Relaxation, socialization, and fun are all important to well-being, and they’re important to recovery too. One challenge people may face after completing an alcohol detox center program is learning how to have a good time without drinking.
Part of relapse prevention is redefining fun. In other words, looking for new ways to enjoy yourself and de-stress without resorting to substance use. If you’re willing to be creative and keep an open mind, you may realize how much more fun you can have once you’re substance-free.
There are plenty of sober ways to stay busy, get involved in your community, meet new people, discover new interests, and make lasting memories with friends.
Fun Sober Group Activities
- Gather for a meal. If you’re able to host, you could invite people over for a dinner party or potluck. Plan a picnic or cookout if the weather is nice. Food is a tried-and-true way to get a community to come together.
- Have a game night. Games and trivia are reliable, low-cost fun sober group activities.
- Join a club or meetup group. There’s probably a group of people nearby who share your interests, whether you’re enthusiastic about birdwatching, volunteering, live-action role-playing, sports, painting, or anything else. Go online and find a local gathering.
- Visit an amusement park or arcade. These fun spots aren’t just for kids. The adrenaline rush of amusement park rides can be a great stress-reliever. Other fun sober activities you can share with friends include go-karting, zip-lining, playing laser tag… the list goes on.
- Hit the local museums, festivals, and tourist attractions. Most cities and towns have cultural attractions that can double as fun sober group activities. Some may even be low-cost or free.
- Go camping or fishing. Getting into the great outdoors is a reliable fun sober activity.
- Play group sports. Join a local intramural league for a sport you enjoy, or learn a new sport. Find a basketball court, swimming pool, or tennis court to practice with friends, or visit a nearby park.
- If you’re not into competitive sports, group bike rides or roller-skating outings are just as fun. Check out a local rock-climbing gym for extra adventure, or take an exercise class. As a bonus, exercise boosts your dopamine levels and can reduce drug and alcohol cravings.
Fun Sober Activities to do Solo
- Grow a garden. As well as being a fun sober activity, gardening is a proven stress-reliever and mood-booster. Build a garden in your yard or plant at a community garden near where you live.
- Visit a museum or local attraction. Museums are great places to relax and learn more about whatever topics interest you. Other fun sober activities that may be in or near your area include botanical gardens, nature preserves, zoos, and aquariums.
- Go for a hike or bike ride. Explore new areas of town or just spend some time in nature. Many cities and towns have well-preserved hiking or cycling trails.
- Pick your favorite way to exercise. Try a new sport or revisit a sport you used to enjoy. From yoga to swimming to lifting weights at the gym, the options are endless. Your physical and mental health will benefit, too.
- Embrace a new or old hobby. Learn a new language, take up an instrument, pick up a camera, or get busy cooking or baking.
- Get crafty and creative. Even if you’ve never considered woodworking, pottery, cross-stitching, or welding before, there’s no time like the present. There may be a studio in your area that offers community members access to specialized equipment.
- Take a class. For adult learners curious about the world, these days there are course options for every topic, schedule, and budget. Your local community center may have adult education classes, or you can take a course online. This is also a handy way to meet new people.
Fun Sober Activities at Night
- Go to the movies. For fun sober activities at night, there’s nothing like the local cineplex or drive-in theater. Catch a film festival or a blockbuster, or host a movie night at your home.
- Do karaoke. Whether you’re using a home karaoke machine or singing with friends at a karaoke lounge, this sober activity is guaranteed fun.
- Head outside for stargazing. If you live in or near a rural area or have a local observatory, get out at night and see the stars.
- Cheer on players at sporting events. Sports games, from pro leagues to community leagues, are standby fun sober activities at night.
- Check out the local theater and art scene. Go to a play or a musical concert. Find an open-mic night or comedy show, or visit a jazz café. Whether you love performing or prefer to be in the audience, you can find something that’s up your alley.
Get on Track to Sobriety with Springfield Wellness Center
One crucial aspect of recovery involves building community with others who are committed to a sober lifestyle. This community can begin at Springfield Wellness Center’s alcohol detox center, where you’ll be able to participate in group therapy. Along with medical supervision, NAD+ treatment options, individual counseling, group therapy, and 12-step groups provide a solid recovery foundation.
Want to learn more about what Springfield Wellness Center offers? Give us a call at 844.334.4727 or reach out online.