Tips to stop drinking out of boredom

I ordered the cedar raised beds from the gardeners supply company, I planted dahlias and then took pictures of them when they grew and gave myself bouquets of fresh flowers. I planted cherry tomatoes and ate them right off the vine. I planted strawberries so that I could eat them and gather them with my daughter and take pictures. We have raspberries and I’ve made jam out of them. And I have to tell you, I am not a crafty person. Before sobriety, I killed literally every container gardener plant of anything that I’d ever grown.

  • Some of these things I used to like to do was fishing and taking road trips.
  • A person using substances exposes their brain to tremendous amounts of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
  • Boredom can cascade into serious issues like battling loneliness, uncovering deeply seeded shame and self-loathing, and even feelings of high stress can become prevalent.

Instead of driving to your favorite convenience store for a 12-pack after work, drive to a gym for a quick run. Instead of smoking a joint, have a cup of green tea. It can take days or weeks to replace your bad habits with good ones but filling that void will keep your thoughts occupied.

Accept that you are in a transitional phase, which will take time.

We can address fear and healthy coping mechanisms to combat any doubt and uncertainty that either an individual or family may feel during these difficult times. It’s important to understand that achieving sobriety is possible. Alcohol addiction rehab programs should https://ecosoberhouse.com/ address substance use as well as any underlying co-occurring mental health disorders. The most effective treatment provides access to ongoing therapy, skills training, group or peer support, relapse avoidance techniques, and prescribed medications, if necessary.

Most weekends I got out and about sober for at least one day. I always exercised in the morning before my first drink. And even when I was drinking, it wasn’t like I just sat there and stared at the wall. I still managed to read, watch movies, write, play music and participate in my other hobbies. Feeling so depressed, lonely and BORED right now after 4 weeks of sobriety.. This has really been an air freshener so thank you so much.

Healthy Hobbies to Replace Drinking

This is important to remember when thinking about boredom. Alcohol artificially boosts serotonin and dopamine in your brain. In fact, when you first quit, it feels like everyone in the world is out getting drunk but you. Reasons You Might Feel Bored in SobrietyAlcohol artificially boosts serotonin and dopamine in your brain. We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers.

Are you considered boring if you don’t drink?

No, you are not boring if you don't drink or smoke. You might be more enjoyable because you don't need substances to make you more interesting. Drinking and smoking are often seen as cool, but usually, they have nothing to do with what is boring or not.

The old saying goes ‘an idle mind is the devil’s playground’ and that’s absolutely true in sobriety. It’s hard to be bored when you’re stoned out of your head or drunk as a skunk but take those away and you’re left with a racing mind looking for any excitement. If you struggle with depression in recovery, you might benefit from holistic methods. These can reduce stress and anxiety, and help you be in a calmer more relaxed state of mind. These might include art therapy, yoga, mindfulness, deep-breathing techniques, and meditation. Therapy is a core treatment element for people in recovery for co-occurring disorders like depression.

Quitting Alcohol Was The Best Decision Of My Life

Your life will get bigger and more open and exciting and joyful without drinking. Examples and ideas of new passions, activities, pastimes and hobbies from other women who have stopped drinking & found joy and excitement without it. If you’re reevaluating your relationship with alcohol and have decided that drinking isn’t working in your life anymore I’d love to talk to you. One of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re feeling bored in sobriety is to find a way to serve others. Forming healthy connections with other people is an important of this process.

bored without alcohol

The people who you should be mixing with are those who don’t drink, or who drink very little, not those who already have problems with alcohol. I drinking because of boredom used to star drinking after everything was done, as a reward for all the hard work. Now I tried not drinking for couple of days – it was horrible.