When people enter recovery, one of the pieces of advice they frequently receive is to stay busy. When we are occupied, we are less likely to get bored or experience the cravings that can lead to relapse. We are also more likely to be happy if we find meaningful ways to stay busy. In the winter months, it can sometimes be harder to stay active; however, due to the weather limiting our options. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, in Portsmouth, Virginia, we think it’s important for our clients to have a plan for how they will stay busy, even when they aren’t able to spend as much time outside.
Having a routine can provide structure, give you something to look forward to, and help you maintain healthy habits. Winter can be a good time to explore indoor activities, reconnect with hobbies, or find new ways to spend your free time. With a little planning, you can keep yourself engaged and continue making progress in recovery, regardless of the weather.
Know Your Local Offerings
When people think about hobbies, they may feel like they cannot afford to engage in them due to expense. Many areas offer free or low-cost options, if you know where to look. In Portsmouth, for example:
- A recreation center membership is free for anyone under the age of 18 or over the age of 54, and it only costs $20 per year for anyone in between. This gives a person access to any of the six recreation centers in town.
- The Portsmouth Public Library has books, as one might expect, but also workshops coming up in November for people who want to learn more about quilting and healthy cooking.
- The library also has groups where people gather to color, play cards or chess, have book discussions, or do a craft.
- The Virginia Cooperative Extension also offers training programs and monthly webinars. Some of their offerings are related to Gardening, Conservation, or Financial education.
Other Ways to Keep Hobby Costs Low
There are plenty of other ways to keep your hobby costs low. For example, you can also save money by volunteering, using free online resources, or acquiring second-hand tools. Additionally:
- Your library card may give you free access to DVDs or online streaming services. There is also a free streaming service called First Nations Experience (FNX) that allows viewers to watch shows created by indigenous people or about life as an indigenous person.
- Many museums offer days when admission is free. There are also virtual museum tours and escape rooms that you can try out online.
- Use online tools to trace your genealogy.
- Duolingo and other free apps can help you learn a new language.
- YouTube and Instructables.com are great places to find free tutorials for DIY projects.
- There are free online apps you can use for journaling, crossword puzzles, sudoku, Wordle, and origami.
- Unleash your inner writer through poetry, blogging, or responding to writing prompts you find online.
- Learn basic mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, through free online videos.
- Getting involved in your community can be a great way to develop new hobbies and friendships. Consider serving meals at a shelter, organizing donated clothes, running errands for people who have limited mobility or transportation options, joining a committee at your house of worship, or volunteering at schools, museums, animal shelters, hospitals, or senior living facilities. For other ideas, you can visit Idealist, Volunteers of America, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, or the United Way websites.
- Local colleges and universities may also allow people to audit courses for free.
- Thrift stores and “Buy Nothing” groups on social media are great places to look for books, board games and puzzles, exercise equipment, DVDs, adult coloring books, or other supplies.
- Host sober events at your home such as movie nights, board game nights, cookie exchanges, potluck dinners, bible studies, or book clubs.
At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, we love to see our clients develop new skills, pick up old passions, and find new ways to express themselves. Recovery is not just about what a person gives up, but it is also about all of the things they can gain as they get sober.