Giving up alcohol. Things to do as a replacement.

jessica22222
jessica22222 Posts: 374 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
This may seem like a total no brainer, but what sort of things do you do for fun that don't revolve around alcohol.
I've recently given it up and trying to find fun things to do in the evenings and weekends. I'm finding I'm getting bored quitting. I think all the booze I've consumed in my life rotted my brain to the point I can't think of anything to do!

Replies

  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Can't you do the same things you've always done without drinking? Turn on some music and dance, go for a walk, cook a nice dinner, watch a movie, play a game, knit, draw, take a bubble bath... Do whatever you enjoy.
  • Somebody_Loved
    Somebody_Loved Posts: 498 Member
    Need2Exerc1se wrote: »
    Can't you do the same things you've always done without drinking? Turn on some music and dance, go for a walk, cook a nice dinner, watch a movie, play a game, knit, draw, take a bubble bath... Do whatever you enjoy.

    This exactly. I decided to cut way back on drinking a month and a half ago and was worried that I would have nothing to do. Turns out, I still do the exact same things I've always done except instead of alcohol in hand, I have water, diet coke or coffee.

    I've gone on river floats, to music festivals, dinners with girlfriends, weekends away, movie nights, and out to bars. Nothing is all that different except the drink I have in my hand. And the time I wake up the subsequent morning. ;)
  • jessica22222
    jessica22222 Posts: 374 Member
    I've just been worried about wanting one doing the same things. I should give myself more credit. I've been very happy waking up fresh and awake:)
  • katkins3
    katkins3 Posts: 1,359 Member
    Yoga? Read a book? Walk or run? Sports team? Take a class at a college or community college? Write in a journal?
    Try new healthy recipes? Catch up,with friends and relatives?
  • aledba
    aledba Posts: 564 Member
    jessica22222 wrote: »
    I've just been worried about wanting one doing the same things. I should give myself more credit. I've been very happy waking up fresh and awake:)

    If you're giving up alcohol because of calories, it shouldn't cause you any worry. It's like any other calorie laden item. You can fit it in or choose not to.

    However, if you're giving alcohol up because you allow it to exert too much power over you, I wish you all the best, but this is not the place to ask for help.


  • bunsen_honeydew
    bunsen_honeydew Posts: 230 Member
    Get a hobby, learn a musical instrument, volunteer ....

    I've always had to drive everywhere so I'm used to not having alcohol when I go out with friends etc. Diet coke, soda water & fresh lime, or sparkling water are my go to drinks.
  • jessica22222
    jessica22222 Posts: 374 Member
    aledba wrote: »
    jessica22222 wrote: »
    I've just been worried about wanting one doing the same things. I should give myself more credit. I've been very happy waking up fresh and awake:)

    If you're giving up alcohol because of calories, it shouldn't cause you any worry. It's like any other calorie laden item. You can fit it in or choose not to.

    However, if you're giving alcohol up because you allow it to exert too much power over you, I wish you all the best, but this is not the place to ask for help.


    I'm giving up alcohol for neither of those reasons. I'm giving it up to live healthier and be a good role model for my children. Losing the calories is a great bonus.
  • andympanda
    andympanda Posts: 763 Member
    I still drink, but a lot less. Since I have taken off weight, I do not need as much alcohol to get buzzed. And when I go out. after evrey rink I will have a cup of water, and a diet soda. That way I do not get that many calories. I make room for my 1 day a week of drinking.
  • Asher_Ethan
    Asher_Ethan Posts: 2,430 Member
    jessica22222 wrote: »
    This may seem like a total no brainer, but what sort of things do you do for fun that don't revolve around alcohol.
    I've recently given it up and trying to find fun things to do in the evenings and weekends. I'm finding I'm getting bored quitting. I think all the booze I've consumed in my life rotted my brain to the point I can't think of anything to do!

    Oh do I understand this feeling all too well. I think I would lose weight twice as fast as I have been if I didn't drink... But my parents are in their 60's and just a blast to drink with and I will lose weight slower just to have that time with them.


    But on nights I want to drink out of boredom, I started coloring dinosaurs with my son... It's actually a lot of fun.
  • jessica22222
    jessica22222 Posts: 374 Member
    Asher_Ethan wrote: »
    jessica22222 wrote: »
    This may seem like a total no brainer, but what sort of things do you do for fun that don't revolve around alcohol.
    I've recently given it up and trying to find fun things to do in the evenings and weekends. I'm finding I'm getting bored quitting. I think all the booze I've consumed in my life rotted my brain to the point I can't think of anything to do!

    Oh do I understand this feeling all too well. I think I would lose weight twice as fast as I have been if I didn't drink... But my parents are in their 60's and just a blast to drink with and I will lose weight slower just to have that time with them.


    But on nights I want to drink out of boredom, I started coloring dinosaurs with my son... It's actually a lot of fun.

    Same same! I just have too much fun and the night goes on. I've noticed those adult colouring books! I should pick one of those up and colour with the kiddos. Great idea.
  • joe3052
    joe3052 Posts: 28 Member


    [/quote]

    I'm giving up alcohol for neither of those reasons. I'm giving it up to live healthier and be a good role model for my children. Losing the calories is a great bonus. [/quote]

    That's awesome. I too am trying to cut back on alcohol because of my health and daughter. It's the toughest challenge I have ever faced, especially since alcoholism runs in my family. I other then staying busy with my daughter, work, eatting healthy, or working out I try to read other people's stories about getting alcohol out there life. There are many communities out there that offer support online. I find it helps keep me focused on where I want to be.
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    Weed
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    I have discovered some awesome walking trails by my house with spectacular scenery. In the summer one of the small towns by me has a free concert every Wednesday night. The casino by us has live music and dancing on Saturday's and Sunday's. You'll be amazed if you just look around.
  • Schmeggly80
    Schmeggly80 Posts: 81 Member
    I've been doing yoga and taking walks to combat drinking in the evenings. Also, I set a mini-goal like the one for this next 2 weeks: $0 from this pay cheque is going to booze. So far so good...
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    Go to the same spots you went to when you were drinking, don't drink and watch your friends, and the others there, act suave and sophisticated while drinking. If you have ever wondered how the cop knew you were drinking, the answer reveals itself.
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