How to Relax Without Alcohol

Before you decided to become sober, you may have turned to a glass of wine or a few beers as a means to de-stress. Now that alcohol is no longer a part of your lifestyle, you need to be able to cope with your emotions in other ways. That’s why we’re here to offer you some ideas on how to relax without alcohol.

If you need a safe space to stay sober, our sober living environment at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation may be right for you. Contact us and learn how we can help. 

Enjoy a Green Tea

Green tea, in particular, is known to have active ingredients that regulate mood and help relieve stress. Plus, the ritual of making the tea, setting up a comfortable seating area, and simply enjoying the first few warm sips as the tea takes effect can also be quite a soothing process.

Engage in Physical Activity

Physical activity works wonders in terms of regulating mood, since it releases endorphins that promote feelings of wellness. You can keep your activity as light or vigorous as you’d like, from enjoying a walk and stretching to lifting weights and cycling. In addition, yoga specifically is praised for its ability to assist in clearing the mind. Once you find the exercise that works for you, engage in it whenever you need to release your pent-up energy and feelings.

Practice Meditation

A great method to clear your head is meditation. Meditation is a practice that takes some time to master—it asks you to empty your mind of all thoughts until inner peace is achieved. You can try this technique by finding a quiet place to sit, closing your eyes, and taking deep breaths. Acknowledge your thoughts as they arise, and then let them go until your mind is blank, blocking out any external disturbances.

Find a Creative Outlet

Some people find that having a creative outlet or hobby helps them most when trying to relax. Consider picking up a book, working on a painting, dancing to some music, writing in a journal, or any other activity that allows you to express yourself. Not only can these activities be a lot of fun, but in their own way, they also help you to empty your mind and release stress.

Take a Soothing Bath

A classic self-care activity, drawing a bath can be a very relaxing experience. Treat yourself to a bath bomb, light a few candles, and simply enjoy doing absolutely nothing but soaking in the warm water.

Tidy Up

Some people can’t relax knowing that there are chores left to do, while others actually clean their home as a way to clear their head. Whatever the case, tidying up the house can help a lot in reducing your stress levels. You’ll be able to enjoy your time much more knowing that everything is in order, plus, you may discover that the ritual of cleaning really helps you feel more relaxed and accomplished.

Consider The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation

We hope these ideas help you relax without alcohol. However, if you feel that you need assistance pursuing your sobriety, The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation is here for you. A sober living environment will allow you to recover in a supportive, understanding community. To learn more, contact us to discover how we can provide the help you need.