5 Hobbies to Consider in Sober Living

If you are recovering from addiction, you may be wondering what to do with your free time. What do you do for fun when sober? How do you fill your free time and stay motivated throughout recovery?

Living sober can be challenging, especially if you are used to spending time with friends who drink or use drugs. In the journey of sober living, it’s important to find activities that bring joy and fulfillment while supporting your commitment to maintaining sobriety. Engaging in hobbies can be a wonderful way to cultivate new interests, discover hidden talents, and create a fulfilling life free from substance use.

Here are five hobbies to consider in sober living that can boost your mental health, help you release stress, and keep you happy, productive, and on track.

1. Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are highly recommended hobbies for recovering addicts and alcoholics. Practicing yoga and meditation is a great way to relax your body and mind and to cope with any negative feelings that may arise in recovery.

In fact, many sober living homes encourage residents to engage in yoga, meditation, and other relaxing practices as part of their programs.

While yoga and meditation are sometimes considered purely spiritual practices — and it is true that they are based on millennia-old spiritual traditions — they are backed up by a wide body of research.

Here’s why Yoga and Meditation are Great Sober Hobbies:

• Yoga can improve physical fitness, flexibility, and balance, while meditation can enhance focus, awareness, and emotional well-being.

• These practices also have a positive and almost instant impact on the brain. It can improve the structure and function of important brain areas involved in things like memory, emotions, decision-making, and attention.

• As a complementary health approach, yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, common triggers for relapse in individuals with substance use disorders.

• Yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness techniques are known to be effective in reducing substance-related cravings and overall drug use.

• At the same time, yoga and meditation are both great ways to relax, de-stress, and even meet other people!

Practical Ways to Incorporate Yoga and Meditation in Sobriety

• Practice yoga and meditation at home, in a fitness class, or in a group with other sober people.

• Many cities have yoga studios that offer classes for people recovering from addiction, or you can find online courses that suit your level and schedule.

• Create a quiet space at home for meditation and set aside time each day to practice.

• Explore different yoga styles and meditation techniques to find what resonates with you.

• Utilize mobile apps and guided meditation resources to deepen your practice.

We recommend trying different meditation and yoga styles to see which suits you!

Looking for a sober living home that supports yoga and meditation as part of your recovery journey?

Design for Recovery is the place for you. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you achieve your goals.

2. Outdoor Exercise

Living sober doesn’t mean giving up on fun and adventure. In fact, there are countless opportunities to enjoy fun sober activities and explore the outdoors, whether by yourself or with a few friends.

Outdoor exercise is a fantastic sober activity that offers numerous benefits for your body and mind. Not only is it a fun way to spend your free time, but it also allows you to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature!

Benefits of Outdoor Exercise

Whether you like hiking, biking, running, or swimming, incorporating outdoor exercise into your sober life offers many benefits. Here are a few of them:

• Exercise can distract you from the urge to use substances and provide a healthy outlet for your emotions.

• Physical activity may help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall fitness levels.

• Regular physical activity can boost energy levels, improve endurance, and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.

• Being surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the sounds of the outdoors can help reduce stress, increase feelings of relaxation, and promote a sense of well-being.

• Being outdoors also exposes you to sunlight, which can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your sleep quality.

• Raising your heart rate during cardiovascular exercise can help protect against symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Engaging in outdoor exercise can be a social activity, allowing you to connect with others who share similar interests.

• Joining a sports team, a sports league, or a fitness group provides extra motivation and offers opportunities to meet new people, make friends, and build a supportive network.

• Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make you feel good.

• Outdoor exercise can also provide you with extra motivation and challenge, as you can set goals and track your progress.

• It can increase your self-esteem and confidence.

Outdoor exercise can be a great hobby for recovering alcoholics or people with a history of substance abuse. It’s a valuable tool to help you stay sober and healthy.

However, before starting any exercise program, remember to consult with your treatment provider and follow their recommendations.

Also, make sure to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen, and exercise with a friend or in a safe area!

If you are lucky enough to live in a Los Angeles sober living home, you have plenty of opportunities for outdoor exercise.

Whether you’re a runner, an avid cyclist, or simply enjoy hiking around Los Angeles’ plentiful mountain trails, there’s always a way to get moving.

Some people prefer surfing the waves or skateboarding in the city!

Many sober living homes also regularly take trips to the park, where housemates can play friendly games of basketball, frisbee, tennis, and pickleball.

Want to check out one of the best sober living homes in Los Angeles? Call Design for Recovery today at (424) 327-4614 to learn more about what we offer.

If you don’t live in Los Angeles, you can try exploring the fun, sober activities your city offers.

Here are some ideas on how to incorporate outdoor exercise into your sober lifestyle:

• Explore local walking trails, parks, or nature reserves for scenic workouts.

• Join a sports team or participate in outdoor fitness classes.

• Consider activities like hiking, cycling, or swimming to make your exercise routine more enjoyable.

• Incorporate mindfulness by paying attention to your surroundings and focusing on the present moment during outdoor workouts.

• To jumpstart your exercise habit, you can also consider a few fun and unconventional sober activities like kickboxing, paddleboarding, pole dancing, or rock climbing.

• Kayaking, soccer, handball, scuba diving, sailing, disc golf, or ultimate frisbee can also be great options. Try any fun sober activities that suit your fancy!

• If you’re not up for a high-adrenaline sober activity, research local walking tours in your town. This can get you out and about while enjoying a bit of history.

3. Reading

If you prefer your own company to others, you can also spend your free time on some fun solo indoor activities.

Reading is a great hobby for recovering addicts because it offers many benefits. For example, reading is not only good for your recovery but also for your overall well-being.

Why should you take up reading as a hobby?

1. Have fun

As far as indoor activities go, reading is a hobby that can stimulate your mind, expand your knowledge, and spark your imagination.

2. Escape from reality

It can also help you escape from reality for a while and immerse yourself in a different world. It’s a much healthier form of escapism than using drugs or alcohol.

There are countless books to choose from, including entertaining novels, from the classics to hard-boiled mysteries.

Some people prefer non-fiction because they can continue to educate themselves, expand their minds, and become more gifted conversationalists.

3. Stress Relief

Reading can help you cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, and cravings by immersing you in a different world or perspective.

At the same time, reading relaxes the body, lowers the heart rate, and eases muscle tension. Since withdrawal from drug or alcohol use can cause high blood pressure and temperatures, reading may combat these symptoms.

4. Increase Empathy

Reading also increases empathy. For individuals working to recover from addiction, it can sometimes be helpful to read books by other people who have successfully recovered from addiction.

These books can be very funny and relatable, but they may also offer plenty of actionable advice for individuals who are earlier on in their recovery journeys.

Reading similar books may also help you understand the emotions of your friends and family who support you in your journey.

To make reading a part of your sober living:

• Visit your local library and explore various genres or join a book club to foster meaningful discussions with like-minded individuals.

• Browse online for recommendations and reviews.

• Create a cozy reading nook at home to relax and dive into captivating stories or informative non-fiction.

• Set reading goals and habitually read for a certain amount of time each day to make it a consistent part of your routine.

4. Take Classes

If you’re newly sober, you might seek ways to fill your time with meaningful and enjoyable activities. One option worth considering is taking classes.

Whether you want to pursue a new career, learn a new skill, or just have fun, taking classes can benefit your personal and professional development.

Advantages of Taking Classes in Recovery

Engaging in educational pursuits during recovery can offer a multitude of advantages that contribute to personal growth and overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits associated with taking classes while in recovery:

• Keeping your mind active and engaged. If you’re occupied by learning, this may help you cope with post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and improve your cognitive function.

• Discovering new interests, hobbies, and passions can help you find purpose and joy in your life.

• Meeting new friends or acquaintances who share your interests and goals and expanding your social network and support system.

• Boosting your self-esteem and confidence. This may be a great way to help you overcome insecurities and fears.

• Engaging in lifelong learning helps you grow personally and provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

It might be a good idea to spend time taking classes that will help enrich your life in sobriety. One type of class that you might enjoy is a cooking class.

Cooking is not only a useful life skill but also a creative and therapeutic activity that can support your physical and mental health. According to a study, participants of a 7-week cooking program reported significant improvements in different life aspects such as general health, mental health, and cooking confidence.

By learning how to cook, you will not only be able to eat healthier meals but also save money.

Best of all, you’ll eat healthy meals that taste good. You won’t be the only person who benefits from your improved cooking skills, either!

Chances are your sober living housemates will be grateful, as well as family members, friends, and future dating prospects!

Of course, cooking classes are not the only option for learning something new and having fun. You can also learn a new language, dance, music, or anything else that sparks your curiosity and creativity. You can take classes online or in person, depending on your preference and availability.

Here are some ideas for taking classes in sober living:

• Enroll in an online course or workshop that aligns with your interests or professional development goals.

• Explore local organizations or community centers offering classes in areas such as pottery, painting, gardening, musical instrument, or foreign language training.

• You can choose hybrid courses that combine online and in-person elements, such as webinars, workshops, seminars, or retreats.

• Research online or ask friends, family, counselors, or recovery coaches for recommendations.

• You can also contact the organizations that offer these classes directly and ask for more information about their programs, requirements, fees, schedules, and outcomes.

Taking classes is a great way to enrich your life in sobriety. You can enhance your recovery and happiness by learning new skills and meeting new people. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised by what you can achieve!

5. Volunteer

As far as hobbies for recovering alcoholics go, volunteering is one of the best ways not just to have fun, but to give back to the community.

Sometimes, the best way to heal yourself during addiction recovery is to help other people. In fact, studies show that engaging in “helping behaviors” can reduce the likelihood of relapse even more effectively than receiving help from others!

Moreover, there is a high likelihood that you inflicted much harm on others during your active addiction. By volunteering your time to help others, you may feel somewhat redeemed.

Volunteer work is a hobby that can give you a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and gratitude in sober living. Doing this can also help you give back to your community, make a positive difference in the world, and connect with others who care about the same causes.

Joining a non-profit or simply agreeing to work a few hours a week somewhere can help you feel more connected to your community, help you meet others, and might even help you maintain sobriety.

At the same time, you can build your resume, network, and references for future opportunities.

The Benefits of Volunteering in Recovery

Incorporating volunteering into your sober lifestyle offers profound benefits for both yourself and others. By engaging in volunteer work, you can make a meaningful impact on the community, discover a sense of purpose, and experience personal growth. Here’s how to incorporate volunteering into your sober lifestyle:

• Research any local organization or charity that aligns with your passion for causes.

• Volunteer for programs that help other people with substance use disorders.

• Help out at soup kitchens, food banks, schools, homeless shelters, or even animal shelters.

• Reach out to support groups or recovery communities to find volunteer opportunities within their networks.

• Consider participating in activities like community clean-ups, organizing fundraisers, or offering your skills to help others.

These are just some of the many hobbies that you can enjoy in sober living. Hobbies can help you fill your leisure time with fun and meaningful activities that support your recovery and well-being.

They can also help you develop new skills, talents, and friendships that enrich your life. Finding hobbies that you love and that make you happy can make sober living more rewarding and satisfying.

Ready to win your battle against substance abuse? Reach out to Design for Recovery and learn how we can help you achieve lasting recovery.

Why are Hobbies Important in Recovery?

One overlooked benefit of getting sober is the opportunity to explore new activities and hobbies. After years of addiction, many individuals find their lives consumed by substance abuse, leaving little room for other interests.

However, in sobriety, the door opens to a world of possibilities and the rediscovery of the joys of living. Hobbies are important in recovery as they provide a healthy and fulfilling way to occupy time and replace addictive behaviors.

Engaging in hobbies promotes personal growth, helps individuals discover new interests, and keeps the mind and body occupied in positive activities. Hobbies offer a sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment, contributing to a successful and sustainable recovery journey.

The Benefits of Hobbies in Sobriety

Engaging in hobbies during recovery offers several significant advantages:

Time Well Spent

With sobriety comes a newfound time that was previously occupied by substance abuse. Engaging in hobbies offers a valuable and enjoyable way to fill your time, keeping your body and mind actively involved in positive activities. By immersing yourself in hobbies, you can cultivate productivity while finding fulfillment and joy.

Healthy Habits

Hobbies act as a healthy substitute for destructive drug-related habits. Individuals can redirect their energy and develop positive routines by focusing on healthy activities, promoting personal growth and well-being.

However, remember that it often takes a bit of time and determination to form a habit fully. The common advice is that it generally takes about 30 days before the habit becomes automatic, but this number can vary from person to person, depending on the specific activity.

Alternative Activities

Engaging in hobbies unrelated to substance abuse helps individuals break free from their past patterns. It encourages the exploration of new interests and experiences, expanding horizons and broadening perspectives.

Choosing the Right Sober Activities in Recovery

Once you get sober, not only will you have more time, but you will find yourself discovering the joys of living once again. At first, you may be unsure what to do with your time to relax and have fun.

It can be confusing, especially if you have relied on drug or alcohol use to have fun and relieve boredom for many years. However, with the support of a sober living house, you will find it easy to pick up new hobbies and interests.

When selecting a hobby in sobriety, it’s essential to consider a few factors:

• Unrelated to Addiction. Your new hobby should be totally unrelated to your history of substance abuse. This helps create a clear distinction between your past and present lifestyle, fostering a healthier and more sustainable recovery.

• Personal Interest. Choose a hobby that genuinely interests you and brings you joy. Avoid engaging in activities solely as a replacement for your addiction. Embrace activities that resonate with your passions and allow for personal growth.

• Openness to Exploration. Sobriety offers a chance for self-discovery and growth. Be open to trying new things and exploring different hobbies. Don’t expect all your interests to be the same. Now is a great time to branch out and try new things.

In the end, the main purpose of developing a hobby in sober living is to find alternative activities. By finding fun alternatives to drinking or using drugs, you will quickly discover that life in sobriety has plenty to offer.

Remember that it sometimes takes some time to get to know yourself after you get sober. After years of active addiction, your attitude, values, interests, and mentality may all be different. A hobby or activity that you used to adore may leave you cold now.

Recover From Addiction at Design for Recovery

Design for Recovery is a leading sober living house in West Los Angeles, offering structured support for young men on their recovery journey.

Our program focuses on developing values, skills, behaviors, and relationships necessary for long-term sobriety. We believe that recovery goes beyond giving up substances, and our highly-trained staff assists residents in addressing underlying issues and taking the steps necessary to build a quality life.

We work closely with our clients to help them make long-term plans for their futures, build new relationships, and rediscover the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Our “design for living” is a blueprint built on a solid foundation of principles and values: honesty, accountability, integrity, and responsibility.

By applying these values to every component of life, residents can build a sober life for themselves that is fulfilling, joyful, and free.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out to us today for a free and confidential consultation. Take the first step towards a fulfilling sober life. Contact us now and find out Design for Recovery help you make the positive changes you need