Those in addiction recovery programs learn that an important part of their recovery is to have a purpose and keep busy. Hobbies are a great way to accomplish these goals and many others, but where do you start with finding a new hobby that’s really right for you? These tips will help you find great activities.
Why Find a Hobby?
A hobby will help you avoid stress, anger, and boredom, helping you to maintain long-term sobriety. Finding a hobby that you really enjoy will also cause your body to release healthy amounts of the “feel good” chemicals serotonin and dopamine.
Engaging in these satisfying and joyful activities on a regular basis activates the pleasure centers of the brain and helps you form the healthy social connections that will keep you grounded in and excited about your new life.
Choosing the Right Activities for You
You may have some ideas about what you’d like to do, so it can be a good idea to get them out of your brain and onto paper. As you’re brainstorming, think about activities that make you feel good about being you that make you smile, or which someone else did that inspired you, and organize your lists into the following categories.
Look to the Past
Maybe you remember enjoying certain activities with childhood friends, or the friends you spent time with before entering drug and alcohol rehab in Orange County, CA. Pay attention to those activities that come to mind first, as these can be clues to things you’ll enjoy now.
Ask Friends, Go Online, or Try Things Out
Talking to those you know about what they enjoy can also be a great source of inspiration for the hobbies that you’d enjoy. For even more ideas, a simple online search can yield nearly endless possibilities. Many groups also offer trial periods of membership where you can try out an activity without any obligation.
Consider Your Current Skills
Everyone has one or more things that they’re good at. Thinking about what you have a “knack” for can lead you right to a lifelong hobby. Did you used to enjoy noodling around on a guitar or cooking up a storm? You may be in the habit of humming or dancing while you complete chores at your sober living house. Listing these kinds of activities can help you discover which hobbies will suit you best.
Rate Them
Now that you’ve got lists of activities that you used to enjoy, skills you already possess, and ideas from the internet and from people you know, rating them will help you narrow your options. Just use a simple scale of 1 to 5 that ranges from “not at all like me” to “just like me.” You may be surprised at how many hobbies you have!
Adelante Recovery specializes in addiction treatment programs that allows you to heal from within. There is life after addiction. To learn more about our premium facilities and high recovery success rates, call today and speak with an addiction specialist: (949) 427-9099.
