There’s no doubt that recovery can be a grueling process. While it is extremely rewarding and will make your life immeasurably better, it requires hard work. It is also not a short journey and can continue for months even after attending inpatient rehab.
In rehab, it is relatively easy to avoid relapse as you are separated from your triggers and from drugs and alcohol. However, once you are back in your normal environment, preventing relapse becomes a daily commitment. As everyone who has recovered from addiction well knows, there are a number of challenges that can get in the way.
One challenge which is often overlooked is that of boredom. For many people addicted to drugs and alcohol, using substances takes the place of hobbies and fun activities. The person’s closest friends become those who are also using substances. After leaving rehab, many things which the person does for enjoyment are no longer an option.
Boredom can unfortunately be a trigger for relapse, as without any ideas of how to spend one’s time, there is little to distract from cravings. As such, it is crucial to know how to combat boredom in recovery.
We are going to discuss 5 ways to stop boredom in addiction recovery. Try at least one of them, or consider committing to all 5!
1. Find a New Hobby or Revisit an Old One
People addicted to substances spend much of their time in pursuit of substance use. It’s not just work and friends and family that get neglected. Hobbies go out the window. Things you used to enjoy fall by the wayside and you stop looking for new hobbies.
One of the best ways to combat boredom in recovery is to either revisit your old hobbies or to find a new one.
Some popular examples of hobbies you might enjoy include:
- Creative pursuits: these could be painting or drawing, writing or journaling, playing or composing music, graphic design, and much more. Creative hobbies are great as they also provide a sense of meaning and achievement.
- Physical activities: hiking, biking, or taking classes like yoga are not only great ways to spend your time but are also good for your body. You become more in tune with your physicality and the natural world.
- Building new skills: learning to speak a language or play a musical instrument can engross you while also keeping your mind active and healthy.
Hobbies are enjoyable and boost your self-esteem at the same time, giving you a boost in your recovery journey.
2. Volunteer, Giving Back to the Community
Volunteering to help people or community groups is a good thing to do in general. The world could always do with more people committing to helping others. When it comes to recovery from addiction, giving back to the community is more than just a virtuous activity. It can become a way of building your sense of purpose, engaging with others, and stopping boredom.
Look for community centers near you and get in touch. Most non-profit groups are always looking for more people to help out. They can tell you what you need, giving you meaningful work to do and a way to spend your time.
Some common volunteering opportunities include helping out at local shelters and soup kitchens, community clean-ups, and mentorship for other people in recovery.
Studies have shown that altruistic pursuits improve outcomes in addiction recovery. You’re not just helping others, but they’re helping you too!
3. Build a Supportive Social Network
Finding supportive friends can be difficult in recovery, especially since you may need to disconnect from those who enabled your struggle with addiction. Without a supportive social network, you can get both lonely and bored. But how do you go about making friends?
The good news is that there are many recovery communities out there. You may have met people in rehab who you can keep in touch with. Alternatively, you can go to support meetings for people recovering from addiction. There are groups in just about every city in America, and they are completely free to attend.
If you’re engaging in a new hobby, going to classes or meetups can be another great way to make new friends who will support you in your journey.
4. Develop a Routine and Set Goals
Many people, whether or not they are recovering from addiction, have grand plans to get involved in new activities. However, they never seem to get around to those activities, especially when they are busy with work or family responsibilities. One major reason for this is that they do not make their hobbies a part of their routine. They therefore don’t seem that important and there’s nothing to prevent the person putting them off for some undefined later date.
Developing a routine which includes hobbies, volunteering, and social pursuits is a great start. Setting goals for these aspects of your life is also extremely important, as you will have a clearer idea of the steps you can take towards these commitments.
5. Exercise
Exercise is great for your body and your mental health. It is also a regular activity that keeps you busy and feeling fulfilled. With consistency, you begin to find a sense of accomplishment, improving your self-esteem and lending more meaning to your average day.
Exercise can also be the perfect way to widen your social circle and broaden your interests. By joining a gym and attending fitness classes, you get to know people as you pursue a shared goal. If you like playing sports, joining a team can give you a sense of camaraderie that many people find lacking in the modern world.
Conclusion
No one likes being bored, but it can be particularly dangerous for people in recovery. When you are bored, cravings can feel more powerful and there is little to distract you from them. Unfortunately, many people in recovery have neglected friends and hobbies for a long time.
The above 5 ways to stop boredom in recovery can greatly improve your life, while preventing relapse. Start with baby steps by committing to one activity, and see how it begins to transform your day-to-day lifestyle.
