Why do we do things?
It seems like such a prosaic question. We do things for all sorts of reasons, don’t we? Work we do for money, and if we’re lucky, we do it because we enjoy it. We spend time with family and friends because it makes us feel good; ditto our favorite TV shows. We go to the gym because we have to and because we figure that endorphin rush is going to show up anytime now.
These are all valid reasons; the things that make us who we are. You often don’t need to look too closely to find the motivation for why we are the way that we are.
Then there are the things we do for bad reasons. These are our habits or addictions; the things that we shouldn’t do but that we do anyway. They take up a lot of our time, even if we don’t have a lot of time free to give away.
If you have ever struggled with these issues, you know you will have reached a point where you weren’t sure what things to do. If you been through a program, such as those you can learn and read from Clearbrook Treatment Centers, and come out of the other side – what happens next? You suddenly have all this time on your hands that you used to give to the addiction. You already do the other things because you enjoy them, but now you’re left with space in which to find new things to do.
If you’re lucky, life will naturally close up and fill the space. Outings with friends become more common; your work becomes more important or of a higher value. However, one of the most difficult parts of recovery is finding things to keep you occupied. The recovering mind is a vulnerable thing, and it needs to be focused on something.
So it’s time to pick up a new habit to replace the one that you have lost. It’s actually quite difficult to pick up a pastime as an adult, though, isn’t it? Most of us have been doing our hobbies for years by the time we reach this point. It’s also good to go for something that is going to be most useful for absorbing your mind, so for inspiration, we’ve explored some of the options.
#1 – Puzzles (such as Sudoku) and Trivia Games
Who They Suit: People who don’t mind sitting still. If you’re an active person, this probably isn’t the best option for you. A keen eye for details and problem solving helps as well.
Why It Works:
- They are absorbing. You will have to learn new rules and then learn how to play within them, improving each time.
- They don’t require expensive start-up costs, so if money is tight, then you don’t have the excuse not to do them.
- They work your mind without being stressful. If something is bothering you, then you can just set it to one side.
- They have no obvious end. Finished a puzzle? Fine, go and grab another one. There’s no gap for the addictive part of your mind to try and ease itself into.
#2 – Geocaching or Treasure Hunting
Who They Suit: Active people who don’t want to be cooped up indoors. Also good if you want to feel challenged and like the idea of a tangible goal to celebrate.
Why It Works:
It’ll keep you moving, going from place to place to find your next target.
- When you find a cache or an object you have been seeking, you will get the same rush of endorphins that an addiction brought you. Your brain, starved of a previous activity that ticked this box, is going to appreciate it.
- You’re less likely to sit around twiddling your thumbs.
- As with puzzles, they are limitless. Search local grounds and use online sites, and you will never run out of targets to hunt for.
#3 – Any Kind of Needlework
By needlework we mean one (or a few) of the following: Sewing, crocheting, cross stitch, rug making.
Who It Suits: Patience is an important part of this kind of hobby. Even if your patience is prone to fray, then being stubborn will be beneficial. You can throw something to one side when it displeases you, but then grit your teeth in determination and begin again.
Why It Works:
- It keeps your hands busy. This is particularly useful if you have found life post-addiction to include jittery hands. This is a common side effect, and this is one way to regain some manual dexterity.
- You’re gaining a valuable skill, which you may even be able to make money out of.
- You can start with small, simple projects and work up. The idea of having a goal (such as entirely handmade Christmas presents) can be a great motivator to keep you focused
- There is plenty of free advice and support regarding the hobby online so you can talk with other enthusiasts. If you’re a sociable person, this aspect will really appeal.
And what if you don’t like any of the above?
There’s no reason it has to be one of these things! We’re all different; these may bore you to tears while others find a new lifelong hobby. There’s no problem with creating your own so you can match it to your current skills or interests. However, while the above may seem diverse, they have a few crucial things in common – and for a good reason:
- They are not financially challenging. You don’t want to choose something, not be able to afford to do it one day and then risk falling back into bad habits.
- They are absorbing without being stressful – all of them can be walked away from at any point.
- They do not require other participants to do. There’s no risk of someone letting you down and then leaving you with time to kill – a dangerous state for someone in recovery.
If you can find something you prefer that fits these criteria, go for it. This is a chance to make yourself anew, so let your imagination be your guide.
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