15 Things to Do Sober Before Summer Ends

15 Things to Do Sober Before Summer Ends

• Mandy Sandhu
• 2 Aug 2021

Believe it or not, addiction recovery doesn’t mean you have to hole up at home and miss out on all the fun this season has to offer. It’s possible to make the most of your time with friends and family without compromising your sobriety.

So, what do sober people do for fun? Here’s a list of top sober activities you can do this summer if you’re newly recovered, or if you have just decided to take vices out of your life.

Things to do Sober: Celebrate with Food, not Booze 

It’s common for people in recovery to steer clear of parties or dinners because they’re concerned about the thought of wine or beer being served, or the sight of other people drinking might trigger cravings, which may eventually lead to relapse. 

But instead of avoiding social gatherings altogether, you can take things in a different direction. Perhaps one of the best things to do sober during this season is to make good food and great company the main highlight of your events. Enjoying the moment and sharing funny or heartwarming stories with friends and family while you’re all gathered around sumptuous food are perhaps some of the coolest and easiest things to do sober, not only in summer but all year round. 

Here are a handful of tips on how to create sober parties: 

• Things to do sober: Hold a sober barbeque party. What better way to enjoy patio season than dining al fresco, right? Take the grill out and get grilling! As with all sober activities, inform guests beforehand that while beer or any alcoholic drink is officially off-limits, they can still hold iconic red cups filled with soda.
• Things to do sober: Master the art of mocktail making. There are many summer mocktail recipes available online that you can try. Learn together with your buddies or impress them by crafting them one on your next hangout.
• Things to do sober: Schedule a watch party at home. Cheer for your favourite team or see the latest movie on demand while munching on a hearty snacking spread of buffalo wings, nachos, or fries.
• Things to do sober: Go baking! #QuarantineBaking trended during the height of the pandemic for a reason. It’s a creative process that’s both soothing and meditative, and the output can be comforting and satisfying. Baking should definitely be on your list of sober activities to do when you’re bored or stressed to keep your mind busy.

Inviting friends to these cool sober activities can open their minds and convince them that it is possible to have a blast at parties even without alcohol.

Things to do Sober: Engage in Outdoor Sober Activities 

Whether you are only in the beginning stages of your addiction recovery journey or have maintained your sobriety for quite some time now, sober outdoor activities can offer valuable benefits. 

Aside from the happy hormones from endorphins, physical activities can accelerate the body’s healing process from substance abuse. It can also promote a positive outlook, reduce anxiety, increase self-awareness, and regulate moods. On the other hand, heading out to enjoy the sun can reset the circadian rhythm, making a huge difference in individuals struggling with insomnia while in recovery. 

Check out these outdoor sober activities you should do, either alone or with well-meaning friends, before the summer ends:

•  
• Things to do sober: Arrange a weekend camping trip. It’s an awesome way to bond with people or a relaxing way to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
• Things to do sober: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the great outdoors of Canada. The Great White North boasts of having some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world.
• Things to do sober: Ride your bike and explore natural sceneries around your area. Experience the country’s top nature spots by cycling around popular biking trails. The Rouge Park is the most accessible urban park for city dwellers. Doing fun outdoor summer activities here is super convenient because there’s a free shuttle that runs from downtown Toronto to Rouge Park all summer long.
• Things to do sober: Visit the Toronto Islands and relax in its beautiful beaches, including Hanlan’s Point, a favourite spot for the LGBTQ+ community.
• Things to do sober: Take yoga classes in the park. Having yoga into your fitness regimen is an excellent strategy to follow meditation and mindfulness.
• Things to do sober: Go kayaking or canoeing around the Ontario skyline. Rent kayaks and canoes downtown at the Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre or join a guided tour.
• Things to do sober: Go fishing. If you’ve got the knack and the patience, fishing trips can be a calming experience. 
• Things to do sober: Sign up for an outdoor fitness Bootcamp. Regain your strength and get toned all over without wasting the remaining sunshine-filled days inside an indoor gym.
• Things to do sober: Play frisbee in the park with your dog. Not all sober activities require a grand vacation. Simply taking your dog out for a walk, run, or any outdoor activity that involves frolicking under the sun is a wonderful way to make the most of summer. 
• Things to do sober: Beat the summer heat by swimming. Ontario is blessed with beaches, lakes, and public swimming pools for you to dive in. Check out one that’s nearest to your area.

Making plans to do these outdoor sober activities is also a productive way to counter boredom and isolation, which have been identified as significant addiction relapse triggers. 

Things to Do Sober: Volunteer for a Cause 

Doing volunteer work for people in recovery is one of the many things to do sober, no matter the season. Volunteering for a cause close to your heart gives you:

• A fresh perspective about your life
• A positive way to overcome the guilt and shame of addiction
• A renewed sense of purpose
• An opportunity to socialize and create meaningful connections with other people

There are countless organizations where you can volunteer this summer. Look for volunteering opportunities, like soup kitchens, beach cleanup drives, or animal shelters,  in your community.

Stay Happily Sober with Freedom From Addiction 

Keep in mind that recovering from addiction is a lifelong commitment. While you make time for exciting sober activities for an unforgettable summer experience, don’t forget to also stay on track with relapse prevention strategies, like going to individual or group counselling or attending 12-Step meetings or other addiction support groups. 

Freedom From Addiction offers a Continuing Care Program for individuals who have completed a drug or alcohol rehab program but still require social and emotional support as they transition into society. For more information about our addiction treatments, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. A member of our team will get back to you shortly. 

Contact us today!