You know we love to let our hair down and sip our sensational cocktails. However, sometimes indulging in alcoholic libations just simply isn’t an option. For some, alcohol can be a real issue leading to addiction, wet brain symptoms or other life-threatening conditions. If you can relate, you might be looking for ways to enjoy your summer vacation while reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption. No problem. Here are a few ways you can have stellar summer fun while still staying sober.
Take a Road Trip
Clearly, drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. Therefore, taking a road trip promises to be one of the best summer vacations you could have while staying sober. Yes, we realize fuel prices are a bit crazy these days, but you don’t have to drive across the country to have a good time. In many cases, you can take a short jaunt a few hours away and discover unexpected gems like spectacular scenery, fascinating people, special events or superior shopping. Whether you go the distance or take a short road trip, follow the timeless advice of Robert Frost and take the road less traveled. In this way, you are destined for unique experiences and unforeseen treasures along the way.
Catch Up On Your Zzzzz’s
True, sleeping away your summer vacation isn’t everybody’s idea of a good time. However, if you are trying to reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption, you might find that rest is the best medicine while having a sober summer vacation. This is especially true if you’re going through withdrawals, or this is your first experience going without a drink for an extended period of time. While laying low might not be the most jazzy or exciting proposition for a summer vacay, it might be your best use of time as you honor your mind, body and spirit during sobriety.
Make New Friends
If drinking with buddies was your typical answer to a summer vacation, and you’re trying to get away from that scene – why not switch up your social circles? Reducing alcohol or staying sober can be challenging when associating with the usual friends who are still drinking. As such, consider socializing in groups that support sobriety. This could mean making friends at a local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Or, perhaps you could volunteer at your favorite community group. Better yet, attend a meditation group, or spend time helping out at your local animal shelter. There are a slew of ways to make new friends – especially when you hang out at places that encourage the things you love.
Start a Hobby (Or Revisit an Old One)
Have you ever had a dream to make your own pottery? Or, perhaps you always wanted to create your own comic books. A summer vacation is the perfect time to act on those recreational dreams, and it’s also a great way to stay sober. To explain, there is something inherently relaxing and engaging about spending time on a creative passion. It stimulates the mind, and it will distract you from thinking about taking a drink. What’s more, resurrecting a new hobby or working on an old one can be extremely rewarding. It often leads to a sense of accomplishment and intense satisfaction.
Spend Time in Nature
Nature is perhaps one of the most effective ways to renew and heal the mind and body. Communing with trees, savoring the sunshine, walking through butterfly-filled fields – these are all ways of connecting with something greater and majestic. In doing so, you will find yourself feeling more peaceful and more at-one with the natural cycle of life. If you’re not a fan of nature, that’s okay. Get a taste of natural wonder by bringing home a few houseplants. Or, connect with nature by growing a simple herb garden on your windowsill. The gifts nature gives are infinite and incredibly healing, which might be precisely what you need to enjoy a sober summer vacation.
The Last Word on Enjoying a Summer Vacation While Sober
We’ll be the first to admit that relaxing poolside with a fancy cocktail is a super way to relish a summer vacation. However, if you’ve taken time to reevaluate your drinking behavior only to discover imbibing might be off the table for you – then we hope these ideas will inspire you to have a smashing summer vacation while staying sober.
