Feeling bored is something we’ve all experienced, and it seems innocuous enough. However, boredom is a challenging issue for those in recovery — especially during the early stages. When a person is newly sober, they suddenly have a lot of free time on their hands and might consider turning to drugs or alcohol as a way to add some excitement back into their life.
Finding meaningful ways to fill the time can seem daunting, but it’s an important part of maintaining your recovery. Here are some ways you can avoid the boredom trap.
Rekindle Your Interests
Keeping busy is a good antidote to boredom, but it’s only a temporary fix. When things quiet down, it’s important to have interests or hobbies to fall back on when you’re feeling bored. Explore the things that once brought you happiness before addiction took over — perhaps you loved to cook, go camping or play video games. If you feel like you’ve outgrown your old hobbies, there’s a whole world of new activities out there just waiting to be explored.
Connect With Others
Connecting with other people is a great way to fight boredom and discover new interests. Fortunately, it can be easy to find others in your area in addiction support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). If you prefer a secular alternative, there are also non-12-step groups like SMART Recovery available, and your rehab center may offer an alumni program for those who have recently completed treatment.
Stay Mindful
You’ve probably practiced some form of mindfulness in your recovery program, which involves staying present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness can teach you how to sit with boredom when it arises and discover healthy ways to manage it without being reactive or feeling overwhelmed.
Turning Boredom Into a Catalyst for Growth
Boredom doesn’t have to be a roadblock to your recovery. If you’re feeling bored, it may be a sign that it’s time to shake things up and try something new. This can help you stay sober and motivate you to explore new interests or opportunities that help you grow as a person.
If you’re having trouble dealing with boredom, don’t forget to reach out to your peers — they can offer support, share their own experiences and maybe even join you in discovering new activities. Remember, we’re in this together and it’s okay to seek help along the way.
To get in touch with Mount Sinai Wellness Center, contact us today at (800) 353-4673.
