Hobbies?

[MistyRose12]

Any recommendations of hobbies you got into when you stopped drinking?

I’m 30 and on day 8 of no drinking (for the 10th or so time) but I’m determined to stick to it this time. I feel like I need to throw myself into new things!

Would also love to hear from anyone in a similar situation (all my friends are massive drinkers).

I know someone who does a lot of adult colouring and also has become a gym bunny after giving up alcohol. Are you getting help and support? You can go to AA meetings on zoom now. What are you interested in? Do you want something to do at home or to get you out?

I got into hill walking and gardening. The need to be fitter to do both of these things was a huge motivator to not drink and as well as keeping me busy.

I could do with something to distract me too. I’m 13 weeks sober but just feel miserable and rather depressed.

Walking and wild swimming. To be fair, I did both before I stopped drinking. But I trained for a long distance walk in the early months so I was walking 8-15 miles maybe twice a week. It really helped get me out of the house and give me something to calm my mind.

A friend of mine had the same problem and he decided to just sign up to the first course he would find at least somewhat interesting, and he ended up attending videography classes 😂We were really surprised he stayed but eventually he got really good at it and now it's a side-hustle of his. Thing is, if you remember yourself being creative in any area, you can get back to it and see if you still like it. There are tons of free programs for photo or video or music editing (GIMP, Clipify, Audacity, you name it), so you don't have to pay to start at all, but you'd at least fill your time with something new-ish.

Something to keep my hands busy. I learnt to knit when on a diet to stop my hands going for snacks, and crochet or hand sewing works for me now.