50 Things to Do Instead of Drinking

One of the first things that comes up with my clients, is what am I going to do now that I’m not drinking? And, when you’re living a sober lifestyle, it seems like an odd question, because of course you can do anything you want to do. 

But, it completely makes sense. I remember asking myself the same question. So, here’s 50 things to get you started. 

1. Sit down with your sketchbook.
2. Go for a walk.
3. Take a nap.
4. Start a craft project.
5. Call a friend.
6. Play tag with your kids.
7. Do something physical – run, bike, hike, swim, kayak, hop, skip, jump.
8. Have a dance party in your kitchen.
9. Bake cookies.
10. Find a new recipe and make it.
11. Repaint your bedroom.
12. Declutter your house.
13. Clean out the junk drawer.
14. Organize your closet.
15. Handwash (and wax) your car.
16. Go for ice cream.
17. Watch the sunset.
18. Watch the sunrise.
19. Pick up a new (or old) sport. Find an adult volleyball, hockey, soccer, flag football league.
20. Learn how to play pickleball.
21. Go ice-skating or roller-skating.
22. Climb a mountain.
23. Meditate.
24. Take a cold shower.
25. Take a hot bath.
26. Have some friends over to play board games.
27. Find somewhere to volunteer.
28. Take up knitting (or cross stitch or crochet).
29. Check out free outdoor events in your area (concerts, farmers markets, street festivals).
30. Head to the library and check out all the books you can carry on a subject you’re super curious about.
31. Start a book club.
32. Treat yourself to a fancy coffee/tea drink and a pastry at a coffee shop. Bring a book, your journal, or just people watch.
33. Check out the Meetup app and see what sober events are in your area. It’s also a great way to connect with people around hobbies you have in common – like hiking, reading, writing, movie-watching, etc.
34. Treat yourself to a massage.
35. Book a session at a salt cave or float tank.
36. Get a blanket and lay in the grass.
37. Put a hammock up between two trees and have a nap, read a book, or daydream.
38. Find your signature tea blend, and indulge your senses while you sip a freshly brewed cup.

39. Pick a genre of film, or your favorite actor and have your own film fest. For example, watch the original A Star is Born, and all three remakes (1954, 1976, & 2018).
40. Start a new holiday tradition.
41. Pack a snack and head out to sit by a body of water – river, creek, lake, ocean – it doesn’t really matter.
42. Start writing your life story.
43. Host a SOBER DINNER PARTY – ask guests to bring their most creative non-alcoholic drink, throw a menu together, and have conversations that you’ll actually remember the next morning.
44. Put together personalized playlists to suit your different moods – lots of emotions come up when you get sober, music can help process them. I have a CRYING playlist and a RAGE one.
45. Foster a dog or cat.
46. Take a First Aid or CPR course.
47. Plan a day trip and act like a tourist.
48. Visit a local museum or attraction you’ve never been to.
49. Volunteer at an organization that you want to support.
50. Join THE COLLECTIVE

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If you’re curious about exploring your relationship with alcohol, reach out and book a STRONGER SOBER session, under the WORK WITH ME tab.

I’ve got you!