But I was like this, and I love them so much. And I know so many people have adopted dogs, or gotten puppies during the quarantine, but also in early sobriety, and just the joy that that brings you is wonderful. So, I’m going to give you some ideas, especially ones inspired by the Sober Book Club discussion. I just read about the book, The Sober Lush, but also about the topic, about how to live a decadent, adventurous, soulful life, alcohol free.
You don’t have engaging hobbies.
If you’ve reached a point where you can’t experience joy in anything and use alcohol as a way to escape, don’t brush it off as a rough phase. The sooner you get help and start working on it, the sooner you can break free of it. What if you’ve tried to do the “normal” stuff people do for fun and don’t like any of it?
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being. These stories remind us that boredom isn’t merely a state of inactivity or idleness — it can also be a time for reflection, creativity, and unexpected discovery. Understanding this connection is the first step towards breaking the cycle. In such scenarios, our brain searches for something exciting or rewarding, leading us towards behaviors that can stimulate and intrigue us. It’s why we might suddenly find ourselves reaching for that remote, a candy bar, or for some, a bottle of alcohol.
Create a Healthy Support System
Have you always wanted to learn to dance salsa? Get on Google, find a class, and make it happen. Plus, you might meet some cool people, and that’s always a double win. But it’s comforting to know that you don’t have figure it out on your own.
She participated in research studying ADHD in children, mindfulness and anxiety, and embodied cognition. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she continued her education at the University of Denver and earned a master’s in clinical mental health counseling with a side specialization in addiction. During grad school, she treated clients involved in the legal system as well as at a detox facility. After graduating, Karlie gained experience working in a residential program for eating disorders and a private practice before joining the AspenRidge team. Reflect on your drinking patterns and keep track of them to identify your boredom drinking triggers. With self-awareness, you’ll be better equipped to understand and address your habits.
Now someone said, and I think it’s so true, that the most important thing you can do when you’re not drinking, to avoid boredom and for emotional support, is making connections. And I know it’s hard as grown women, it is difficult to put yourself out there you feel like everyone already has friends. And everyone has history and everyone’s busy. I remember the first time I texted someone in sobriety just to say hi, I’m at my son’s baseball game, just wanted to see how you’re doing. And that ended up being one of my best friends in sobriety.
It may require a bit of soul-searching, especially when your motivation is at historically low levels. But also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and get involved in activities around your community. Don’t get down on yourself because you can’t get wasted at the bar with your friends anymore.
TALK TO SOMEONE
Whether your sobriety has you wallowing in boredom or self-pity, please know that it will get better. Even if you have no idea HOW things can change, trust the process and keep working on it. It is very common for people to replace alcohol with sugar in the beginning, which is detrimental not only to your waistline and physical health but your mental well-being as well. It also opens up space to approach your internal world differently. One of the biggest impediments to my sobriety during my relapse days was my inability to avoid getting consumed by emotions. You have to understand what you’re feeling and WHY you’re feeling this way in order to change it.
- According to Medical News Today, the average adult in the United States experiences around 131 days of boredom per year.
- You don’t want to read and talk about it anymore.
- When I was finished, it was like someone had hit the refresh button on my brain.
- Having a list of supportive contacts is beneficial because it can provide you with immediate access to people who will encourage and support you on your journey to recovery.
- Dopamine is like a pat on the back from our brain.
As a kid, whenever I was bored I would read a book, look for friends to play with, go for a walk, or make up my own games such as kicking rocks on the ground to see how far they could go. Today as an adult, I still find myself feeling bored sometimes, but I have a different approach to boredom, and a different philosophy on what boredom is. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Hello Someday Podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about me or the work I do or accessing free resources and guides to help you build a life you love without alcohol, please visit eco sober house hellosomedaycoaching.com.
Some days, I’m moving forward on projects that get me really, really excited. Welcome to the Hello Someday Podcast, the podcast for busy women who are ready to drink less and live more. I’m Casey McGuire Davidson, ex-red wine girl turned life coach helping women create lives they love without alcohol.
This is what happened to me towards the end of my drinking days, I didn’t want to do anything that didn’t involve getting drunk. That would just get in the way of being able to drink as much as I wanted. But the thing is, drinking out of boredom is a type of drinking that can quickly spiral out of control if you aren’t careful. Boredom and stress are two emotions that can feel as if they are never going to leave. However, as the saying goes, this too shall pass. Valuing and prioritizing yourself in recovery can be a powerful way to remove the hold alcohol has on you.