99 Sober Activities To Do This Weekend Instead Of Drinking

Engaging in meaningful discussions can create memorable connections that go beyond the need for alcohol to loosen up. At 27, after a solid 13 years of drinking pretty much every week without fail (such is the culture we’re born into in Britain, right?), I was definitely a problematic binge drinker. If you don’t have access to mints or cologne, you can also mask your smell by eating strong smelling food like flavored chips, garlicky dishes or food that has a lot of spice like curry.

There is nothing a person can do to quickly reduce the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level in their body. The liver needs time to filter blood and remove alcohol from the system. However, there is no effective way to sober up quickly other than to stop drinking and allow time to pass. Since I’ve got sober I’ve being sober around drinkers had varying success at navigating my way through this Easter weekend. One year I felt shiny, sparkly-sober, newly-slim & invincible! One year I took every single alcoholic beverage consumed by another person as a personal slap in the face and raged at the situation privately in my room (with a pen and paper).

The sad truth of being sober with a bunch of drunk people.

I was spoiled living in New York City, where you could see a play or musical performance any day of the week. But you don’t have to live in a major city to take advantage of the arts. Explore a local museum or take in an art exhibit. Find things to stimulate your mind that you find interesting but were previously too hungover to appreciate. Sometimes these places can (if nothing else) provide a place of calm. If you don’t know how to make anything, this is a great opportunity to learn a new skill.

There’s a strong camaraderie within the sport, the gyms are known for being intensely supportive spaces, and I think people have exorcised many demons there. Start Googling activities you found fun as a kid or have always wanted to try and book some time. For some, it can feel downright boring and torturous. Early in sobriety, there’s a tendency to want to just stay home and hide. Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.

Get tickets for a show or event.

I’ll now make sure that I spend the first hour of any night out (at least) alcohol-free. Half of the time I realise that I’m having just as much fun without a hard drink in my hand and I’ll keep it up for the rest of the event or party. Other times I’ll have an alcoholic drink, but only towards the end of the night to perk myself up a bit if I feel like I’m starting to lack energy. Knowing that I stayed in control of myself really helps to lessen my paranoia the next day.

• Exercise can relieve stress and anxiety, improve mood and release feel-good neurotransmitters.
• Additionally, I examine the way mental and physical health as well as our relationships with others impact the reasons people drink and their role in maintaining sobriety long-term.
• Keep a basket for garments that could use a little TLC.