.
Dive into podcasts
Podcasts are a great alternative to music for those who prefer to fill their time listening to information on a wide variety of topics. While there are countless helpful podcasts covering topics like addiction recovery and mental health, there are also numerous topics on different and varied interests. Perhaps you’re interested in history or mythology; maybe you have a fascination with life hacks or minimalistic interior design; maybe you want to learn more about animal behavior or how a car’s engine works.
No matter what kind of podcast you choose, hopefully, you will find it both inspiring and educating, as well as helpful (directly or indirectly) in maintaining your sobriety.
Yoga
Yoga is typically thought of as a meditative activity, which it is, but it can also be particularly enjoyable, especially when practiced with a group. Yoga is a restorative activity that helps promote mindfulness, a powerful trait that can help individuals manage negative emotions and keep relapse at bay, in addition to reducing anxiety, increasing strength and flexibility and helping regulate breathing.
Take a class
Have you ever wished you could draw a cityscape or paint a watercolor? What about learning how to repair old books or build a new bookcase? Oftentimes we find ourselves too busy to focus on our hobbies, but setting aside intentional time every week to work on them can significantly improve your mental health. Plus, it allows your brain to focus on something not related to work and not motivated by making money, which can allow you to feel a unique freedom in pursuing an activity simply for your own enjoyment.
Bring friends over
Socializing is enjoyable, but it’s important to do it in a manner that supports your commitment to sober living. Invite friends over to make pizza, have a taco Tuesday night or make a big batch of pasta. Keep the activities wholesome by playing games, building a puzzle or having a movie night.
It’s important to note that certain friends might be a hindrance to maintaining your sobriety – when having a group of people over, consider inviting the friends and family who are supportive of your recovery journey, or even friends you’ve made in treatment or support group meetings. Remember, these activities should be helping prevent relapse, so don’t push your limits if you don’t feel like you’re ready.
Start a blog
A new project can be a great way to relieve stress and prevent relapse. When you have a new project like a blog, you can focus on healthy activity, something that you can enjoy during your free time. You can start a blog about your recovery journey or about something completely unrelated, like your experiences as a parent or your love for sports and fitness. You can even do it visually via Pinterest if you like. Not only could this help you keep your energies directed toward a fun activity, but it might also even connect you with people who’ve shared your experiences and interests as well.
Join a gym
Exercise is important for both physical and mental health. Joining a gym or fitness center gives you access to multiple activities. You can swim in the pool, walk the track, lift weights, ride a stationary bike or participate in a group class. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins that can help enhance the recovery process.
Relapse prevention support
When recovering from an addiction, it’s important to fill your time with activities that not only keep you busy but help you build a healthy lifestyle, too. While this might feel overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. No matter where in your recovery journey you are, support is available to you. Contact Real Recovery today to learn more about our programs and find a treatment tailored to your needs. Visit our website or call (855) 363-7325 to get started today.
