9 Hobbies to try in Recovery

recovery

When making the decision to get sober, many people struggle with boredom in the beginning. We are so accustomed to filling our time with drugs and alcohol that we feel like we have to constantly be doing something. Without having the option to use substances to cope with boredom and our other emotions, it’s important to fill our lives with healthy habits and hobbies. Here are a few hobbies to check out if you are in recovery from addiction.

Gardening

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Gardening is a great way to put you in touch with nature and create something beautiful. In addition, there is evidence that gardening has immense physical and psychological benefits, such as regulating the immune system, treating depression, and reducing stress. There’s definitely something rewarding about growing your own fresh fruits and vegetables.

Writing

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When you get sober you have to find new ways to cope with your emotions. Sometimes, anxiety can make your mind spin like an incessant hamster wheel. Taking out a pen and paper to write down what you are thinking can help relieve this anxiety and slow down that hamster wheel. Whether it is poetry, storytelling, or simply journaling, you may be surprised how much writing will help with your mental health and overall well-being. It’s a great way to let your creative energy flow.

DIY

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The do-it-yourself trend doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon, so its never too late to jump aboard. DIY projects can allow your creativity to shine through while adding some cute home decor or homemade jewelry to your lifestyle. Even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, there are undoubtedly some ideas you can find online that anyone can do!

Yoga

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Yoga has endless health benefits and is widely used in addiction treatment as a form of holistic therapy. Doing yoga can help you get your body back in shape, increasing your strength and flexibility while promoting bone health, blood flow, and improved heart health. It is also an effective method of stress and anxiety relief. Recovery isn’t just about putting the substances down – it is about treating your mind and body right.

Archery

Archery, which involves trying to hit a target using a bow and arrow, was historically used in hunting and combat. However, it is now a recreational hobby that is growing in popularity. It is a mental activity that requires focus and makes you challenge your mind to reach a goal.

Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

dogs and human

Volunteering is a way to give back to the community and get out of your own head. Working with animals specifically adds a therapeutic value to your volunteer work, as animals can provide humans with feelings of love and comfort. There are millions of homeless pets out there that would love a little tender love and care from you!

Hiking

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Hiking is not only good for your physical health, but it is a form of adventure therapy that can help treat depression, anxiety, trauma, and anger management. The hike doesn’t have to be a strenuous long one up to the top of a mountain, it can simply be an extended adventure into the wilderness. Taking the time to appreciate the beauty in nature can have profound effects on enhancing your mood!

Meditation

Learning how to practice meditation has several positive health benefits by allowing you to relax and focus on deep breathing. Meditation can be done anywhere at any time of the day. It allows you to consciously take a break from the high speed of everyday life and connect with the energy in your body. The more you practice meditation, the better you will get! To start off, there are plenty of guided meditation apps and programs you can get for free!

Photography

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Photography is another one of those creative activities that anyone can do. As you begin to grow and flourish in sobriety, there will be many moments that you won’t want to miss. Take photographs to document the adventures you have and put your memories in a scrapbook to make them last a lifetime.

Cassidy Webb is an avid writer who advocates spreading awareness on the disease of addiction. Her passion in life is to help others by sharing her experience, strength, and hope.

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