Healthy Alternatives For Your Newly Sober Life
Getting sober isn’t promised to be all skittles and rainbows, especially in the very beginning. I can’t promise you that every day will not come with its own challenges. What I can promise you, is that you have the power to push through them! As you do, you will find your life in sobriety surpasses any day spent stuck in active addiction.
As a recovery coach, I’ve seen countless individuals reclaim their lives, discovering the beauty in sobriety and the countless opportunities it presents.
Getting sober is more than just the absence of substances and alcohol. Recovery involves the effort you put in to creating an all new life for yourself. A life that is more fulfilling than you can begin to imagine. That shit doesn’t just happen automatically. We have to put in the work for the reward.
When I first got sober, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I felt like I had no friends that understood what I was going through, or that fully supported my sobriety journey. I was bored. I had lost all interest in any hobbies or activities outside of my using. Throughout my years of active addiction, I lost a sense of who I was as a person and what I enjoyed.
As lame as it sounds, I had to push myself to find and try new things to incorporate into my new daily routine. It was not up to my friends, or family, or anyone other than myself to start making the best of my life. The more I put off filling my void time, I might have remained sober, but I was for sure not having a good time.
It was time for change.
If you are having a difficult time finding healthy alternatives here are some ideas to try! These are things that I personally still work into my every day life. These activities have been pivotal in my recovery and reestablishing my overall happiness.
Physical Activity: Harnessing the Power of Movement
Physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, particularly in recovery. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, helping to combat depression and anxiety. Here are some engaging physical activities to consider:
Yoga: Not only does yoga improve flexibility and strength, but it also promotes mindfulness and emotional balance.
Running or Walking: These simple activities can be incredibly therapeutic. They provide an opportunity to clear your mind and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Dancing: Whether it’s a dance class or just grooving to your favorite tunes at home, dancing is a fun way to stay active and express yourself.
Strength Training: Building physical strength can be empowering, reflecting the emotional and mental strength you are cultivating in recovery.
Each person is uniquely different. What might be an amazing outlet for one, might be the complete opposite for another. What’s important is you at least try!
I’ve been smoking a pack of cigarettes a day since I was 15 years old. Even though I recently terminated that deathly habit, you still sure as hell will not find me running laps around my neighborhood, or lifting weights at the gym. I do however, prioritize getting outside. I enjoy going for walks, either by myself, or with my children. I enjoy a good day hike on the trails. I love being in the water come the summer months. There are plenty of activities to get your ass up and going.
Creative Outlets: Channeling Your Inner Artist
Creativity can be a powerful outlet for emotions and a wonderful way to occupy your mind. Exploring new hobbies can lead to self-discovery and joy:
Painting or Drawing: Even if you’re not a trained artist, expressing yourself through art can be therapeutic and revealing.
Writing: Journaling, blogging, or creative writing can help you process your thoughts and feelings, offering clarity and a sense of release.
Crafting: Activities like knitting, scrapbooking, or woodworking can be deeply satisfying and produce tangible results that you can be proud of.
I love being able to use my creativity in different areas of my life. I love creating digital content and products to share with others. I love to decorate my home. I have found great joy in making handmade products. Whether that be ceramics, beaded bookmarks, jewelry, and other boho decor. I love being able to express myself through different forms of art.
Writing has been a huge part of my life. Both before, during, and after getting sober. I have found it to be such a helpful tool. For more on daily journaling and how to get started you can head over to one of the following links below!
The Benefits Of Daily Journaling Blog Post
Mindfulness and Meditation: Finding Peace Within
Mindfulness and meditation are invaluable tools in recovery. They help you stay present, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being:
Meditation: Regular meditation can help you develop a calm and focused mind, reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Deep Breathing Exercises: These can be done anywhere and are an excellent way to manage stress and anxiety in the moment.
Mindfulness Practices: Engaging in activities like mindful eating or mindful walking helps you stay connected to the present, appreciating life’s simple pleasures.
Being mindful and staying present in the moment has always been a challenge for me. It has never been easy to quiet my brain long enough to sit there and meditate. So, I have found other methods to be more effective. Again, you need to find what works best for you!
Practicing ways to stay mindful not only gives us a newfound appreciation for life, but it also helps assist in keeping our sights on all the wonders our sobriety brings. Being mindful, helps assist in how we handle the world around us. I noticed a drastic change in myself when I put my efforts into things such a daily gratitude and prayer.
For more in-depth and step by step ways to practice mindfulness in long-term sobriety and for your over-all wellbeing, I strongly encourage you to check out our Mindful Living eBook and Workbook. Click here to download!
Building a Supportive Community: Strength in Numbers
Social connections are vital in recovery. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who understand your journey can make a significant difference:
Support Groups: Attending meetings such as AA, NA, or other recovery groups can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.
Volunteering: Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and connect you with like-minded individuals.
New Social Activities: Joining clubs, sports teams, or hobby groups can help you build new friendships and support networks.
Getting sober left me with a serious case of social anxiety. I felt like I genuinely didn’t belong anywhere. I can’t stress the importance of finding a supportive community and new meaningful connections enough.
It might be very uncomfortable at first, just as it was for me, but it’s important to push yourself through those intimidating feelings and expose yourself to new people in positive environments.
Meetings are not everyone’s cup of tea. I continuously told myself that they weren’t mine either before I even mustered up the courage to ever go to one.
I consistently heard over and over again how I should prioritize meetings and seeking out a sponsor. Thank you for the advice, but no thank you.
It wasn't until 2019 that my defiance towards those recommendations kicked me in my own ass. My inability to make change happen or my lack of willingness to try new things, resulted in me ultimately going back to what I had known best. Using.
When the consequences of my actions caught up to me, I told myself I was done. I was so sick and tired of the constant cycle. Doing good for a little while, then falling right back down on my face.
If you are here, then you’ve heard it before - “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”
Weird motto, but maybe they’re getting at something here. Hm…
For shits and giggles, I decided to do things that I had not yet tried. One of them being going to a meeting. I went to my first Friday night meeting and I ended up loving it. I remember feeling so welcomed, refreshed, and motivated once I left.
My consistency in going to meetings on a weekly basis allowed me to make new friends. I found my sponsor, who has remained my sponsor for the past 6 years now. I found myself being involved and invited to activities and events outside of a meeting setting. If I didn’t force myself to swallow my pride and fight those feeling of discomfort in the very beginning, I would have missed out on all of that.
So, let this be a motivational message to you reading this. Whatever you’re fearful of or holding back on doing, do it.
Photos by Author: NA Sponsorship Family <3 Nutrition: Nourishing Your Body and Mind
What you put into your body has a profound effect on how you feel both physically and mentally. Focusing on nutrition can support your recovery journey:
Balanced Diet: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health.
Cooking at Home: Preparing your own meals can be a fun and rewarding activity, allowing you to experiment with healthy recipes.
Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall health.
Taking care of your body matters. Especially since the natural course of life still takes place, sober or not. The more we take the time to take care of ourselves, the more our body thanks us for it.
I’m not a health guru by any means but I personally try to be mindful of drinking water, and consuming more than just an iced coffee each day.
Cooking can be a therapeutic and productive hobby others really enjoy. For myself, I’m more of a peanut butter and jelly and call it done sort of person. I again, strongly encourage you to test the waters. You will never know if you have a hidden passion or an undiscovered hobby or interest until you try!
Learning and Growth: Expanding Your Horizons
Continuing to learn and grow is an important aspect of maintaining sobriety. This can involve:
Reading: Explore books on recovery, personal development, or any topic that interests you.
Taking Classes: Whether online or in-person, learning something new can be incredibly fulfilling.
Setting Goals: Establishing and working towards personal goals gives you direction and a sense of accomplishment.
You will never regret working on yourself. Make sure the things you are spending your time on can make a positive lasting impact. Learn something new and challenge yourself. It’s never too late to start!
I love reading. Books are a way for me to relax. I love collecting books of all sorts of genres. I find joy in organizing my shelfs and take great pride in my collection.
I am always digging into new reads, podcasts, and online videos to learn new trades or improve with the ones I’m currently interested in. We all have the ability to learn and grow through one another, and that is truly something incredible!
I hope the following information can be of good use to you as you embark on or continue your journey toward a sober and fulfilling life.
Remember, every step you take towards healthy alternatives and positive habits is a step towards a brighter future. Stay committed, stay strong, and know that you are not alone. You have the strength within you to keep going, one day at a time. Keep believing in yourself and the incredible transformation that lies ahead!
Recovery is a journey best traveled together. We can all help one another! Comment and share some of your personal healthy alternatives you have incorporated into your newly sober routine or ones that you would like to start incorporating into your new routine as you navigate early sobriety. Your experiences and ideas can inspire and support others on their path to a healthier, happier life.
