Once you give up drinking, it can seem like half the things you used to enjoy are off the table. But if half your social life revolves around alcohol, this is unhealthy and may have been a contributing factor that leads to addiction. Deciding to live without alcohol may seem challenging, but all you have to do is look for things you can substitute for drinking.

Here are 50 options for you to do instead of drinking:

1. Take a Nap: Many of us don't get enough sleep. You must aim for eight hours per day on a steady basis. If you have an issue sleeping in the night or need to wake up early, it is advisable to take a nap after lunch. For sure, you will wake up feeling energized and rejuvenated.

2. Read a Book: Whole worlds are waiting to be discovered, and all you need to do is open up a book. Don't have one? You can find free ones online, read on your tablet or visit the library near you to borrow one for free. 

3. Know How to Meditate: Meditation is a superb way to ease stress and keep in touch with your spiritual aspect. You can learn more about meditation here and speed up your recovery.

4. Exercise: Getting your heart pumping and your body to sweat is one of the best ways to distract your mind from alcohol. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, helps you sleep better, and keeps you fit. All these benefits will help you stay clean.

5. Practice Yoga: Yoga is perfect for those looking for a calmer way to work out. People who practice yoga regularly have reported having increased flexibility and being more relaxed. 

6. Call Your Family: No one calls their family as much as they should. Call them even if there is no reason; tell them how important they are to you.

7. Reach out to Long Lost Friends: When was the last time you talked to your high school or college friends? Rather than texting them, schedule a video chat or phone call to catch up on how they are doing. 

8. Watch a Movie with Family: Are you a movie fanatic? If so, then hosting a movie marathon is an excellent idea. Prepare some great snacks before commencing the movie marathon. 

9. Revisit your Old Hobby: When you have a pastime that you used to do all the time but stopped due to time or job constraints, it is time to do it again. Hobbies are good for giving you purpose and occupying your mind by carrying out things you love and enjoy. 

10. Gardening: Show your green thumb by taking up gardening. Growing plants will assist you in getting outside more and getting closer to nature. 

11. Walk a Pet: Take your pet on a walk; they will love you for it. If you don't have one, borrow one from your friend. 

12. Learn Something New: Local colleges and community centers always provide lessons that you can take to learn new things. It doesn't matter if it's coding or ceramics; you can gain loads from putting yourself out there and learning new skills. 

13. Create a Vision Board: A vision board is perfect for making a tangible depiction of your objectives, inspirations, and motivations. Look for old magazines and poster boards and begin pasting down your dreams. 

14. Get Creative: Get a hammer or a paintbrush and begin making something. It doesn't matter if it is building a chair or painting a watercolor. Getting your creative juices flowing can be really rewarding. 

15. Write a Journal: Keeping a journal is the best way to reflect on your day. Here at the Walker Center, we encourage everyone to keep one and jot down anything that comes to mind. Whether it's things you’re grateful for or plans for the future. It’s always good for you.

16. Cook New Recipes: Dust off mom's old cookbook and try the recipes you have been dying to make. 

17. Visit a Spa: Draw yourself a relaxing bath, play soothing music, and cut up some fresh cucumbers. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while. 

18. Volunteer: One helpful way for recovering alcoholics is to give back to the community and volunteer. It is a rewarding opportunity to assist those in need. 

19. Arrange your Home: If you are searching for things to do, why not organize that massive pile of junk in your bedroom? If you’re anything like us, it's easy to put this one off, but it makes you feel so much better.

20. Start Blogging: All of us have a voice; it is time you share yours. Search for a topic that you love and start writing. 

21. Create a Gratitude List: Listing down the things you are thankful for in life is an excellent way to put things in perspective and remind you of what you have. 

22. Conquer Fears: Do you have the greatest fear in life? It doesn't matter if it's spiders or roller coasters; it is the right time to handle it head-on. 

23. Read a Magazine: When was the last time you sat down and read a magazine? Keeping up with the latest events is vital for being a well-versed citizen. 

24. Bike Ride with Friends: You may be astounded at how dependable the mode of transportation your bicycle is. You can use it to go to work, store, or cruise with friends. 

25. Dine at a New Fastfood Chain: If there is a new fast-food chain near you that you have been dying to try, then this is the right time. Just make sure to keep it as a treat! 

26. Donate Things: There are many people in need, and perhaps you have way too many things anyway. Go through your clutter and donate some.

27. Bake a Cake: This is not that common anymore because it takes patience, time, and a little love. It can be a little frustrating at times but it is also very rewarding and gives you some tasty snacks to share with friends and family.

28. Listen to your Favorite Music: Music is a universal language that everybody loves. How long has it been since you last listened to your favorite album, from front to back? Listen to your favorite songs to get rid of stress and let your mind focus on nothing but the songs.

29. Bird Watching: Ok, hear us out. This activity gets you outdoors and closes to nature, plus you may just be surprised at how much you enjoy watching birds flying around in their own little world. 

30. Hang Out with Friends: Surrounding yourself with someone you love will improve your self-esteem and make you happy. 

31. Join a Sports League: Joining a basketball league, swim club, volleyball league, or other sports will keep you active and help you meet new people with the same interests. 

32. Watch some YouTube: Watching a compilation of cute pets, news bloopers, and old vines will surely divert your attention from drinking. Just be careful not to go too far down the rabbit hole. If you’re watching dog videos at 3 am, it’s probably time to call it a night!

33. Try Hiking: Connecting with nature is a surefire way to boost your mood and provide you with something to love and keep active. Check out some of the local parks and routes. Getting out the door is the hardest part.

34. Rearrange Furniture: Doing some changes to your furnishing is a great way to keep yourself busy and occupied. It will make your home feel completely different and may just unlock some new potential in your living room.

35. Attend Online Recovery Meeting: Attending a recovery meeting and connecting with those on the same sober journey can help you forget drinking. If you’re unsure where to start, get in touch for a free and confidential chat with our professionals here.

36. Talk with Kids: If you have kids, why not see if they have any dream days out? Or better yet, surprise them with a trip to the park or play area. Nothing beats making memories with your loved ones. 

37. Relax in your bathtub: Run some hot water, throw in a bath bomb, and light a candle if you want to. Have a bit of time to yourself and enjoy a bath. This will help you feel present and enjoy a quiet moment with a book or magazine.

38. Park day with Friends: Ask your friends to get together at the park and bring a basketball or frisbee for a fun sober day out. Bring a picnic and play.

39. Visit your Favorite Café: Hit up your preferred café and treat yourself to that pumpkin spice latte with the cream because you’ve earned it.

40. Watch the makeup tutorial online: Learn some tricks and tips to get that perfect cat-eye flick and test out some new styles yourself.

41. Take an archery lesson or head to the local gun range to let off some steam. 

42. Music Sharing Party: Everybody knows a music hog. Try a music-sharing party with a collaborative playlist on Spotify where everyone takes turns to share some new music and relax.

43. Explore New Places: Check out that part of town you never visit, and hit up the new food joint. It doesn’t matter where. Just try something new, and you can even meet people through sober meetup activities in the town. 

44. DIY Activity: There are things you can do yourself, such as creating a rug for your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. Try your hand at ceramics, build a treehouse for your kids, or a porch for yourself. There are tons of tutorials online, and nothing beats the satisfaction of a little DIY action.

45. Clear your Inbox: Delete things you do not need and unsubscribe to the things you never open. Clear inbox = clear mind.

46. Do a Workout outside: Your usual movement routine or try pilates, boxing, or any new exercises. 

47. Afternoon Nap: Put down your cozy blanket and take a nap with your partner or pet. 

48. Video Chat Friends Abroad: If you have a friend abroad, stay up late or plan to wake up early to video chat with them. They’re missing you more than you know!

49. Host a Board Game Night: Never be afraid to try a new game. Play games with family, friends, or anyone you feel getting hyper-competitive with. Become a monopoly master. No, it’s not just a game of chance.

50. Enroll in a Cooking Class: Do you love your own cooking, but friends and family give you mixed reviews? Then enroll in a cooking class. Learn to cook a type of cuisine you’ve never tried before and gain the confidence to expand your go-to dishes.

With these 50 amazing things you can do instead of drinking, you will miss alcohol much less. The key ingredient to most of these recipes for contentment is doing something different with the people you love. No alcohol needed. If you’re still struggling to avoid alcohol, get in touch with us at the Walker Center. We know it isn’t easy to get and stay clean, but with our expert guidance, we can help you start your recovery journey.