It can seem like alcohol plays a part in almost everything these days. Hanging out with friends, going to concerts, or even grabbing a bite to eat can all end up involving drinking—even when it wasn’t part of the original plan.
Because alcohol is so prevalent, it can sometimes be hard to imagine how you’ll spend your free time without it. How can you find new hobbies when you’re trying to cut back on alcohol? What do sober people do for fun?
If you’re on the hunt for new sober activities to add to your life, you’ve come to the right place. Below, discover 29 of the best things to do instead of drinking alcohol.
1. Start Cooking
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to cook, now is the perfect opportunity. Try baking, meal prepping, or any other food-related activities that spark your interest.
2. Volunteer Somewhere New
Almost nothing feels more rewarding than helping others. Whether it’s at a soup kitchen or animal shelter, volunteering means making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
3. Learn How to Play Cards
Try a game of cards! Texas hold ‘em, five-card draw, and kings in the corner are all excellent games to start with.
4. Create Some Art
Take up painting, drawing, sketching, or even digital art. Rediscovering your creative side is a great way to find inspiration in sober daily life.
5. Board Games
Board games are a surprisingly fun way to fill your time and share some laughs with loved ones. Try a game of chess, checkers, monopoly, or whatever you’ve got lying around.
6. Read Anything That Interests You
Get into reading! There’s a non-fiction book out there for nearly anything you’d ever want to learn about. And if you prefer to escape through fiction, there are countless fantasy books you can get lost in instead.
You could even try dipping into some quit lit—books about sobriety by people who have been through the same thing.
7. Dance
Check out YouTube for some dance tutorials to try out at home.
8. Write In a Journal or on a Blog
Share your thoughts with yourself in a journal, or with the world through a blog.
9. Try Gardening
Do you have an affinity for plants? Spend some time in your yard gardening during the warm season.
Schedule a private call with a Ria Health team member and we can help you get started.
10. Go on a Hike
Take a hike at your local trails. Even if you feel like you live in the middle of nowhere, you likely have some beautiful nature-filled parks somewhere nearby. And regular exercise may actually make it easier to stay sober!
11. Head to a Workout Class
Try a workout class like kickboxing, CrossFit, or other aerobic fitness activity at your local gym.
12. Do Some Yoga at Home
For a cheaper workout option, you can do some yoga in the comfort of your own home. All you need is a YouTube video tutorial and a mat, and you’re set!
13. Escape Rooms
If you and your friends are looking for fun things to do sober, visit your local escape room. Most locations offer a variety of different-themed rooms that will challenge your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills.
14. Amusement Parks
If you’re looking for a weekend activity that doesn’t involve drinking, head to a nearby amusement park for roller coaster rides and good eats.
15. Movies
With movie theaters open again in some areas, it’s the perfect time to get absorbed in any new films you’ve been wanting to see.
16. Roller Skating
A local roller rink is a great place to have fun (and get a workout in) completely booze-free.
17. Rock Climbing
If you love a challenge, rock climbing is the perfect physical activity to try out in your free time.
18. Invite Friends Over for Sports Events
Are you a football, soccer, or even an MMA fan? If so, invite your friends or loved ones over the next time you plan to watch a live event.
19. Go to a Live Music Event
Many cities host live music events or shows. Check out your local listings to see what’s coming up in your area over the next few weeks.
20. Camping
Camping is a perfect way to break away from the busy world, be present with friends and loved ones, and reconnect with nature.
21. Try New Restaurants
Visit local family-owned local restaurants to get a taste for different cuisines.
22. Meditation
Laying off drinking means you’ll have extra time for self-care sober activities. Meditation is one way to strengthen your mind, promote relaxation, and work on becoming the best version of yourself.
23. Get a Massage
With the money you save from cutting back on alcohol, take some time for a self-care day, and get a massage at a spa.
24. Take a Hot Bath
Hot baths are another stellar self-care tool to help you feel your best.
25. Spend Time With Your Pet
Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, or even a rodent, spending time with your pet is good for the soul.
26. Reorganize a Room in Your House
Reorganizing a room in your house can help you refresh your energy and give yourself a change of scenery.
27. Travel to a Nearby City
You don’t have to go to another state or country to take a vacation. Instead, what about visiting a nearby scenic city for the weekend with some friends?
28. Try a New Video Game
If you were ever a gamer, now’s the perfect time to get back into it.
29. Reach Out to Friends and Loved Ones
When all else fails, why not spend some time catching up with people close to you?
Social support can make a big difference in the way you feel each day.1 Even a casual conversation with a friend can be incredible for boosting your mood and helping you feel connected to the world around you.
Sticking to Sober Activities
If you’ve been looking for alcohol-free ways to spend your spare time, there are tons of things you can do.
You can try physical challenges like rock climbing, sober hobbies like painting, or even dedicate extra time to self-care. In any case, your life doesn’t have to be boring without alcohol.
For more resources on sticking to sobriety, Ria Health can help. When you sign up, you’ll gain access to anti-craving prescriptions, coaching meetings, and more—all from your smartphone.
Learn more about how it works today.
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