Summer is finally here. It is a time associated with taking vacations, spending more time with family, and enjoying the outdoors. This can also be a time where it can be common to engage in a little more alcohol use than other parts of the year at social events like cookouts, pool parties, or 4th of July celebrations. 

If you are in recovery, you may be a little concerned about how to handle this season and any temptations you might face. But do not worry; you can still have a great, memorable summer while maintaining your sobriety. It just involves making sure that you are surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people and keeping up with your treatment plan. Consider trying out the following tips, and you may find yourself enjoying one of the best summers yet.

Make Some Plans With Your Loved Ones

Making plans for the summer can help you get excited about this season. It can also give you things to look forward to, thus encouraging you to have a more positive mindset. Consider different activities or events you always talk about wanting to attend during the summer but end up missing because of scheduling conflicts or simply forgetting to mark down the dates. 

Perhaps you want to attend a particular concert, go to a festival, or visit an amusement park. Sit down with your friends and a calendar and make concrete plans to make sure you take the time to finally follow through with these plans this summer. 

Try Out a New Hobby 

You might get a little more time to yourself over the summer, whether you have time off from school or are able to take some vacation time from work. Consider how you are going to spend this extra time. Maybe there is a certain hobby or skill you always wanted to try out but never had the time for due to other responsibilities. Perhaps it is learning how to play an instrument, cook, knit, or speak a different language. 

Maybe you can spend this time developing that skill by attending a short class or workshop. If you are uncomfortable with going to an in-person class, there are likely countless YouTube videos online or applications on your phone that can help you learn for free from the comfort of your own home. You may find yourself reaching the end of summer having learned much more than you ever dreamed. 

Work on Your Physical Health 

Summer is an ideal time to get back into shape. Since the weather is more likely to be pleasant, you can get your exercise by walking, going for runs, swimming, or bike riding. You may also consider getting a gym membership or working with a personal trainer to learn new exercises and begin building the body of your dreams. If you struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, consider working with a nutritionist to come up with nutritious but enjoyable meal plans that work for you. 

Additional Summer Sober Activities 

If you are looking for additional ideas for fun, sober activities this summer, consider the following: 

#1. Go on a Camping Trip

Camping outdoors, while maybe not for everyone, is a very low-cost way to have fun this summer while getting away from the distractions of day-to-day life. If you are daring enough, you can pick your own camping spot while out in the wilderness and spend the night in a tent. Or, if running water and a roof above your head at night is more your style, look into your local national parks. Many of them offer cabins that you can rent out for however long you are planning to stay. 

#2. Plan a Sober Barbeque 

This can be a great way to join together with friends and family for food and fellowship while being in a safe place without unnecessary temptations. 

#3. Spend Some Time Out in the Water

Even if you do not own a property near a body of water, you can still rent a boat, canoe, or kayak and enjoy some time outside. 

#4. Take up Photography 

Between freshly blooming flowers, blue skies, and beautiful weather, summer is a great time to pick up photography. You do not need a fancy, expensive camera to capture the beauty of everyday life. You can start by just using the camera on your phone. 

#5. Spend Some Time Hiking

Getting out into the great outdoors can perform wonders for your mental health. It can be stress-relieving, refreshing, and rejuvenating. In addition, going on a nice long hike can help you burn calories and stay in shape. 

While many people associate the summer season with a time of increased substance use, you can still enjoy a wonderful, memorable summer while staying completely sober. It is all a matter of making sure you’re keeping up with your recovery plan and surrounding yourself with the right people. This summer, take the time to make concrete plans with friends to make sure you end up following through with all the activities you hope to get around to. Consider taking the time to try out a new hobby or to work on your physical health. Some other fun, sober summer activities can include going on a camping trip with family or friends, planning a sober barbeque, spending time out on the water boating or kayaking, taking up photography as a hobby, or spending time hiking outdoors. If you struggle with substance use this summer, call The Kimberly Center at (855) 452-3683.