Early recovery comes with a lot of hard work and pure dedication. This includes making serious yet positive changes, pursuing new goals, and establishing a structured lifestyle. Once treatment has been successfully completed and the busy life of early recovery begins to settle down, some individuals may be at risk of relapse due to boredom. Many individuals are met with limited activities in the winter season. Regardless of the colder temperatures, several health benefits come with staying active, either alone or with others. It may be helpful for one to explore various indoor and outdoor activities with peers while in recovery. Renaissance Ranch hosts enjoyable activities for alumni to accommodate their healthy recovery stage and manage boredom.
The Many Challenges of Late Recovery
Early recovery typically requires one to make several changes. This can be done to naturally promote a healthier way of living. Certain sacrifices may be made to decrease intense substance cravings and almost eliminate unwanted substance triggers from one’s chosen environment.
For example, an individual may remove old toxic friends and family members. They may choose to reside in a healthier home environment or even change their career path to ensure long-term sobriety. Going years with the same routine does have its downsides. Although added structure in one’s life can be beneficial, keeping a long-term steady routine can sometimes feel monotonous. Moreover, once life begins to slow down in late recovery, life can feel almost boring.
An individual may feel highly rewarded after checking off every milestone in their recovery. However, if one does not replace what is removed from their life with a positive alternative they may feel tempted to pick up past addictive behaviors. Thus, increasing their risk for an unwanted substance relapse.
The Benefits of Staying Active Both Indoors and Outdoors in Recovery to Manage Boredom
Research indicates that those who reported problems with substance abuse were generally less likely to maintain an active lifestyle. Many individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) may find great benefit from establishing a steady workout routine or exercising regularly while in recovery.
Numerous studies have supported exercise-based care for SUDs as they derive overall positive health effects for long-term sobriety. Exercise has proven to be an intrinsically rewarding, healthy, engaging, and safe alternative behavior to substance abuse. Research has also found that physical activity activates neurochemicals and reward pathways in one’s nervous system that scientifically resemble those induced by addictive substances. Therefore, breaking free from demotivation can help one get around either indoors or outdoors. Staying active can serve as a healthy distraction from misusing drugs and alcohol.
The Importance of Participating in Activities With Peers To Manage Boredom
It may be helpful for one to get out on their own at first and test the waters with new and fun activities. Once an individual gets adjusted to their new routine, it can be beneficial to get involved with peers in group activities, sports leagues, or even just one-on-one extracurriculars.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, past addiction treatment programs are typically designed to assist those in overcoming addiction to improve their quality of life. Ongoing social engagement with peers is a primary component that nurses a healthy recovery. Establishing social relationships with those who are also working on maintaining a sober lifestyle can improve an individual’s recovery outcome.
Spending quality time with just one other person or more can work to help an individual build a stronger sense of motivation toward healing. Participating in activities with peers can not only help one manage boredom in recovery but open a level of communication and support needed for an easier path forward.
Sober Winter Activities to Manage Boredom in Recovery
It can be difficult for some individuals to manage boredom in recovery, especially during the winter months. Renaissance Ranch is a big proponent of outdoor activity in recovery – including winter activities. Our team feels continuing care is crucial to establish long-term recovery. Renaissance Ranch’s treatment facility offers various adventure and outdoor therapy options. We also provide alumni events and weekly meetings to engage with peers during the recovery process. Our general location lends itself to skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, hiking, and more.
The team at Renaissance Ranch understands that peer support is critical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle for mental stability. Our Band of Brothers has a built-in support network that provides emotional, social, and sometimes even professional support for its members. Everyone deserves to heal. Participating in extracurricular activities with the Band of Brothers’s alumni program at Renaissance Ranch can help one stay on track. Fun sober activities that one can enjoy with alumni also include:
- Quarterly retreats
- Hiking
- Ropes courses
- Camping trips
- Marathons
- Sporting events
- Study groups
- Golf tournaments
- Boating
- Softball
Here at Renaissance Ranch, we understand that recovery is a one-day-at-a-time deal. Connection is everything, so we spare no time or expense to keep guys connected, day in and day out with other men who know what it’s like to struggle with alcoholism and addiction. The Brotherhood at Renaissance Ranch is a tight-knit group, where we all hold one another accountable for what it takes to stay sober. It’s so important for guys like us, who are sober, to feel like we are a part of something and Renaissance Ranch does more than any other program we know of, in keeping our Alumni connected. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 to combat boredom with support.