Early in my sobriety, I went to a trampoline park, and it was honestly the most fun I had had in years. being sober around drinkers It doesn’t even have to be a performance. You can RSVP for an interesting lecture or presentation. Choose to attend a networking event at a hip, new restaurant. If you don’t know how to make anything, this is a great opportunity to learn a new skill.
- Explore ways to light that creative spark.
- It’s even harder if your loved ones don’t support your sobriety.
- However, when it has happened, I have to speak up to point out that I didn’t drink and I’m not subsidizing their drinking.
You can have fun and stay sober.
Acknowledging and celebrating the hard work of recovery is helpful for keeping you motivated and reminding you why you took this brave step toward sobriety in the first place. Just be sure that your rewards don’t involve drugs or alcohol. Instead, focus on things, experiences, and activities that will support your new, healthy lifestyle. If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group.
Alcohol didn’t make life fun. It just made you not care.
If you’re attending an event where alcohol is present, call ahead to ensure the venue has alcohol-free options. Book clubs can be a LITTLE tricky because they sometimes involve alcohol. If you’re a big reader and want to find a book club to join, keep that in mind as you make your choice. You can opt to do a solo practice or join a group/take a class that is held outdoors. You’ll also meet new people more aligned with your new sober lifestyle. Not only with this help you get out in nature, but it will also give you the added benefit of exercise, which is critical in sobriety.
What resources are available for those looking to explore sober socializing?
- Virgin mojitos are especially tasty and look like the real thing if you are trying to avoid prying questions about your beverage choice.
- Take what applies to you and leave whatever doesn’t.
- Even fancy dinners or game nights usually involve drinking.
- You get to learn what is for you and what isn’t.
- And when you can’t come up with an explanation, you feel confident enough to stand by.
If you moderate your drinking, getting outside will feel even better. You know what we mean if you’ve ever been on a hike hungover. Host one at home with your favorite mocktails or non-alcoholic wines if you don’t want to tempt yourself at the bar.
- Get inspired to live minimally by joining me in my love for the Never Too Small channel on YouTube.
- Explore a new area of town and meet folks through Meetup’s sober activities in your city.
- What did I do instead of drinking?
- All of that chimes with anecdotal experience.
- If you’re struggling with social anxiety, a common mental illness, try initiating conversations with topics like the weather or funny stories.
When you begin to view your negative thoughts and feelings as problems to be solved rather than the embodiment of who you actually are, you liberate yourself. Start with going for walks for minutes every day. Pursue outdoor activities like kayaking or fishing. We are stressed-out, overstimulated, tech-obsessed creatures.
Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to connect with like-minded people who are fellow travelers on this path. But I’m going to explore solutions for people who sit at various points along the “sobriety is so boring” spectrum. Take what applies to you and leave whatever doesn’t. When you remove alcohol from your life, you free up all the time you spent drinking and recovering from drinking.
