No matter how busy you are, having at least some leisure time throughout the day or week that you can spend however you want is vital for your health. You may spend it engaging in a hobby, watching television, or simply resting. If you have a substance use disorder (SUD), much of your downtime is probably spent indulging in or recovering from drugs or alcohol. 

After going through treatment and beginning your recovery journey, you may find that you have a lot more leisure time than you once had. While this is a good thing, having too much free time with no outlet for creativity and expression can be dangerous while in recovery. Boredom can lead to loneliness, temptation, and the potential to relapse. Thus, it is critical to recovery to know plenty of healthy alternatives to fill this time while maintaining sobriety. 

Making a Plan for Leisure Time While in Recovery 

Leisure time can mean something different from person to person, but for many, it means free time away from work and school. You may desire more structured leisure time, such as attending sporting events, playing club or intramural sports, and water activities. It is also possible that you may enjoy more casual activities, like cozying up on the couch with a new book or watching television. While in recovery, journaling is a creative way to express emotions through words and drawings. 

If you are new to having extra time on your hands, it may take some adjusting to figure out what you like to do. You may even need to explore different activities to determine what you enjoy most. When making a plan for leisure time while in recovery, it may be helpful to consider some additional factors. For example:

• What new activity would I like to try? 
• How much time do I have to devote to it? 
• Would I like to spend my leisure time alone or in a group? 
• What tools will I need for this activity? 
• How much money (if any) am I willing to dedicate to this activity? 

Answering these questions can help you understand where to start when determining how to spend your extra leisure time. 

Getting Active in Recovery 

It is common to turn to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with stress. While in recovery, this is no longer an option. Being active in recovery is a great way to channel stress in a positive way while also benefiting your overall health and well-being. This does not mean that you have to sign up for a gym membership if you do not want to. 

Rather, consider finding what works best for you. If you enjoy watersports, you could go kayaking or paddleboarding at a local lake or body of water. If you are looking to join a team-like setting where you will be surrounded by others, consider checking out what teams are open at your local recreation center. 

If exercising independently is not ideal, you may consider signing up for a group class. You may even be able to find free sessions through your local YMCA. There are a multitude of options to choose from, such as: 

• Zumba
• Pilates
• Aerobics 
• Yoga
• Kickboxing 
• Group Cycling 
• Functional Fitness 

Not only do exercise classes help increase your blood flow and boost metabolism, but they can also be an opportunity to form new friendships. 

Giving Back While in Recovery 

One of the most rewarding and powerful things you can do for your recovery journey is give back to the community. Not only does this lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment, but it is a way to make positive connections with other people who are focused on making changes. These connections may even lead to job opportunities in the future. 

If you do not know where to start, evaluate what you are passionate about in life. For example, if you are an animal lover, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or donating supplies. Some other possible ideas include: 

• Serve meals at a soup kitchen 
• Volunteer at a local senior living community 
• Teach free art or music classes for children from low-income families 
• Keep the community clean by picking up litter or cleaning graffiti 
• Sponsor a child in need 
• Collect canned food items, blankets, and other supplies to donate to homeless shelters
• Write letters thanking active-duty soldiers for their service 
• Run a marathon for charity 
• Volunteer as a mentor or tutor at a local school 
• Help save a life by donating blood or plasma 

After going through treatment for a substance use disorder, you may find that you have a lot of extra leisure time on your hands. It is crucial to find effective and positive ways to fill this time in order to avoid the urge to relapse. Leisure time is viewed differently from person to person; while some choose to engage in structured activities, others may want to spend their downtime resting and refueling. One positive way to fill this extra leisure time in recovery is to be active. Not only does physical activity improve your physical and mental health, but it also helps dramatically reduce stress levels. Another outlet for filling leisure time is to give back to the community, which can be done in a multitude of ways, leading to positive connections. If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, our team at The Kimberly Center can help you regain control of your life. Call (855) 452-3683 today.