How Hobbies Can Help

Hobbies make for happy sober lives. Investing just a small amount of time doing something creative and that you’re passionate about – that’s non-work related – can do wonders for your mental health and overall happiness. Let’s take a quick look at some of the health benefits of having a hobby as an adult: 

• Boosting self-confidence
• Exercising the brain
• Expressing creativity
• Reducing stress
• Improving social connections
• Getting out of the house
• Learning something new

But what if you don’t have a particular passion as an adult? Where do you start? Here are some activities that you may enjoy – and that will also aid in your lasting sobriety.

Gardening: Slows the mind, boosts your mood, and lets you soak up the sunshine. Plus, gardening is a great reminder that you’re just one small part of the greater universe. 

Yoga: One hour of yoga increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) by 27 percent. GABA is a brain chemical linked to the reduction of stress and anxiety. 

Visual arts (photography, painting/drawing, writing): The process of creating art doesn’t just make you feel better, but it’s been found to create real, physical changes inside your body. Some of the many perks of visual arts: 

• Decreased negative emotions and increased positive ones
• Reduced depression, stress, and anxiety
• Improved expression, positive identity and social networks
• Greater awareness of beauty in the world

Running: This is perhaps the best hobby for preventing or managing depression.

Cooking: Teaches you to be more mindful of what you’re putting into your body. The repetitive tasks inherent to cooking (chopping, measure, washing, etc.) can also help you to stay focused on the present. 

Recovery Activities at Haus Recovery

For individuals who have abused their body with drugs and alcohol, healthy recreation is often a distant thought. Yet sobriety is the beginning of a fun, fulfilling, and lifelong adventure. At Haus Recovery, we’ll help open you up to new experiences and joys as you embrace your new sober life. To learn more, call today: 888-555-4715.