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.

Spring Fun in Santa Monica

Spring has sprung and it’s the perfect time to step outside, enjoy the fresh air and take advantage of the abundance of seasonal activities taking place in Santa Monica! 

There’s plenty to do – from farmer’s markets to kite festivals and paddleboarding contests – and here’s the best part: it’s all sober fun!

• Take part in the Annual Kite Festival on April 14 at Santa Monica Pier. Participants receive a free kite and kite makers from across the U.S. create a “gallery in the sky” as they showcase their unique designs.
• Celebrate Earth Day with Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium on April 21. Participants who help with beach cleanup will receive free admission to the aquarium.
• Come together with the Santa Monica community for a day of 5Ks, DJ-powered yoga sessions and guided meditation during Wanderlust 108—The World’s Only Mindful Triathlon on April 28. 
• Watch top athletes compete in stand-up paddleboard, prone paddleboard, dory and swim races in the 8^th annual Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival on June 9. 

And, of course, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy spring on weekends without any scheduled events. Try one of these ideas: 

• Visit your local farmer’s market and stock up on seasonal produce like artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower and fava beans.
• Plan an outdoor picnic and invite friends for a game of Frisbee.
• Take a long hike or stroll on the beach.
• Plant a garden filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Sit outside and meditate or write in a journal. 

Spring Recovery Fun in Santa Monica

Sustained recovery should incorporate daily fun and our Southern California location is blessed with mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, making it the perfect place to enjoy outdoor recreation as part of your recovery activities. HAUS has bikes, surfboards and paddleboards for residents to use, and we organize group activities and outings every week. To learn more about our sober living services, activities and amenities, call today: 888-551-4715.

Winter Sober Fun in Santa Monica

There’s so much to experience in Santa Monica during the holiday season – and being sober is just part of the fun. Here are just a few fun activities to add to your winter to-do list. 

• Go to the beach. While you won’t want to venture into the freezing water, you certainly can dive into a good book. Throw on a sweatshirt, pack a blanket and pick a spot to relax on the beach with an inspirational read.  
• Lace up your ice skates. Every holiday season, Santa Monica transforms the corner of 5^th Street and Arizona Avenue into a 8,000 square foot ice rink – perfect for getting a taste of winter without the frostbite. In fact, there are a handful of outdoor rinks in the LA-area that stay frozen through January and February. 
• Take a hike. It’s the perfect season to climb into the hills – with no crowds and clear crystal skies. Just remember to dress in layers and be sure to take into account the fleeting daylight before setting out on your hike. 
• Get your soup on. There’s nothing better than a bowl of ramen – or udon or miso or pho – to warm your bones on those 50 degree days. Call up a friend and head to Little Tokyo or Sawtelle. 
• Visit Santa. You’re never too old for a photo with Saint Nick. Head to Center Plaza at Santa Monica Place and feel like a kid again as you visit his winter home. 
• Schedule a spa day. The holidays are filled with stress and a little relaxation and rejuvenation is likely in order. Check your local area for any holiday spa specials and give yourself the gift of self-care this season.

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

Happy-Hour Alternatives for Connecting With Coworkers

For those in recovery, happy hour with work friends is more like horror hour – and a major threat to your hard-won sobriety. While you want to stay social, you also need to do what’s best for your recovery – so what’s your option? 

Why not get a little creative: You connect with your coworkers and shake off stress by participating in one (or more) of the following sober activities: 

• Join an adult sports league. From soccer to softball to bowling, a social sports league is the perfect way to bond with colleagues, work on team-building skills and squeeze in a workout. 
• Start a meditation group. Talk to your employer about using the conference room after-hours or search for a local yoga or meditation studio. Many studios offer “happy hour” classes as an alternative to heading to the bar. 
• Get artistic. Gather a group of coworkers and head to your local art gallery or museum. Many venues are open late at least one evening during the week. Or, meet up and make your own art. A bit of creativity is the perfect antidote to a stressful day at work. 
• Host a book club. We’ve talked before about the many health benefits of reading – stress management, improved sleep, enhanced concentration, for example – and forming a book club is a great way to help you read more. Just think: If you meet with coworkers once a month, that’s 12 books you can check off your list each year.

Employment Help at HAUS
Finding and keeping a job, and making a contribution to society, is a pillar of recovery. After all, accountability and being self-supporting are vital steps to the reintegration process. Our staff will assist you with resume building and more. To learn about our sober living services, call today: 888-551-4715.

Sober Fun in Santa Monica This Summer

“Summertime and the sober living is easy!” Well, you can certainly be sober and have tons of fun while living in the Santa Monica area. After all, you’re right in the heart of things — with beachside activities, mountain sports, an active arts community, entertainment, and thriving small businesses all around you. W

Here, we take a look at a few activities – beyond going to the beach – to add to your summer fun list: 

• Take a surfside stroll: With the beach on one side and mountains on another, Santa Monica is the perfect setting to distress and soak up the sun. Stick around and have an early dinner prepared straight from one of the local farmers’ market. 
• Head to Santa Monica Pier: A favorite of locals and tourists alike, this landmark destination is home to endless retail, food and entertainment options. You can also rent a bike and take a riding tour. 
• Listen to free music: Free music shows are everywhere during the summer months – from the Getty to the Santa Monica Pier. If you love jazz, you might want to check out Jazz at LACMA, which has featured some of L.A.’s finest jazz musicians over the last 20 years.
• Get a free outdoor workout: Circuit training parks are located across L.A. —from beaches to mountain tops – so you can easily get fit this summer without spending a dime. 
• Watch an outdoor movie: From now until September, you can unwind under the stars as you watch many of the al fresco movies offered during the summer months. Whether you’re looking for a classic film or new blockbuster, there’s a movie and location that’s right for everyone.
• Hit the park: There are tons of parks and beautiful waterfalls that can fit your lifestyle – whether you’re a hiking devotee, dog owner, art lover, or just looking to relax and enjoy nature. A few to check out: Palisades Park, Tongva Park, Grand Park, Echo Park Lake, Lake Balboa, and Rustic Canyon Park. 

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.