Making the Most of Your Summer in Recovery

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Summer is a great time to commit to your recovery because the longer and brighter days allow you more time to be outside. As a society, we often associate holidays and New Year’s Resolutions with trying to cut back on alcohol or finally commit to recovery. Still, there are many benefits to seeking help for your addiction during the summer months. A sober summer can be a fun, enriching time to build new friendships, experience new adventures, and focus on the future. Spending time outdoors can improve your mood which is important when trying to stay strong in your recovery. Studies have shown that even 10 minutes of sunlight each day can boost mood and help prevent depression. Below are some ways to embrace summer and stay strong in your recovery without compromising summer fun and activities.

Spend time outdoors

Nature is ideal for restoring your mental health, gaining new skills, and getting healthy. Make it a goal to spend one hour outside every day. This can include doing things around the yard, such as gardening, mowing the lawn, or getting out into nature with your dog or kids. Go for a hike, jog, or yoga class outdoors. Learn a new skill, such as paddle boarding or kayaking, or go camping with friends or family. Take advantage of community recreation centers like pools or gyms. The great outdoors is for everyone, and endless opportunities exist to soak up the sun and embrace nature.

Start a new exercise routine

Recovery is reinforced when you take advantage of your new and improved physical functioning. When you get sober, you’ll have more energy, stronger muscles, and more mental motivation to exercise. Reap the rewards of physical activity and start a new workout routine. Attend a workout class such as yoga or CrossFit, or maybe sign up for a race such as a half marathon or full marathon.

Take a dry summer vacation

Maybe this is a sober road trip by yourself or a summer vacation with your family, or perhaps you choose to take a sober friend for a camping and hiking trip, to explore a new city, or a tour of national parks, anything that delivers a low stress, no-trigger summer vacation experience. You can also go on a trip with a sober recovery group. There are many travel groups and companies that help people in recovery plan amazing and sober vacations. These trips are designed to limit exposure to alcohol and drugs and help people avoid relapse. An extra benefit of these experiences is meeting new people who are also in recovery. They will know your journey and be with you as you see the world together.

Volunteer for a cause

Contributing to the community through volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Contact local charities, animal shelters, or environmental organizations and offer your time and skills. Not only will you be making a positive impact, but volunteering can also boost self-esteem and promote a connection with others. Ideas can include trash clean-up organizations in your community, walking dogs at your local shelter, volunteering at a local thrift store, or reading or tutoring the youth at local libraries or community centers.

Explore healthy cooking and eating

Summer brings fresh fruits and vegetables, allowing you to explore healthy eating. Visit local farmers’ markets and try seasonal produce. Experiment with nutritious recipes and enjoy the flavors of the season. Take a cooking class or learn how to meal-prep for the week ahead. Nourishing your body with a balanced diet is essential for physical and emotional well-being. 

Other summer activities that support your recovery:

• Declutter and re-organize your living space 

• Read a new book or join a book club 

• Get craft by taking up a new craft or art project

Staying rooted in your recovery during social gatherings

Adopting healthy summer activities is essential to stay strong in your recovery, but no matter how you spend your time this summer, you must be steadfast in your recovery. The following tips can help you stay rooted in recovery:  

Stick with your recovery routine: Make sure you take the time to follow the routines that help you stay connected to your sobriety. Whether you prefer to practice self-care, meet with a therapist, or attend 12-step support groups, prioritize your recovery-based activities. While it’s tempting to spend all your free time in the summer enjoying fun in the sun, recovery takes effort, and maintaining a balance of fun and routine will keep you grounded. 

Spend time with people who respect your sobriety: While relationships with friends and family may be significant, it is important to know which ones are worth keeping and which ones you must let go of. As you continue on the path toward a sober lifestyle, it’s necessary to surround yourself with people who support your decision to cut out drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, some people may not be as receptive to this decision, and spending time with them can result in an unwanted relapse. Whether they peer pressure you or make you uncomfortable by drinking alcohol or using drugs in your presence, you may want to spend less time with them. 

Set boundaries when attending social events: Some social gatherings last several hours, which may be too long to resist temptations. Give yourself a set time for how long you’ll stay at the event, whether it’s an hour or a few hours.  

Socializing, in general, can be emotionally taxing, so check in with yourself to see how you are feeling during social gatherings. Are other people at the event drinking and making you feel anxious? Or is it a relaxing event that makes you feel comfortable? Attending a concert or sporting event when you’re not secure in your sobriety can often lead to urges and cravings, which can increase the risk of a relapse. Consider bringing a sober friend to these events to help keep you accountable and check in with yourself throughout the night. 

AKUA Mind Body

At AKUA Mind Body, our clinical team understands the importance of your recovery journey. We believe that providing high-quality care to clients and their families is best when it comes from a healthy and balanced clinical team. We offer specialized treatment programs for men and women with trauma, and mental health issues, including co-occurring disorders, and substance use disorders in northern and southern California. By offering most levels of care, our clients benefit from a consistent experience, always knowing their next step for lasting recovery.  

To learn more about our treatment programs, contact our 24/7 Admissions helpline at 888-637-0242 for a confidential assessment.