Find Yourself Having Fun in Recovery

Substance use is often associated with a fast-paced and chaotic lifestyle. Recovery can also seem dull and restricted to some people. This misperception has been a common reason why many people resist entering into treatment. The truth is, you are encouraged to have fun during recovery as long as you are engaging in sober activities. Fun and relaxing things are actually important components of self-care.

Redefining Fun and Relaxing Activities

Having “fun” is a general statement to describe being in a good mood. People with substance addiction may think that using substances is fun because they allow you to feel high. However, long-term negative effects of drugs and alcohol have deprived many people of truly living independent lives. Life with substance addiction is inevitably chaotic and stressful because the brain is constantly stimulated by external chemicals. The “fun” moments are artificially generated and harmful to the body.

Human beings naturally long for fun and pleasure. When we hang out with good friends, taste good food, watch a good movie, or visit interesting places, the brain releases dopamine, a “feel-good” chemical. Your emotional and mental health get boosted. There are many natural and sober ways to have this kind of healthy fun in life. Health professionals actually encourage recovering individuals to carve out time for this kind of sober fun. After you complete treatment, do not go back to working without relaxing and having fun because that will put you under stress, which triggers relapse.

Learn to Relax and Connect With Life

Many working professionals are so preoccupied with work that they cannot afford the time to slow down, relax and do something fun. Overworking can also lead to substance addiction because the latter becomes a way of self-medication to deal with stress. Working professionals need to build a balance of fun and relaxation into their life so that their emotional and mental health are not undermined.

When recovery stops your previous busy and chaotic lifestyle, it is time to consider living differently. Think about what kinds of activities might bring you joy. Maybe you have always wanted to visit certain places or go camping. Join your sober friends on their kayaking tours. Nurture new hobbies such as baking or photography so that you can enjoy creating something again. The bottom line of having real fun is to avoid substances and enjoy natural ways of relaxation.

The Fun of Socializing

One misconception some people have about addiction recovery is that sober people are too lonely to have fun because they get to only hang out with certain boring folks now. The truth is, getting sober does affect who you socialize with and how you go about doing that. People with addiction tend to think that drugs and alcohol help them socialize. Without substances, they have no idea how to socialize.

However, there is nothing lonelier than being caught in the spiral of substance addiction. You actually do not have a lot in common with friends who are also using substances other than drugs and alcohol themselves. That kind of shallow socializing deprives you of building truly meaningful connections and relationships.

In recovery, socializing with sober friends and building relationships offer more fulfillment. When you open up to somebody, or when that person confides in you, that is what human beings consider satisfying. You feel more connected to others in a deeper and more authentic way because you are sharing the real self. Joining a hobby club and creating something together allows you to enjoy the good feeling of creativity.

You Should Not Feel Guilty for Having Fun

Recovery takes a lot of hard work, but it is not all work. Some people have felt the shame of their past addiction that they want to put a lot of serious work into making things right again. If that is the case with you, you need to first practice self-forgiveness. Then you have the chance to re-explore who you are and what the world offers. Addiction recovery allows you to become a child again with curiosity about things around you.

Recovery can and should be fun because this is a new beginning. You can choose a different lifestyle with healthy food, routines, and hobbies. Health professionals have coached you to listen to your body. Have you realized that sometimes a burst of good laughter can be powerful in resetting your mood? Having fun and enjoying fun activities can help get the brain back on the right track. Recovery can be sustainable only when it is also fun.

You can have fun during recovery. You can choose a different lifestyle with healthy food, routines, and hobbies. If you don’t know how to relax and enjoy this phase of life, maybe you should consider working with trained therapists to help you transition to a joy-filled recovery. At Capo Canyon Recovery, near Mission Viejo, CA, we embrace a holistic approach to sustainable and long-term recovery. Our methods are incremental in a satisfying recovery and feeling of overall wellness. No matter what stage you are in, we care for your physical health and mental health. Our inpatient residential care and outpatient, long-term care programs offer unmatched benefits. We provide excess comfort with an in-house chef, luxurious beds, and an onsite organic garden during your sobriety journey. With Capo Canyon Recovery, you can rely on us to help you relax and have fun while recovering. Do not let the hard work rob you of joy and hope. Call us at (800) 804-8714.