by Julie Morris
Life and Career Coach
Hobbies combined with healthy social ties are integral to our well-being and can literally increase our odds of survival. In addition, they are especially effective during addiction recovery.
As DrugRehab explains, “One of the hardest parts of being in recovery is feeling like you’re alone or uncomfortable around others while you’re in a fragile emotional state. Having a hobby can help you set the tone of your social encounters as well as keep them short and sweet; make a date with a friend to go for a swim or head to a DIY pottery class together.”
Here are some hobbies to try out.
- Go for a swim
According to Time, swimming is not only a good form of cardio exercise, but also it can build muscles throughout your entire body and have mood-lifting effects. You don’t always have to swim freestyle or backstroke, either. If you want to socialize with friends, you can do some swims that keep your head out of the water while still chatting.
- Climb a wall
Rock climbing is good for the mind and body because it forces the climber to confront challenges and fears head on. This gives climbers creative ways to approach life’s general struggles and problems. Plus, rock climbing is social. You’ll get a belay partner that you learn to trust and you help each other get better.
- Make music
There are lots of different ways to learn about and play music, but learning an instrument has a variety of benefits. Playing an instrument can change the way that your brain interprets information and can boost long-term memory and improve cognitive ability. It’s also an activity that you can do with friends. You can play duets, sing together or even start a band.
- Learn pottery
Pottery is a unique blend of aesthetic and functional enjoyment. It’s a fun way to get your hands dirty and to learn how to create something more challenging. You’ll be doing something completely different than what you usually do, and combined with the fun of doing it with a friend, you’ll be a lot happier for it.
- Take a cooking class together
Cooking has been scientifically shown to be an effective way for people to feel like they are personally growing. Some people use it as an effective way to help manage their mental health. If you’re interested in learning new techniques of cooking, sign up for a cooking class with a friend and learn about new foods and what you can do with them.
- Try goat yoga
Yes, it exists. There are many different variations of yoga, and if you feel inclined to stretch and meditate in a super unique setting, consider trying goat yoga. The goats are there for fun. They’ll climb all over you and distract you, but they’ll make you laugh while you’re getting your stretch on.
- Go axe throwing
Feeling burly? Consider axe throwing. According to Forbes, axe throwing actually has a pretty good record for being safe. There are many available axe throwing locations all over the United States. Even if you only do it once, you can see what it’s really like to throw an axe with all your might.
- Learn kickboxing
If you enjoy group activities that have an element of cardio and weight training, then kickboxing might be the perfect activity for you. Kickboxing teaches a variety of skills and physical techniques. Not only do you learn some personal defense, but it’s also a great activity to develop balance and build core strength.
There are a variety of ways to learn new skills and hobbies. Hobbies are an excellent way to get your mind away from the cycle of negativity. When you focus and concentrate on learning something new, you break the cycle that you typically get into. As you continue getting into new habits while on the path of recovery, this will get easier. Invite a friend to do it with you, and it’ll be so much easier to stay on that path.