Pipedreamer

I thought since so often it is posted on here "find something new to occupy your mind" it would be nice to have a post where people shared new hobbies they have picked up to replace their substance abuse. If we get enough good feedback maybe an admin could sticky it so the list can be ever growing?

Pipedreamer

I used to be very much into aquaria. I was thinking of getting one of my tanks going again. The idea is exciting!

DrunkenDonuts

I'm trying to write more and learn programming. I'd like to combine the two and make a game.

FreeOwl

Distance Running

Poetry

Guitar

Ukulele (anyone can... it's a blast.)

Camping

Hiking

Surfing

Helping others

Reading

Doing the long-neglected chores

Meditating

Getting progressively out of debt

Saving money

3wolves

I cook more. Healthier.
I work in my gardens.
I volunteer with Autism Group.
I spend more time with my family and pets as I am not passed out by seven p.m..
I read more.

waywardson8260

I started walking and going to the gym. I feel so much better for it!

Pipedreamer

Meditation! I love it! I have picked this up also!

Anna

It's been a Sticky since 2009, and we have lots of good ideas:

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ething-do.html

Pipedreamer

Sorry, missed it, just trying to help.

DrunkenDonuts

pipedreamer - I'm not heading to the sticky. Feel like some live action suggestions. Nothing wrong with your post.

Anna

I think that boredom is a really common problem in early recovery. I gave up most of my interests and hobbies when I was drinking and felt pretty lost when I began to recover. But, I slowly got back to doing things I enjoyed - yoga, walking, reading.

DrunkenDonuts

Anna - I like the idea of yoga, but I'd look horrible in those yoga pants. Too fat!

Anna

LOL, I don't think the pants are a requirement.

saoutchik

Just knowing my two grown up daughters can visit or phone without me being drunk is one good thing (okay not a hobby).

I have started jogging and anaerobic exercises to improve my fitness/waistline

itstiime

Love cooking. Grill and smoker. Woodworking. Arrowhead hunting. Cutting fire wood. And my new favorite is my kids!

gypsytears

I'm a yoga instructor and imho pants are a requirement in most classes!

Soberpotamus

I was always a reader and a writer, so I can't really consider those new hobbies I've picked up since getting sober. Meditating is the only new hobby I've started. I do it daily. Typically a ten minute session, sometimes more if I feel like it. It helps center me and can help lower anxiety levels. It's also improving my focus and concentration. I think it's great for a newly sober person because it seems to tap into the executive functioning area of the brain. At least, indirectly. If you can learn to stop what you're doing, get totally into the present moment, and center yourself... you can extend that momentum to making better decisions. I think it's also given me a bit more compassion for myself and others. Pretty much a win-win.

Cohiba

Eating healthy as spend a lot of time planning and preparing meals working out calorie intake etc.

I have also started boxing again find after a 2 hour session of being punched and punching repeatedly the last thing on my mind is getting hammered all I want to do is have a shower and go to bed

gettingsmarter

I love reading and learning anything new. It's nice to be able to remember better.

Pipedreamer

As it gets warmer I am really hoping to start fishing! I'd also like to try bicycling.