Activities to do instead of drinking or using

[Vik]

Many find that when making change in their alcohol or other drugs use, not knowing how to fill time can be a struggle. However, there are so many great activities and hobbies out there to try!

In this week's blog there are a number of ideas for ways to use your spare time.
Have you tried something new recently? Is there something you find works great for you? Or something you'd interested in trying?

We'd love to hear about it!

[Belcalis]

I'm currently knitting, reading a lot, walking and tomorrow we will have a 6 week old kitten to take care of (her mother has started to reject her) I am TERRIBLE at knitting but it is what I find most useful, keeps my hands and mind busy

[Road to recovery]

I find reconnecting with mates has been helpful, when I’m bored or have no plans my thoughts race to using

[Vik]

That's a great one Road to Recovery! Reconnecting with old friends can help in many ways, especially if they're friends who don't encourage use.

Welcome to the forums by the way

[Simply me]

Trying to line a few of these up for when the itch for booze hits! My goal is specific moderation rather than total abstinance in the now, still leaves pauses eh. So, study....Im part way through an online course on 'Flower essences and energetic healing', crafting or art making, cuddling up with my partner and /or cat, talking things through with someone trusty, listening to music, watch a dvd (can't do violence or the news hence no tv), Youtubes, Pinterest. That will hopefully get me up n running some. Not getting too sassy till its been a while tho...

[Jack23]

hi [mention]Simply me[/mention]

Welcome to the forum and thank you for sharing your strategies.

Using all your bodily senses is a great way to distract yourself from letting urges grow and wear you down.

"Creating a First Aid Kit" is a positive idea to get through tough moments.

All the best and look forward to reading about your story.

Take care
Jack23

[Simply me]

Thanks for the welcome Jack23!

A 'First Aid Kit' is a great approach. Last night it was screaming into a pillow not very graceful, but worked to get through moment.

The difficult emotions that arise do seem to require nourishing attention like a wound does at times. Perhaps journaling might be quieter. Ha!

As you suggested with connecting with all the senses, ways to ease build up by acting preemptively. Learning curve I guess....

Your input appreciated eh....

[Ash_Chandra]

I am filling in my void though i am still using just cut down drastically by djing..creating music from scratch. I have started to collect vinyl records which ill play and watch my kids dance away to.

[Lenny79]

Hey peeps.
Just wondering if anyone has tried jogging/running as a distraction. I want to give it a go but (and forgive me if this sounds stupid) I don't know how to start. I'm not exactly healthy a tg the moment, and so the idea of just popping on a pair of runners and going for it doesn't sound right. Do I need to ease into it?? I'm 40 yo, I don't heal like i used to

[izy3]

Hi [mention]Lenny79[/mention],

It may be helpful to begin with just a walk and jog combination - jogging occasionally while walking around neighborhood or in a park nearby?
From my experience, when I prepared a lot (buying a pair of shoes, running clothes, planning a route etc) and then running did not feel good, I was disappointed and did not continue well.
Starting at an easy pace without serious thoughts/preparation can be a good step to find a way that will suite you?
Keep us updated Lenny79

[Vik]

[mention]Lenny79[/mention] how's the jogging?
A friend of mine just started using the free app "Couch to 5km" - might be a good option as it slowly increases the running. Also great as you get to watch yourself improve!

[Vik]

Has anyone seen MOOC Massive Open Online Courses!?

The courses are usually offered by universities, lots of topics are available, and they have limited pre-requisites so are suitable for any education level.

The courses are free unless you decide you want the certificate. How great's that!

[Stinger23]

Hey I'm new here. Glad to finally be doing something about the booze. Most my friends are in the same boat with me so I'm distancing myself and working on myself for a bit . Reading books definetly helps me . Nice to meet you all

[Melody12]

Hi Stinger23,

Its Melody12 one of the moderators. Its great to see you joining the group. Its sounds like you are making some positive moves towards change. I hope this forum provides you with some extra support and assists with your motivation.

Look forward to reading more from you.

Cheers,

Melody12

[Justme_au]

hello all
went to doctors today got some meds to help get off the grog. I am taking up making things from old laptop batteries like power packs, repacking drill packs so on, also playing computer games, mite try some new things as well
. anyways good luck to everyone