5 Things to Do Instead of Drinking This Weekend

Maybe you’ve given up drinking as part of a monthly challenge. Maybe you’re simply trying to cut back on the alcohol you consume, without necessarily choosing abstinence. Whatever your reasons for wanting to drink less alcohol, it’s important to find other activities that you like doing. After all, it can feel lonely when you’re the only one not partaking.

But just because you’re sober doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun! Here are 5 things to do instead of drinking this weekend.

1.    Read a Book

I know it sounds basic. But there are entire WORLDS waiting to be explored, and all you have to do is turn the pages. Don’t have any books? No problem. If you’ve got a phone or a tablet, you can download apps that allow you to read books right on your device! Plus, if you have a library card, you can borrow one for free.

2.    Reconnect with Old Friends

When was the last time you really communicated with old friends? And no, I don’t just mean liking each other’s Facebook statuses and sending memes. COVID has isolated so many of us, but that doesn’t mean we have to be alone. Set up a video call with an old bestie and rekindle those high school or university friendships.

Better yet, call your mom to tell her how much she means to you. Trust me, you’ll make her day.

3.    Revisit an Old Hobby

I get it. Life gets busy, and that set of paints gathering dust under your bed? Yeah, it’s seen better days. But just because you’ve neglected hobbies in favour of nights out or long work hours doesn’t mean you can’t pick them back up.

Set aside an hour or two to reengage with an old hobby – you might just find that it brings you so much joy, you want to take it back up.

4.    Learn Something New

Ever wanted to learn a language, but put it off because it seemed too difficult? Now is the time to bust out that confidence I know you’re hiding and dive headfirst into learning a new skill.

These days, rec centres and community centres have oodles of different classes available. I once took a moccasin making class, and was it challenging? Heck yes. But by the end of the class, I had a pair of moccasins I was proud of, and I met some great people along the way. Don’t be afraid to branch out!

5.    Make Mocktails!

Ok, I couldn’t make a list of things to do instead of drinking without including mocktails. Mocktails are DELIGHTFUL. My favourite? Strawberry Lime Mint Agua Fresca.

Simply combine 1 cup of strawberries, 1 cup of ice, juice of 1 lime, 2 tbsp simple syrup, 3-4 mint leaves and ½ cup of water. Blend, and you will have a refreshing summer drink, sans alcohol. Trust me, it tastes so good, you won’t even care that it’s alcohol-free!

Final Thoughts

Finding things to do instead of drinking can feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. There are books to be read, friendships to be rekindled and new skills to be mastered.

And remember – going alcohol free doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing (unless being sober full-time is what works best for you – in that case, you do you!). It’s ok to experiment with going alcohol free some of the time and drinking at others. Just remember that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time. As you’ve seen, you can do that on your own!

Lastly, if you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, you don’t have to go it alone. Please reach out to an addictions counsellor or local AA chapter for support. Recovery is possible, and you’re worth it.

What’s your favourite alcohol-free activity? Let me know in the comments below!