Many people who went through treatment for drug or alcohol abuse carved out a time in their day-to-day schedule to explore new ideas and activities free from drugs and alcohol. However, when we get caught up in the day-to-day rush of work demands, family obligations, and volunteer commitments, it can sometimes seem overwhelming, and the thought of pursuing hobbies gets pushed to the back of our minds. However, exploring new hobbies just for fun is essential for our mental health and can help us live a balanced life.
Hobbies Are Good for Us
Hobbies are a fantastic way to get your mind moving in new directions. Hobbies give you creative outlets, keep your hands busy, create purpose, and help you build new skills.
Physical Health Benefits
Some hobbies can be good for your health, possibly lowering blood pressure or strengthening bones. Some good hobbies for physical health include swimming, camping, and hiking – any activity that gets you moving.
Mental Health Benefits
In addition to improving your body’s health, physical activity is also good for your mental health and can boost confidence and improve your self-image. Any hobby, physical or not, is good for mental well-being. Hobbies can help you relax and take your mind off stressful situations.
Improve Skills and Enjoy Yourself
Some hobbies allow you to improve your skills and give you a way to explore new interests and opportunities. While you were in treatment, you learned that you have value and appreciate yourself. Our modern world values productivity, accomplishment, and busyness, but it’s okay to spend some time doing things just because you enjoy them.
Meet New People
Hobbies can be a great way to meet new people. Part of recovery is finding activities that don’t revolve around drugs or alcohol and meeting new people. Hobbies can be a great way to make new friends because you will be spending time with people who share the same interests.
Many hobbies have a social aspect. If you like to play cards, find some people who also want to play the same games. If you like to hike, join a local club. If you are interested in the environment, join a conservation group. When you find a hobby that you enjoy, you will meet other people who share your interests. Hobbies can be a terrific way to build new relationships that go beyond the surface level. No matter what hobby you choose to pursue, it will benefit you by increasing your happiness and quality of life.
A Break From Day-To-Day Routines
Hobbies give you a break from your day-to-day routine and can add another layer of interest or even passion to your life. It’s good for you to have something in your life besides your career, your family, and your sobriety. Hobbies can boost your creativity and help keep your brain healthy and active.
Creativity helps boost confidence, and who knows, you might find a new talent you never knew you had. You might find out that you are a terrific cook and enjoy home decorating. You might take up candlemaking or quilting, or maybe you’ll start writing short stories in your spare time.
Keeping Busy
An important aspect of developing hobbies when you are in recovery is that they help you stay busy. Before you sought out treatment, you probably spent a lot of time using drugs or drinking. Some people say that part of why they drink is that they are bored. In recovery, you need to fill the time you used to spend with your substance of choice. Hobbies can help you avoid relapse because they fill your time and occupy your mind.
How to Pick a New Hobby
If you want to take up a new hobby but aren’t quite sure where to start, you may want to narrow your options. Do you like competition? Do you want an activity that will get you outside? Do you want to meet new people? Do you like to work with your hands? Have you always wanted to paint?
Additionally, some hobbies can be a great side-hustle — a way for you to make extra money. If you like to garden, you will undoubtedly grow more than you can eat. Maybe you’ll sell some produce to friends and neighbors. If you like to make jewelry, perhaps you can have a booth at a local street fair. If calligraphy is your passion, you might have a side business hand addressing wedding invitations and Christmas cards.
No matter what you choose to do, taking up a new hobby will be an essential and fun part of your recovery.
At The Guest House, we know how important it is for you to live a well-rounded life. Now that you are free from addiction to drugs or alcohol, you will have time to explore new interests and develop hobbies. Conversely, taking up a hobby can help you maintain your sobriety because it will fill the time you used to spend doing drugs or drinking with meaningful activity, and it will bring some fun into your life. However, if you find yourself struggling with life after treatment, we are here to help you. In addition to our residential treatment program, we offer therapy on an outpatient basis, both individual and group sessions. The Guest House also has an alumni group where you can connect with others in recovery. For more information on aftercare options and developing a rich and multi-faceted life in recovery, call us at (855) 483-7800.