What does everybody do to help them keep their mind off drinking?
Anything BUT drinking!
Exercise, cook a nice meal, call a friend, go bowling, paint (even if it’s poorly), play with a dog, have a nap, clean the house/apartment, get lost in a wikipedia wormhole, grow a garden, the list goes on.
Recently we put up a dart board in our basement, lately I have found that to be great at clearing my head. Just go down there and huck some darts for half an hour alone, practicing. Very relaxing.
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Yesterday I went to the gym, took my dog to play fetch in the river, then made a really good dinner. It is definitely harder at home, so I’m making an effort to get out a bit and to get good and tired before the drinking hour (5-9ish for me). This time of year is amazing where I live, so it’s a good distraction.
That’s a wild rose from Montana for you 
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Well…
Being on Talking Sober 
And…
Walking, gardening, Netflix, reading, running, cooking, make music, etc
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Being on this app.
Running through nature.
Looking at my counter and being proud.
Watching a lot of TV at night.
Drinking lots of water and tea.
Eating lots of sweet stuff.
Always making sure I’m not starving. (used to drink on empty stomach.
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Basically, as everyone else has said absolutely anything you want. Because you can. Ever fancied going wild camping on a mountain? I did and I did it last weekend. Why because I could.
Get out there and enjoy a clean sober life.
Mindset my friend.
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I am so glad I asked. Thank you to all of you! So I have reset my time 4 times, I believe, in a short amount of time. I’m on day 5 again and have to have things to do. This helped so much! All of my friends drink so it’s hard to just hang out without alcohol. But I love my kids! And I love doing things with them. Going to try this. You have no idea how much this helps. Thank you! I will update you 
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Glad we could be of help. Unfortunately one of the things that I feel you will have to do is stop seeing your drinking friends. At least until you are secure in your sobriety!
It sounds harsh, but you have to be prepared to do anything. this journey can be and often is life changing.
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Work out, read, read the big book, call people I trust, talk to my family, play with my fur child (dog), swim, Netflix, eat lol, clean, go for a drive, make a list of reasons not to pick up, listen to music, meditate, pray, do an art project, go hiking, read through things on here, work.
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You got this! It’s difficult with kids because you can’t always just drop everything on the spot and do what you want. That’s my boat that I’m in. I made a whole list in several different places, my phone, notebooks, calendar, computer, anywhere easily accessible. The list is my toolbox for when I feel tempted. The cool thing about being sober is you can try anything you want. Drive where you need. Read. Listen. Remember things. I like to write, read, podcasts, meditate, ride bikes, play with my kids, color, doodle. I made a whole list of hobbies I want to explore because I never had one. Drinking was my hobby.
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I have taken the step of not seeing my friends anymore. It’s been rough because out of habit I want to drink and what better people to drink with right. But then again sitting alone sometimes makes me want a glass of wine. But, I am in the mindset now of trying new things. Even meeting new friends that are sober.
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Today I have been eating what I want to. Reading a real good thriller, and now just going to watch as many movies on sky cinema with chocolate until I’m tired enough to sleep.
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Here is an old thread filled with a wealth of things to do…just reading it is inspiring!
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A favourite saying is if nothing changes then nothing will change.
The lifestyle we had was full of bad habits. It’s time to create new habits. New lifestyle. New life!
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I tried thinking about what I did before I drank. So I went and bought a new skateboard. After a few tricks I blew my back out from not stretching and realized I’m not 14 anymore lol. If its physical stretch first!
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I hang out with people who support my sobriety, and who respect the effort I’m making. Movies help too. Reading, and trying to learn new things. Cooking, hiking, reading posts on this forum. I’m doing my best to cut the temptation to drink and abuse drugs out of my life, until I can control myself better.
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Thank you for that 
Very useful
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I hope you’re ok. Speaking of backs, I’ve had 4 surgeries. 3 major. Uhggg. My problem I I am staying away from friends that drink. Which is everyone I know 
lol. So I am becoming lazy. I don’t like doing everything alone. I seriously need a hobby lol.
Drinking at home when I get off work was my thing. I thought it helped me be more of an energized fun parent (as effed up as that sounds) but after talking to my kids they helped me realize that it was actually the opposite they tell me I’m more attentive and active when I’m NOT drinking who knew?! Well I did, but that is besides the point. Now when I get off work I keep myself busy, I take the kids to the park, I have been rollerblading while listening to a living sober podcast, I walk my dog, read a book, do something nice for myself like a bath or painting nails, yoga, riding my bike, painting or a craft. Next thing I’m gonna try is a keyboard maybe learn to play it? Idk I’m excited to try and learn new things;) that’s what I tell myself anyway. I don’t want to go back to feeling like a waste of space 
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