Getting sober is not easy, and may be the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do in your life. Recovery changes everything from the people, places and things you used be around, to finding out who you really are without your addiction. Maybe you’ve been wondering: “Can I ever have fun again?”
Here’s the short answer: yes you can!
Having healthy outlets in recovery is essential for mental health. The more you focus on positive activities, the easier it is to deal with battling addiction and the stresses of living a sober life. Without addiction in the way, you are finally given the chance to learn and explore things that you really enjoy doing.
Some helpful suggestions for figuring out your sober passions include:
Say yes to everything. Recovery gives a new sense of freedom, so take advantage of it. Try new things, that the old you would say no to. Maybe it’s a bike ride with a group, hiking in nature or going to museums. Try it. You may find that it’s a fun activity, and something the former you would’ve never even attempted to explore. Fight your addiction with the gift of exploration.
Think back to activities pre-addiction. Was there something you loved to do before your addiction took off? It can be anything from tennis lessons, volunteering, music cooking. Whatever it was, you enjoyed it for a reason. Maybe it’s time to discover it again.
Work with your sober network to figure out a plan of attack for finding your new outlet. You don’t have to do these activities alone. Getting sober allows you to find people who share your interests and form true bonds. It just takes reaching out.
What new skill or hobby will you learn today?
