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The process of recovery cannot be completed overnight. Many believe that it is a lifelong process. A significant part of engaging in substance use can be the environment and people you choose to spend time with. You may have been part of the “nightlife scene,” which often includes clubs, bars, lounges, and parties. In these spaces, it is a regular occurrence to consume drugs and alcohol. While you may miss the nightlife, there are many alternative options to have fun while in recovery. Learning about new nighttime activities and their benefits can help with exercise, mental health, and curing feelings of boredom and isolation. You may even consider gathering your loved ones to get together and have fun!
The Benefits of Bowling
When people think about bowling, they may just think about a fun night out with family and friends. Some even go bowling with their co-workers or even have a birthday party at the bowling alley. However, bowling is also a great form of exercise, and luckily, almost anyone can do it. It’s a sport that doesn’t require much work and is easy to learn. Some bowling alleys also cater to people who are visually impaired or in wheelchairs.
Bowling for 20 minutes equates to walking one mile and can help you burn up to 300 calories. Next time you're at the bowling alley, pay attention to the weight of the balls. The average bowling ball can weigh anywhere from 12 to 14 pounds. Swinging the ball over and over for an hour is similar to a weight lifting workout. Bowling can help tone your arms, chest, legs, and shoulders.
You can even improve your flexibility and balance while bowling! The lunging and stretching you have to do to bowl improve your flexibility. Your ligaments and muscles are stretched every time you roll the ball. The weight of the ball on your upper body can also improve your posture and balance.
Hand-eye coordination also plays a significant role in bowling. If you have ever watched a basketball game, you know the hoop is not small. The distance between the basketball hoop and the middle court line is 47 feet long. That may seem far, but the pins when you are bowling are almost 60 feet away. When bowling, you can not only practice your hand-eye coordination but improve it as well.
All of these benefits can occur with consistently bowling correctly. Although bowling may seem challenging to some, it can be an activity to conquer to fill your time and take your mind off negative emotions. Some bowling alleys will provide memberships so that you can turn it into a consistent activity.
Buy Some Skates
It’s no secret that skating can be a great way to get some good exercise. Skating is the ultimate combination of fun and cardio, no matter how old or young you are! Whether it's roller skating or ice skating, both can be highly beneficial for strengthening your lower body. Skating also promotes healthy muscles and joints. Joint flexibility can also be improved through your legs, having to move in a synchronized form.
Become the Next Picasso
Art may not be physically beneficial, but it can improve mental health and be entertaining. Painting at night can allow you to channel a different type of energy when you are creating your art.
Painting is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings on a canvas and can be therapeutic. For some people, speaking their emotions aloud can be challenging at times. When you create art, you can get your feelings out without having to use words. Artistic exploration allows you to express yourself through visual and symbolic mediums. Other benefits of art may include:
- Improving self-management by learning to focus
- Alleviating depression by lowering the heart rate and boosting dopamine levels
- Improving communication skills
- Enhancing problem-solving skills
- Building self-esteem
- Mitigating pain, stress, and irritability
- Providing a positive distraction
Avoiding Bars and Clubs
Ultimately what you decide to do for fun at night is up to you. However, it is recommended to avoid environments where you may have consumed alcohol or drugs to avoid temptation. There are so many other nightlife options; this is just the beginning of your process of recovery. As time goes on, you will meet people who have similar interests that don't involve alcohol or substance abuse.
The road to recovery isn't always an easy one. The process may be easier if you make the conscious decision not to be around environments or peers who indulge in substance use. At night, you may be tempted to visit bars, clubs, or parties you used to attend. While these used to be fun, it is recommended to avoid these scenes to reduce the chances of relapse. Luckily, there are other fun, healthy options for engaging in a nighttime activity. It can be challenging to find what you enjoy, but the process will be worth it in the end. Get creative with finding new hobbies! Bowling, skating, and painting are all healthy options of nightlife entertainment that you can indulge in. Developing the habit of avoiding places that serve alcohol and encourage substance use may be a challenging task and, for some, may even lead to a relapse. If you or a loved one struggles with finding new hobbies in recovery, you don't have to do it alone. START UP RECOVERY can help you. Call us today at (310) 773-3809.