Understanding these challenges is the first step towards long-term recovery. Let’s dive into why sobriety can feel like an uphill battle and how you can make it easier. If you want to access my free video training on how to make stopping drinking effortless and enjoyable, click here. If, for example, you know you get bored between 2-5 pm, then schedule an enjoyable activity to do during those times. If you have stopped drinking, and you leave your days up to chance, it can be detrimental. Boredom can strike, which is exactly what we don’t want.
Ultimate Guide to Autumn Sobriety
Like any other emotion, boredom isn’t inherently “bad” or “wrong.” All emotions serve a purpose; They’re signposts, pointing us toward something that needs our attention. No wonder so many of us will avoid boredom at all costs—through drinking, shopping, scrolling, or, when all else fails…self-administering mild electric shocks. Back in the day, our ancestors didn’t have time to be bored. They were constantly hunting, gathering, building fires, and protecting themselves from wild animals or rival tribes. From a cultural perspective, boredom doesn’t just feel uncomfortable; it feels wrong.
- It’s what we sit outside on the deck with in the evenings.
- On these shores there is no peace, just chasing after the next thing that might deliver it.
- While it seems like this is an obvious solution to boredom, it really just papers over the problem.
On the one hand, you have no idea what you’re supposed to do with yourself. A lot of people don’t feel good when they first get sober, so it’s totally understandable if your feelings are all over the place. When serotonin and dopamine levels are low, we become less motivated and less interested in our surroundings. This can lead to feelings of extreme boredom and apathy. If you can use it properly, it is not a «very bad substance».
Find a hobby and/or social activity to get involved in.
We have locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. As noted above, sometimes boredom is a signal that it’s time for a new challenge or what is Oxford House a signal that what you’ve been doing doesn’t align with your goals or values. Sometimes the way out is not to rely on the things you normally do but to try something new. It could be something as trivial as taking a different route to work or taking the first step on a project you’ve been putting off. A new challenge or a break from your normal routine can give you a fresh perspective. Maintaining sobriety requires an ongoing and mindful effort.
Days Without A Drink
The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. When you’re bored, chores are probably the last thing you want to do. Chores are boring, which is why we put them off. If your options are to sit there and be bored or wash the dishes and be bored, you can at least accomplish having clean dishes if you choose to wash the dishes. While this may not sound too enticing, picking something off your to-do list and just doing it can break the spell of boredom and lead you to something more engaging.
Recovery at Any Stage
In that quote I read in the beginning again, it says you will need other people as a living, breathing reminder of everything that’s good in life. So this episode was about drunk and bored what to do if you’re feeling bored in sobriety. What you can do if you feel flat, if you feel mad if you feel blocked. If you’re in the beginning, yeah, everything you’re doing is just navigating life without alcohol. And you will take a lot of bass and go on a lot of walks and drink tea and go to bed early and take naps and need time alone. The course includes the exact step-by-step coaching framework I work through with my private coaching clients, but at a much more affordable price than one-on-one coaching.
What to Do When You’re Sober and Bored
- Boredom can be a common relapse trigger for those in recovery, especially in the earliest stages.
- Like if a Hell’s Angels biker dude admitted that he enjoys a good manicure and spa day every now and then, his bros might not take him seriously as a biker anymore.
- Practicing mindfulness can also play a significant role in this process.
- I know the product does what the marketing says it will do.
- Of course, that is easier said than done, which is why it is incredibly important to have a support system in place as you go through this process.
Remember, recovery is a journey of continuous growth. Over time, repeated substance use can lead to changes in the brain’s structure and function. The brain adapts to these high levels of dopamine by reducing its sensitivity to the neurotransmitter. This process, known as downregulation, means that the brain requires more of the substance to achieve the same pleasurable effect, leading to tolerance and dependence.
But honestly, I could not think of anything. I enjoyed a lot of things, but more than wine, an activity that I enjoyed more than the fuzzy buzzy feeling of drinking. Even before that first sip, https://hotelgrandsafeer.com/alcohol-facts-and-statistics-national-institute-on/ I couldn’t think of anything.
The Existential Fear Behind Boredom (and Why We Drink to Avoid It)
Taking a pause from alcohol may be the start of breaking bad habits, like that extra glass or two before bed. Making a difference in the lives of others is not only a social activity, but a rewarding and soul-enriching activity too. Try helping out at your local soup kitchen, walking dogs at the animal shelter, or organizing the shelves at the food bank. Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and non-profits are always grateful for extra hands. During the pandemic, we were able to explore some hobbies solo, and our curiosity has led to classes related to specialized hobbies popping up all over.
- Boredom is one of the most common triggers for someone who is trying to stay sober.
- Early sobriety is a critical period when community and support networks are critical.
- Social situations often present significant challenges for those maintaining sobriety.
- Join a sober group on Reddit or Facebook, if that’s your jam.
Alcohol actually exacerbates existing mental health problems and, in some cases, causes them by chemically changing the brain. We typically feel that boredom is a negative emotion, but, like all emotions, boredom is merely information, a sort of red flag from the less articulate parts of our brain. Your boredom may be trying to tell you something important. Why is it your usual ways of occupying yourself are suddenly inadequate?
These unanticipated obstacles to wellbeing have the capacity to derail an otherwise smooth sailing recovery. I am very happy and grateful to be two years sober, but I wish I’d known then, what I know now. Morningside Recovery offers the full-spectrum of comprehensive addiction treatment in Orange County, CA. Take that first step on the road to recovery and make better choices, every day. Maybe you’ve always been curious about graphic design or wanted to go into the world of coding.
