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Summer, with longer days and warmer weather, is a time most people eagerly anticipate. It offers outdoor adventures, barbecues, vacations, and festivities.
However, for those in addiction recovery, it can be challenging. Temptations to revert to old habits are especially high. That’s why finding hobbies that aid in recovery is crucial.
Keep reading to explore summer hobbies that help in recovery! Why is Boredom Dangerous in Recovery?
Most people in recovery will have periods of boredom throughout their journey, but summer brings an added challenge.
With longer days and more unstructured time, staying busy without engaging in activities or environments that may lead to relapse can be difficult.
Boredom is dangerous while in recovery because it provides a space for cravings and thoughts about using substances to fill the void.
Engaging in a new hobby or revisiting an old one can be therapeutic on many levels.
Hobbies distract from cravings and negative thoughts, reduce stress, improve mental health, and help build self-esteem.
They offer a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and joy that can significantly aid addiction recovery.
Start by making a plan for summer fun.
Allocate a specific time every day for the activity you like. Incorporating summer hobbies into your relapse prevention strategy is important.
Engaging in activities that bring happiness and purpose can help keep you on track and prevent relapse.
Summer is the perfect time to create a new hobby. Here are some ideas:
Summer is the perfect time to explore outdoor hobbies.
Whether hiking, biking, gardening, or bird watching, being outside in the fresh air can be incredibly soothing and healing for both mind and body.
Being in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, two conditions often linked with addiction.
Plus, the physical activity involved in most outdoor hobbies is a natural mood booster by releasing endorphins in the brain.
Artistic hobbies like painting, drawing, photography, and writing can be therapeutic.
They provide a creative outlet for expressing feelings and emotions that might be challenging to articulate otherwise.
Art therapy has been widely recognized as a powerful tool in addiction recovery, helping individuals process their experiences nonverbally and promoting mental and emotional healing.
Mindfulness practices are another category of summer hobbies that help in recovery.
This could include yoga therapy, meditation, tai chi, or mindful walking. These practices encourage you to stay present, focused, and calm, which can be beneficial in managing cravings and reducing stress.
They can be done anywhere — in your backyard, at a park, or even at the beach!
If you’re more inclined towards indoor activities, cooking or baking can be a wonderful hobby to explore during the summer.
Not only does it result in a delicious product, but it also requires focus and attention, which can be therapeutic.
Plus, it encourages healthier eating habits, crucial in maintaining physical health during recovery.
If cooking and baking don’t appeal to you, consider heading to a farmer’s market.
It’s a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the summer sun while exploring all the fresh produce available.
You can also talk with local farmers and learn about different types of fruits, vegetables, and herbs — delicious and beneficial for your health!
Volunteering is another fruitful way to spend your summer.
It provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, promotes social connection, and can be a powerful reminder of your progress in your recovery journey.
Whether at a local food bank, animal shelter, or community garden, there are numerous ways to give back to the community while supporting your sobriety.
In addition to the mentioned activities, numerous events are organized for sober individuals in recovery.
You can discover these events by contacting local addiction treatment centers or checking online networks that connect individuals in recovery.
You may also consider checking out your local recovery center or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting.
Many facilities and support groups regularly host outdoor events, such as picnics, bonfires, hikes, and other fun get-togethers.
Even if you can’t attend an event physically, many have virtual options allowing individuals to participate remotely.
Don’t forget to check out Prevail’s services and activities.
Here, you can find a range of options for sobriety support, including 12-step groups, integrative medicine, helpful resources, and more.
Through these tools, we want to ensure you have all the necessary support during your recovery journey.
With the right activities and support, you can make this summer your best yet — sober! So don’t hesitate to contact us and take advantage of all the season offers.
Prevail Recovery Center is a trusted drug & alcohol treatment program in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Knoxville, Tennessee that offers individualized, evidence-based programming.
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