National Beer Lovers Day: 5 Sober Activities You Can Do Instead

September 6, 2019 - Alcohol Addiction, Life in Recovery, Relapse Prevention - 0 Comments

Every year, National Beer Lovers Day is celebrated on the same day – September 7. For the casual drinker who loves the taste of malt, this means enjoying beer discounts offered by numerous drinking establishments. However, for recovering alcoholics, this can be a nightmare. Imagine going out and seeing beer promotions wherever you go with everyone around you indulging in something you have to avoid.

If you are trying to quit alcohol, the best way to skip all temptation is to engage in sober activities that will keep you busy and put your mind far away from this alcohol-infused celebration.

Here are five suggestions of what you can do instead.

1.    Go hiking

If you live in a downtown neighborhood surrounded by bars and pubs, getting away is a smart solution to avoid the triggers brought about by National Beer Lovers Day. A good idea is to spend the weekend immersing yourself in nature by going hiking. According to studies, nature therapy can be helpful for people in recovery.

September is an amazing time to go on a hiking and camping trip. The weather is not too hot and there’s still very little rainfall. Because it’s towards the end of the summer season, the trails are also less crowded so you can enjoy your hike in peace. You can go for a full day hike and enjoy the beauty of nature. While you’re at it, consider spending the entire weekend by pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars. If you have more time, you can even travel out of state or out of the country as there will be a lot of end-of-summer travel deals offered by many airlines.

2.    Have a Netflix marathon

To avoid the temptation to go out, a good motivation is to start a new television series with numerous seasons or episodes. Choose a series with so many cliffhangers that it will keep you stuck on your couch for the entire weekend. Of course, make sure that your pantry is stocked with popcorn, healthy meals, and non-alcoholic beverages so you won’t be tempted to go out.

If you’re not a fan of TV series, movie marathons will also work. Choose a genre or artist and watch all the movies available on your streaming service. The key is to keep yourself entertained to avoid being bored and tempted to go out.

3.    Play golf

Whether you’re an amateur or seasoned golfer, the great thing about this sport is that it will eat up quite a chunk of your day. A round of golf for four players takes around four hours to play but if it’s a busy golf course, it can even take up to 6 hours for 18 holes. It’s not as physically draining as basketball or football so you can cruise through the day playing. If you’ve never played golf before, this is a good time to learn. Learning to play golf can help you refocus your energies and attention away from alcohol.

4. Start a Fixer-Upper project 

Maybe you’ve always wanted to renovate your patio, retile your bathroom or build a new dresser but haven’t found the time to do so. Use this time to start your project, which will definitely keep you busy all weekend (and too tired to go out!). Plan the project ahead of time by checking what you need to complete your DIY project. Check out Pinterest boards and watch YouTube videos if you are unsure of certain instructions. The best thing about this activity is the sense of fulfilment you get at the end when you see that you were able to build something with your own hands.

If you think building or crafting is too complicated for you, why not declutter your home using the KonMari method? This can help you sort out the material stuff around you and help you simplify your life so you can focus on what’s important – your personal wellness.

5.    Host a sober get-together

If you’re a person who thrives in social situations, then invite people over and host a sober party. Friends who are also in recovery will appreciate such get-together because you’re also helping them get over National Beer Lovers Day. If you are an excellent cook, this is the time to showcase your talent to your friends. Pick a food theme (ex: Mexican, Italian, BBQ) and liven up your house with decorations.

If party planning is not your forte, a potluck where guests bring a dish is also an easier plan. Another convenient idea is having a pizza party where you order a box from different pizza establishments then you and your guests can then have fun judging like food critics which pizza is the best.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, help is available.

Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.