If you’ve recently given up drugs or alcohol, you may be wondering how you’ll spend all of your newfound free time. It can be especially hard to keep yourself occupied when cooler weather sets in, and you find yourself spending more time indoors.
The good news is that there is an abundance of fun, creative, and challenging hobbies out there to keep your mind busy and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Here are the best sober activities to try out this fall!
21 Fall Hobbies for Alcoholics and Recovering Addicts
1. Walking
Walking is so much more than a way to get from place to place! Walking allows you to explore your neighborhood and people-watch at the same time. Not to mention, walking can improve your mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Writing
Whether you journal, write poetry, or create stories, writing is a wonderful way to channel your thoughts and feelings into something creative. If you’re struggling with coming up with something to write, try following one of these writing prompts.
3. Cooking
Cooking is a great way to occupy your mind while creating something delicious. If you live alone, consider making a baked good for a neighbor or inviting your friends over for a dinner party to enjoy the bounty!
4. Home Decorating
Home decorating is a great fall activity, and it doesn’t require a lot of special skills or expensive tools. If you’re not sure where to start, look up room styling videos online for some inspiration. Or, head to your local thrift store and pick up some Fall-themed decorations.
5. Playing Music
If you have a guitar, keyboard, or other instrument lying around, why not bring it out and learn to play something new? Playing music can be very rewarding and even cathartic. Even if you don’t have much experience, there are a plethora of simple tutorials available online that will allow you to learn a new song in just an afternoon or two.
6. Making Art
If you enjoy doing things with your hands, creating art could be the hobby for you! While painting and drawing probably come to mind, there are so many different types of visual art that exist, like printmaking, comic-book-making, sculpture-making, and photography, just to name a few. There are even design programs that allow you to create art on your computer!
7. Furniture Refinishing
This hobby is inexpensive and very rewarding! Look for old or unwanted furniture on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Then, fix scratches, remove stains, and paint or refinish the surface. You can keep your new piece of furniture or sell it for a profit on an online marketplace!
8. Camping
Camping is a perfect fall hobby if you enjoy hiking and simply being in the great outdoors. If you don’t have a car, consider looking for group camping trips in your community. Alternatively, invite some friends or family who drive to go camping with you.
9. Bike Riding
Like walking, bike riding is a wonderful way to enjoy the fall weather while taking in the sights and getting to know your neighborhood a little better. You can bike around town or plan a day trip somewhere farther away.
10. People Watching
Head to your local park, mall, or anywhere crowds dwell and take a seat on a bench. Then, casually watch people as they walk by. While it may seem mundane at first, you’ll be surprised by the unique people you see and the odd conversations you hear.
11. Woodworking
There are plenty of tutorials for woodworking projects available online that only require a few materials. If you want to try something more advanced, consider taking a woodworking class at your local community or arts center.
12. Yoga
Yoga can be hugely beneficial to your well-being, both physically and mentally. Try finding a yoga class in your area or simply follow along to a video tutorial in your own living room.
13. Hiking
There’s no better way to enjoy the beautiful fall colors than with a day of hiking. If you don’t have a car, see if your local church or community center hosts group day trips. You can also find a big park or wooded area near where you live and walk around there for the day.
14. Playing Tennis
Tennis is a great sport that’s well-suited for the fall weather. Plus, many local parks have outdoor tennis courts that are free and open to the public. All you need to play is a friend, a tennis racquet, and a tennis ball, which you can usually pick up at your local thrift store.
15. Rollerskating
Rollerskating is another great sport suited for the autumn season, and it’s not just for kids! You can skate outside along bike paths or anywhere that has smooth concrete. And if it starts to get cold out, you can always head to an indoor roller rink.
16. Tie Dying
Tie dying clothes is a super fun craft that has nearly limitless creative applications. You can tie dye t-shirts, hats, sheets, curtains, and shoes, just to name a few things! Most tie-dye tutorials can be found online or in books at your local library.
17. Thrifting
If you have an eye for style, thrift shopping might be for you! Thrifting is an inexpensive way to find unique clothing, home decor, books, CDs, sports equipment, and more.
18. Fantasy Football
If you’re a football fan, fall is the perfect time to dive into Fantasy Football! Fantasy Football allows you to assemble your own dream team, draft players, and arrange rosters. Fantasy Football usually starts during the first week of September.
19. Volunteering
Sometimes the best hobby is one that doesn’t focus on yourself. Do an online search to see if there’s a mutual aid group or other charity organization in your area that’s looking for volunteers. Alternatively, your local library or church may have a bulletin board that advertises these kinds of volunteer opportunities. These events are a great way to get in touch with your community while lending a helping hand.
20. Knitting
There’s nothing like knitting a scarf or pair of mittens to get you excited for cooler weather! While knitting may seem complex, there are plenty of beginner books that detail simple projects you can get started on right away.
21. Photography
Fall is one of the best seasons for taking photographs outside. Best of all, most smartphones come equipped with a decent camera, meaning you don’t need any special equipment to get started. Try taking some nature shots or invite some friends to pose for fall-themed photographs.
Reach Out to Options Residential
If you or someone you know is struggling to live independently because of substance use, reach out to the team at Options Residential. We help people in recovery learn the skills they need to find long-term success on their journey to staying sober.
We’re the best treatment center and residential care facility in Burnsville, MN! Call to learn more about our program offerings.
