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  • Stay Sober by Picking Up a Hobby

Stay Sober by Picking Up a Hobby

On Expert Advice

One overlooked result of sobriety is an abundance of free time. When one is in the depths of addiction, everyday life becomes consumed by substance abuse in some way or another. Whether abusing drugs, seeking access to drugs, or habitually telling lies to loved ones, addiction can be extremely taxing on a person’s time and energy. But once the hurdle of substance abuse has been overcome, the former addict is left with an uncharacteristic amount of free time. This can be a dangerous shift, as former addicts often revert to old habits simply for a lack of plans on how to fill their empty schedule.

Don’t let free time be a source of harm for your sobriety. You worked hard at overcoming your addition, so there is no good reason to succumb to your temptations simply because you have more available hours in the day. Many people yearn for free time, and you should value it as well by pursuing a hobby you have always dreamed of.

Overcoming Addiction Means Finding a Hobby

Image Courtesy of Sira Anamwong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


Make a List of Likes/Dislikes

One of the first things people say when searching for a hobby is, “I don’t know what to do.” That’s fine. There’s an easy solution to that. Make a list of your likes and dislikes. This will help you identify what your passions are. Visualizing this step is extremely helpful, especially if you have difficulties identifying ideas off the top of your head.

Pick One and Find a Hobby that Fits the Description

Once you have completed this step, review your list to find what you’re most passionate about. Which bullet point makes you light up with excitement? Your answer (or answers) should provide a general area to pursue. Next, find a hobby that fits the interest you have chosen. For example, you might have listed traveling as something you enjoy. While world travel may not be in your budget, you might visit a website like Meetup to find other people who like to explore the city you live in. Alternatively, you may have chosen exercise as an area of interest, which could lead you to pursue hiking as a regular activity to improve your health and overall mood. These are just two among many options at your disposal.

It`s Time to Recover and Start Your New Chapter

Set out a 30-Day Plan – Then change if necessary

Once you’ve decided what hobby you want to pursue, lay out a course of action. Give yourself enough time to experience the hobby in earnest. Don’t make a hasty decision to quit and try another option. Commit to learning and experiencing your hobby of choice wholeheartedly. One month is an appropriate time frame to allow yourself a to decide whether or not your chosen hobby is suited to your needs and personality. If you find that you still don’t enjoy it after 30 days, reevaluate your list and consider alternatives.

Plan 30 Days Out

Image Courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


Possible Hobbies:

Here are a few popular hobbies that you might want to consider in your search for a new use of your time.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a worthwhile investment of time and effort. It allows one to give back to the community and help those in need. Volunteering can be as simple as helping out at a soup kitchen or as involved as mentoring in the Big Brother program. Whatever it is you choose, you’ll find volunteering your time to be rewarding and beneficial.

Continuing Education

Learning is a passion and skill that can never be fully completed. Keep learning. Find a local community college or learning annex and sign up for a class. This will give you structure and occupy your mind with something constructive. The class could be something you want to learn like a foreign language, or it could be something that you want to advance your career, such as a finance course. There are an abundance of options, each of which can expand your mind and serve as a fulfilling means by which to invest your time.

Continue to Learn

Image Courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


Exercise

Exercise is a great hobby to pick up. There are many varieties of exercise and which help  occupy your time, enhance your health, and clear your mind. At Prominence Treatment Center, you have access to fitness activities which you can extend these beyond your stay. Some people like the tranquil practice of yoga. Others prefer to pound the pavement and run. Find the exercise that best suits you and get into a routine.

Start Feeling Better Now

Cooking

Cooking is a wonderful hobby that anyone can enjoy. Our personal chef prepares all the meals at Prominence Treatment Center. It is here where you can learn healthy eating habits and excite your pallet for your own creations.

Cooking classes are a fine hobby as there are many different options available to you. Local restaurants often have classes taught by their own chefs, local schools offer more formal course options or you can take online cooking classes that allow you to progress at your own pace. If you decide that cooking is your hobby of choice, you will have few problems finding a teacher.

Art Classes

The art therapy courses at Prominence Treatment Center are also a popular choice. They are a great alternative as they allow addicts to express themselves in a non-verbal fashion. This outlet of emotion can be healthy and beneficial during the recovery process. Participation in art classes occupies your time, helps you express your emotions and contributes to a long, sober life.

The bottom line with identifying a new hobby is that it’s your choice. You have the freedom to find what excites you. Follow these steps and consult our suggestions to find a hobby that fits your needs and prevents you from relapsing with drugs or alcohol.

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  • Treatment Programs
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  • Non 12-Step Rehab
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    • Non 12-Step Rehab
    • Pain Management Therapy
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  • Treatment Programs
    ▼
    • Alcohol Rehab
    • Drug Rehab Center
    • Prescription Drug Rehab Center
    • Disorder Treatment
    • Types of Addiction Treatment Programs
    • Our Drug & Alcohol Detox Center
  • Non 12-Step Rehab
    ▼
    • Non 12-Step Treatment Therapies
      ▼
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • Dual Diagnosis Therapy
      • Positive Approach Therapy
      • Health and Nutrition
      • Yoga Therapy
      • Music Therapy
      • Art Therapy
    • Family Therapy For Addiction
    • Holistic Rehab
    • Non 12-Step Rehab
    • Pain Management Therapy
    • Help a Loved One
    • Help Yourself
  • About
    ▼
    • What To Expect At Rehab
    • Rehab Testimonials
  • Location
    ▼
    • Our Rehab Location
      ▼
      • Admin Offices
      • Calabasas Location
      • Malibu Location
    • Pictures of Prominence
  • Admissions
    ▼
    • Insurance
    • For Out-of-town Patients
    • What to Bring to Rehab
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy