Do you ever find yourself in a social setting where everyone is drinking and you’re feeling left out? Or maybe you’re trying to cut back on your alcohol consumption for personal or health reasons. Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of things to do instead of drinking that are just as fun and fulfilling.
Below are just a few of the things to do instead of drinking that can be done as a solo activity or with friends.
Think about why you are cutting back on drinking, and what you want to make more time for, and choose an option that fits best for meeting your needs!
And take a moment to pat yourself on the back for doing something outside of your comfort zone.
Get Physical – Try an Exercise Class or Head to the Gym
Exercise is a great way to boost your endorphins and feel good. Whether you prefer to hit your local gym or try new fitness studios, there’s a physical activity out there that’s perfect for you. Plus, exercise can be a great way to socialize and meet new people.
Consider some of these exercise activities:
- yoga
- roller skating
- pilates
- cycling or spinning
- playing a game of pick-up basketball or pickle ball
Be Giving – Volunteer at a Local Shelter or Soup Kitchen
If you’re looking for ways to stay busy and have fun without drinking, volunteering is an excellent option. It’s a great way to stay active, feel productive, and give back to your community. Try a local food bank, soup kitchen, or even an animal shelter.
By volunteering, you can have a positive impact on the world, while also improving your own life. You have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people, and build relationships.
So it’s truly a win-win situation. If you’re not sure where to start, consider reaching out to local non-profit organizations or charities in your area and ask about volunteer opportunities. You can also check out websites like VolunteerMatch or Idealist to find volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and skills.
Get Out of the House – Hit an Adult Arcade or Play Pool
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is something we all experience. If you’re wanting to go out with friends even when they’re drinking, consider going somewhere that can involve drinking (for them) and has sober activities (for you).
Nowadays, there are plenty of bars that have activities such as shuffleboard, darts, pool or even axe throwing. Consider going somewhere activity-focused that also serves drinks such as mini-golf, TopGolf, or Bowling.
This is a perfect opportunity to have the best of both worlds. Just be sure not to drink alcohol – that would defeat the purpose. If you are tempted to drink, consider a trying a non alcoholic drink. You might even like it more than the alcoholic drink!
Get Creative – Try Making Some Art
One of the best things about artistic pursuits is that they allow you to tap into your creativity and express yourself in a unique and personal way.
Some artistic ideas may be:
- Painting: Whether you prefer watercolor, oil, or acrylic paints, picking up a paint brush is a great way to create something beautiful. If you’re new to painting, consider taking a beginner’s class to learn the basics.
- Drawing: From pencil sketches to charcoal drawings, there are many different types of drawings you can try. You don’t need to be a professional artist to enjoy this activity, either. Just grab a pencil and paper and start drawing!
- Sculpting: Sculpting can be a fun and challenging way to create three-dimensional art. From clay sculpting to wood carving, there are many different mediums you can try.
- Photography: If you have a camera, you can start practicing photography today. Whether you prefer landscapes, portraits, or street photography, there’s a type of photography that’s perfect for you.
- Printmaking: Printmaking is a form of art that involves creating multiple prints of the same image. From linocut prints to etchings, there are many different printmaking techniques you can try.
- Collage: Collage is a fun and unique form of art that involves combining different materials and images to create a single work of art. You can use magazine clippings, photographs, and other materials to create your own unique collage.
Artistic pursuits can be a great way to unwind and escape from reality. Plus, you don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy these activities. Just grab some supplies and start creating!
Tap into Your Inner Child – Play Board Games or Video Games
Board games and video games can be a fantastic way to spend time with friends, whether they’re near or far. In-person game nights with friends can be a great way to catch up, bond, and enjoy each other’s company.
You can make it a weekly or monthly tradition and take turns hosting the game night. The fun of playing board games or video games in person is that you get to interact with each other, laugh, and have a good time in a sober and relaxed environment.
But what if your friends are far away? Thanks to technology, it’s now possible to play games with friends from anywhere in the world. There are a variety of online platforms, such as Steam, Xbox Live, and PlayStation Network, that allow you to play video games with friends virtually.
You can also play board games online through websites like Board Game Arena. With virtual gaming, you can still enjoy the fun and competition of playing games with friends, no matter where you are.
Use your Kitchen – Unwind with Cooking or Baking
Why not stay sober and bake cookies or make a pizza. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory dish or a sweet treat, there’s probably a recipe out there that fits the bill.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a new recipe that you’ve never tried before? It’s a great way to expand your culinary horizons and discover new flavors and ingredients.
Another fun aspect of cooking and baking is that it can be a social activity. Invite some friends over for a dinner party and take turns cooking and baking dishes to share.
Or, if you’re feeling generous, bake a special treat for someone you love. The act of giving can be just as fulfilling as the act of cooking or baking itself, and your loved ones are sure to appreciate the gesture.
Get Fresh Air – Explore all of the Nature Around You
Nature offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with the world around you. Spending free time outside is great for both your physical health and mental health.
Taking a hike, going for a walk in the park, or simply sitting and enjoying the beauty of your surroundings can be incredibly soothing. The fresh air, sounds of nature, and scenic views can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Plus, these outdoor activities can also improve your physical health and boost your mood.
So why not give it a try? Whether you go for a solo hike or bring along a friend, spending time in nature can be a great alternative to drinking. You’ll be able to relax and rejuvenate while still engaging in a fun and fulfilling activity.
Get Away from Reality – Try Reading a Good Book
Reading can be a wonderful way to escape reality and immerse yourself in a good book. Not only will it help you relax and unwind, but it can also be a great source of entertainment and knowledge.
Plus, reading can be done anytime, anywhere. You don’t have to worry about finding a designated driver, navigating crowded streets, or dealing with noisy environments. You can simply curl up with a good book in the comfort of your own home. Or if you want to get out of the house, just head to your local library.
And if you’re looking for some company, many communities have book clubs that you can join. You’ll be able to connect with other like-minded individuals and discuss your favorite books, which can be a great way to socialize without alcohol.
Tune Out the Noise – Listen to Music or Make some Music
There’s listening to music and there’s also making music. For the former, jam to your Spotify playlist or get out of the house and head out to a record store to expand your musical horizons.
Now for the latter – making music with others is a sure fire way to provide a sense of community and connection. Joining a choir, starting a band, or attending a concert can be a great way to spend time with like-minded individuals who share your love for music.
You may find that this new hobby provides the socialization and sense of fulfillment you’re looking for, without the need for alcohol.
Turn you Dreams to Reality – Create a Vision Board
If you’re looking for a fun and productive alternative to drinking, consider creating a vision board.
A vision board is essentially a collage of images, words, and phrases that represent your aspirations and dreams. By creating a vision board, you can get a clearer picture of what you want in life and start taking steps to make it happen.
The process of creating the vision board itself can be incredibly fulfilling, as it allows you to reflect on your passions and aspirations and start turning them into a reality.
Whether you do it on your own or with friends, it’s a great way to spend your time and create a brighter future for yourself.
Reflect or Explore – Write, Journal, or Blog
Writing, journaling and even blogging provides a creative outlet for your thoughts and feelings. You can reflect on your experiences, goals, and challenges, and explore new ideas and perspectives. You can create a gratitude list if you’re working on positive thinking.
This can help you better understand yourself and your motivations, and can also be a source of inspiration and motivation.
Second, writing and journaling can also help you relieve stress and manage anxiety. By putting your thoughts and emotions on paper, you can gain a clearer understanding of what’s bothering you and find new ways to cope.
Whether you write in a journal every day or simply jot down your thoughts when you’re feeling overwhelmed, replace drinking by tapping into your creative side.
Do it Old School – Do a Crossword Puzzle
Crossword puzzles, wordles, and ad-libs are all accessible and affordable options that can provide the same sense of relaxation and fun as drinking, without the negative consequences.
Not only will these activities help you avoid the hangovers that often come with drinking, but they can also provide a similar sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Completing a challenging crossword or creating a witty ad-lib can be just as satisfying as having a drink after a long day at work.
In addition, these types of games can help take your mind off work and provide a fun way to forget about the stresses of the day. Whether you play alone or with friends, they can be a great way to socialize and bond without relying on alcohol.
Treat Yourself – Have a Spa Day (or Night)
Avoid the hangover and wake up guilt-free after replacing a night of drinking alcohol with a spa night. Indulging in a relaxing spa experience can be the perfect way to unwind and feel refreshed.
Start by running a bath and adding in some essential oils for an extra touch of luxury. Soak in the warm water, close your eyes, and let the stress of the day melt away. You can also light some candles, play soft music, and read a book to fully immerse yourself in the spa experience.
After your bath, treat yourself to a facial or give yourself a relaxing massage using lotions or oils. Focus on taking care of yourself and allowing yourself to fully relax.
The best part is, you don’t have to leave your home to enjoy a spa night. You can create a luxurious spa experience right in your own bathroom, saving you time and money. And when you’re done, you’ll be left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle whatever tomorrow may bring.
(Consider more self care ideas that work on a self care Sunday or to replace a night out of drinking)
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember when trying to cut back on drinking is that you don’t have to do it alone. Trying new things can be a fun and fulfilling alternative.
So give it a shot! You’ll be taking a big step towards being true to yourself and taking control of your habits.
And the bonus points? Not only will you be doing something good for yourself, but you’ll also have extra time to engage in fun and rejuvenating activities.
So there you have it, a few great things to do instead of drinking. Remember, every effort you make to try something new is a step in the right direction.
Go ahead and give yourself a break from alcohol. You’ve got this!
