Top 5 Sober Activities

Drinking is a popular activity in America. Many people consume alcohol at company functions, college parties, sporting events and other social gatherings. Some drink to escape sources of stress in their lives or to enjoy time with friends after a busy workweek. Others seek to lower their inhibitions and become the life of the party.

But social drinking is associated with various problems, including impaired memory, coordination and judgement. If you frequently engage in activities that involve drinking, you run the risk of developing an alcohol addiction.

At times, it may be difficult to find fun things to do that do not involve drinking. But you can take part in a host of free or low-cost sober activities that benefit your health.

If you are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, finding sober activities that you enjoy is a crucial part of maintaining long-term sobriety. Learn about five activities that can help you avoid the people, places and things that can lead to relapse.

1. Go for a Run

Exercising is one of the healthiest sober activities. You might find joy in going to the gym, running at a local park or walking around your neighborhood. These physical activities can help reduce stress and improve your health.

Research has shown that frequent exercise can increase your confidence during recovery. Maintaining good physical and psychological health is an important part of recovery. Exercising can improve your mood and enhance your physique.

2. Visit a Museum

Most large cities and small towns offer one or more museums to explore. Visiting a museum can provide you the opportunity to learn more about history, view breathtaking art and meet people with similar interests. Museums often include unique exhibits and galleries that attract hordes of visitors each year.

If you have small children, take them to a zoo or aquarium. You and your family can marvel at a variety of land or sea animals, from elephants and giraffes to sharks and whales. You can enjoy several hours of fun at these family-friendly locations.

3. Go Biking or Skating

Going biking or roller-skating around town are fun sober activities that can improve your physical health. By pedaling or rollerblading through a nearby neighborhood or park, you can clear your mind, improve your endurance and explore interesting sights.

You can also visit a roller-skating rink or ice skating rink. These are great locations for people to have fun, exercise and interact with one another. A 2015 study published in Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators found that students who were introduced to physical activities such as roller-skating were more likely to develop a lifelong interest in physical activity.

4. Find Time to Color or Create Art

Coloring books aren’t just for kids. Research has shown that adult coloring books can relieve stress. Coloring can reduce anxiety, increase focus and create mindfulness. In recent years, adult coloring books have increased in popularity.

Many people also participate in art therapy, or the process of creating artwork to explore feelings, manage behaviors and increase self-esteem. Unlike recreational coloring, art therapy involves a therapist. But like coloring, it has numerous psychological health benefits.

5. Host a Sober Game Night

Many restaurants host weekly game nights, but alcohol often is available. To prevent temptations and avoid triggers, organize your own game night and invite friends who support you and your recovery. This will allow you to have fun and be social while avoiding drinking.

You could play card games, board games, yard games, video games or charades. You could also sing karaoke, watch a movie or put together a puzzle.

Hundreds of sober activities exist. You can participate in these activities on your own or with your family and friends. In addition to physical and psychological benefits, sober activities can help you reduce your alcohol intake and live a healthy, active life.



Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

View Sources


Go To:
We're here to help you or your loved one.
Question mark symbol icon

Who am I calling?

Calls will be answered by a qualified admissions representative with Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), the owners of DrugRehab.com. We look forward to helping you!

Question mark symbol icon

Who am I calling?

Phone calls to treatment center listings not associated with ARS will go directly to those centers. DrugRehab.com and ARS are not responsible for those calls.

-->