What do you do for “fun” now?

I’m recently 100% clean & sober (52 days from :snowflake:, 19 days without a drink, and 11 days without marijuana). The hardest part for me is that a majority of the “activities” I did before were always things that involved drinking or drugs… what hobbies or fun things do you do now that you’re sober? It feels like a stupid question but honestly I used to have the motto of every activity was more fun if I was under the influence of something. What advice or tips do you have? Anything is appreciated!

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Hi
You can use the search :magnifying_glass_tilted_left: up on the top right. Lots of threads about your question.
Here’s one

Glad you’re here.

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search for hobbies, tons of inspiration here

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Congrats on quitting all three substances, I recently quit the same three and I think I was the best decision I could have made!

I also thought with that motto as well. I’ve found that a lot of the hobbies/activities that I really enjoyed while intoxicated (art, video games, even going for walks) I had to relearn to enjoy while sober. At first it was a struggle, but the more time that passed the easier it was to engage with those hobbies/activities without being triggered and enjoy them more authentically!

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thank you! Yes that’s a big issue for me is the being triggered because one of mine & my husbands biggest “hobbies” was going to like karaoke/open mics/local music shows. And they’re always at bars! Plus we have only two or three friends who are actually sober. I just hope that I can get secure enough in my sobriety to eventually be able to still do those things we really enjoyed without getting triggered or feeling like we don’t “fit in”

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If I were to give you advice it would be avoid bars for now. Almost three weeks with no drink is an awesome accomplishment, but putting yourself in situations where you are surrounded by people/places/things that remind you of drinking/using this early in your sobriety is a recipe for a relapse!

I definitely understand the appeal of local shows, especially attending with loved ones, maybe there are places near you that have live performances that aren’t primarily bars. I know it’s pretty much impossible to find a venue that doesn’t sell alcohol or reek of weed nowadays though.

Maybe spend some time building a list of hobbies/activities that you did primarily while sober and consider investing more time into those for now while you get a little more steady on your feet!

Focus on today, don’t trip about tomorrow :smiling_face_with_sunglasses::call_me_hand:

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You’ll find that your new sober life will present all kids of new opportunities.

Former drinker.

I dropped everything and everyone and made complete change…I do not go to the places I used to and although they miss my money, they do not miss me…

I explore other parts of the city/province

So, I may go across Toronto for a walk, bike or skateboard or I may motorbike/car on outta town depending on activities. Being sober, saving money allowed for this to happen

I’ll go somewhere new and end up doing some grocery shopping, grab a cup of tea in this new area and explore…walk the neighborhood, check out the parks, look at the houses, go back on Main St…peek in various stores, book shops, thrift, vintage, antique markets …

I’ll check out any city or town celebrating anything…I like when people want you to know about their town, village…their love is shown through their enthusiasm…think Centennial celebrations, Summer or fall fairs…that’s all I got for now…

I like to chill with my thoughts…

Not to beat myself up, but to be honest with myself…reflect and understand.

Be well

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For new hobbies, whenever I start to think “geez being sober is boring,” I like hobbies that use my whole body and/or have a lot of sensory input. Swimming, ice/roller skating, singing (in a community choir)… when I do these things they fill up all my thoughts and there’s less room for addict-brain to start whining.

Calm, mindful hobbies are important too, too keep your hands busy while your mind is quiet, but I sometimes find them more difficult if I’ve had an antsy day. Knitting/any kind of hand craft, doodling/colouring, gardening, walking in nature…

Hobbies that help people are really healing for the heart and soul and make you feel better about being yourself. Picking up litter, or volunteering, or cooking something nice and gifting it to your friends/family/colleagues.

You can also search online “hobbies without alcohol.” (I know for you it is not just alcohol but that’s the one there is a lot of writing about.) There are many long lists that might give you some ideas for your own life and experience!

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Look at the counter and see how well I’ve done. :grin:

What did you enjoy as a kid?

I play my viola a lot more now, in three orchestras, which I have to drive to. There would have been a time when I wouldn’t have driven on a Friday night for sure.

If there is something you’ve had a vague interest in then spend some of the money you’re saving on giving it a go. If it doesn’t work out try something else.

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Skateboarding, biking, basketball, music production, playing instruments, legos, cooking, writing/ journaling, meetings / church, meditation, gardening/ yardwork, listening to podcast and music, movies, going to thrift stores, the beach, eating at my favorite restaurants, painting and art projects, photography

There is so much fun things to do and honestly I don’t even wanna go to bed these days or want the day to end.. plus I hate sleeping..its like I’m 8 years old again and there is so much possibility.. Haven’t been bored in 2 years!

PS: I really been enjoying the toy section at Walmart and target and got a pretty cool collection of hot wheels, tech decks, and legos mostly but also have some remote control cars and also a few yo-yos. Sometimes when I feel to much anxiety or my brain is going wild I will sit down and play with some of these toys for about 15 or 20 minutes and I usually feel better and can process better what ever is happening or I’m dealing with at the time

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I’m actually about to start learning to play keyboard! I love music & was in choir & band in high school so I already know how to read music at least I figured learning a new instrument would be fun & keep me busy!

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im in Toronto in march after a few days in Iceland then down to Niagara the train to the big Apple , off tomorrow via Dubia to Capetown ,the namibia, singal , gambia three weeks of sun having fun

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Let’s keep in touch :slight_smile:

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Go for a 45 minute walk around your neighborhood. Listen to the birds, Hi, to the strangers, listening to life instead of addiction.

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I like to find new coffee shops and also try to support local businesses in my little town

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I have recently started fostering kittens and it has been amazing caring for these little precious lives and knowing I am making a difference makes it so fulfilling. I just started Googling “kitten fostering near me” and there were so many local organizations apart from just shelters. The best part is, a lot of shelters provide you everything you need: food, bedding, litter, toys, everything! All you do is provide a loving and safe environment for the little ones. It gets me out of the house when they are old enough to attend adoptions events, and it the best feeling when one of my little furballs gets adopted and knowing I gave them that chance at life. Plus, you only have to commit to just once, if you decide it isn’t for you, you don’t ever have to foster again since it is a volunteer opportunity. But even just that once makes a difference :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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I like to take my dog on walks, play video games, and nap. Napping helps pass those times that feel hard.

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If your train stops in Syracuse let me know!

Lately I’ve been building custom mailboxes. I make them with a regular flag, US, or a cardinal

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I needed to see this thank you