Sober Fall Fun in Santa Monica

Fall is finally here — and sunny Southern California is the perfect place to soak up the seasonal fun. From hiking to pumpkin picking, we’ve pulled together a few autumn-inspired activities to add to your sober fun list this fall.

• Take in the scenery. Fall is perhaps the best season to go for a hike or visit a nearby park where you can simply enjoy the scenery. Bonus: When you experience beauty, like the vibrant colors of leaves, the part of your brain that contains your relaxation response center is activated, and you’ll feel more relaxed and in a better mood.
• Set up camp. Cooler temperatures plus fewer mosquitos makes the perfect recipe for camping. Looking for a nature break without sleeping outdoors? There are tons of “glamping” (or glamorous camping) spots nearby Santa Monica.
• Savor seasonal eats. You can certainly take a day to go apple picking or pumpkin picking in one of the many spots around Los Angeles — or just head to your local farmer’s market for seasonal produce. Superfoods like pumpkin, apples, sweet potatoes, squash and figs will help to keep you healthy and nourished this season. And don’t forget about seasonal spices: The scent of cinnamon, for instance, has been study-proven to sharpen your mind.
• Play like a kid. Whether you arrange a few friends and head to a pumpkin patch for a corn maze race or play flag football or soccer in the park, fall is a prime time to head outdoors. The brisk, fresh air will feel great on your skin and in your lungs and the benefits will extend to your mental state, too.

More Sober Living Activities
At Haus Recovery, we whole-heartedly believe that sustained recovery should incorporate daily fun. To this end, we offer bikes, surfboards and paddleboards for residents and organize group activities and outings every week. To learn more, call today: 888-551-4715.

Healthy Ways to Have Fun in Recovery

Now that you’re sober, you have a lot of sober fun in your future. In fact, finding healthy ways to enjoy life is key to lasting sobriety. 

Life in recovery is more than just meeting goals, learning and practicing coping skills and restructuring your life. It’s about finding joy, hope and love in life. What are you waiting for? Write down a few sober activities that you might enjoy and prioritize your list. 

Here are a few ways to ensure fun in recovery. 

• Meet other people. While getting out and meeting new people can seem intimidating, it’s an important part of branching out and having fun during recovery. Sign up for a reading or running group, talk to someone new at your next support group or make a point to introduce yourself to the neighbor you always see at the park. Socializing with others will help you continue to get to know the new sober you and meet like-minded people. 
• Try a hobby. Hobbies can help you meet new friends with shared interests and fill your newfound time with something you’re passionate about. But what kind of hobby is right for you? Try a few until you find one that fits. There are so many potential choices - from stamp collecting to cabinetry to cooking to joining a running club. Just keep in mind that with most hobbies comes a learning curve, so don’t get discouraged if it takes some time to get the hang of it. 
• Consider travel. Getting away and discovering new places is a great stress reliever and it’s also a great way to meet new people and experience something different from everyday life. If you can’t afford a big trip, try taking a tour of a nearby city. You’ll be amazed at how much there is to learn right in your own backyard.
• Laugh always and often. Learning how to laugh at life and yourself is perhaps the best way to enjoy your life in recovery – and it’s free. The road to sobriety is tough and some days will feel never-ending. Take an opportunity to find the funny in even the most mundane recovery tasks. 

Finding Fun at Haus Recovery
We believe sobriety is the beginning of a fun, fulfilling and lifelong adventure. To learn about our program and how we can help you feel good about life and sobriety, call today: 888-551-4715.