January is National Hobby Month! Our team at Tennessee Wellness Center wants to take this time to share how having hobbies can help you through your recovery journey. Read on to learn more!
Are you ready to seek treatment for alcohol or drug use? Reach out to our compassionate team at Tennessee Wellness Center today.
The Benefits of Having Hobbies
There are some unexpected benefits of having hobbies, some of which are especially important to those working on maintaining their sobriety.
Preventing Boredom
In times of boredom, individuals in recovery are at higher risk of relapsing. Hobbies can keep you entertained and busy so that you do not fixate on triggers or factors that could lead to you breaking sobriety. Instead, you can pick up your hobby and keep your mind elsewhere.
Goal-Setting
Some hobbies require you to set a goal. For example, if you want to complete a certain number of paintings by the end of the month. These hobby-related goal setting exercises can help you when you are setting goals related to your addiction recovery. As you achieve your hobby goals, you can feel more empowered to also achieve your sobriety goals.
A Sense of Accomplishment
Many types of hobbies result in a clear end. For example, finishing a book or completing a knitting project. When you complete your activity of choice, you’ll feel a sense of pride in knowing that you didn’t quit. This same sense of accomplishment may also be felt in regards to maintaining your sobriety each day, week, and year.
Stress Relief
Hobbies can relieve stress and anxiety, especially if the hobby you choose occupies your mind or requires you to use your hands. This can be a much needed activity during the week or after any trying time.
Social Networking
Hobbies open up new social networks. There are lots of opportunities for people who share hobbies to connect. This also helps conversation flow naturally as you automatically know you share an interest. Creating social bonds is extremely important in recovery– especially if all of your pre-existing bonds could potentially trigger you to use substances again.
Lessons in Adversity
You may run into obstacles while progressing in your hobbies. As you are faced with cognitive or physical challenges, you’ll learn important lessons about coping and succeeding after adversity.
Finding The Right Hobby For You
Some people struggle to find a hobby or hobbies they are passionate about– and that’s okay! It may take some trial and error.
Popular hobbies include:
- Hiking
- Yoga and meditation
- Painting and drawing
- Sculpture
- Knitting and embroidery
- Reading
- Listening to podcasts
- Running
- Fishing
- Learning a new instrument
- Cooking and baking
No matter your budget, there are hobbies you can try!
The Role of Playfulness in Hobbies and Recovery
Something many people lose in adulthood is a sense of playfulness. Hobbies can help you regain this. Be playful with your activity when you are learning and participating in new hobbies! Do not be hard on yourself if you aren’t doing something exactly right; be okay with the learning period. Embark on your journey to find a hobby in whatever way feels best for you– not based on what you think is the ‘correct way.’
Drug, Alcohol, and Mental Health Treatment in Knoxville
It’s important to have healthy coping mechanisms during your recovery, and hobbies are a great option. We encourage you to take time and develop hobbies that you are passionate about. There are so many benefits to doing so.
Our team at Tennessee Wellness Center is committed to whole person health and recovery. If you or your loved one are ready to seek treatment for substance use or mental health, reach out to our team today. We can help answer your questions and advise you on how to get started.
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