One of the best things you can do for yourself as you step out of treatment into sobriety and a healthy life is look for hobbies or activities that keep you active, busy and get you out of the house. There’s a tendency when people leave addiction treatment to shut themselves away at first, to prevent potential exposure to triggers or simply because they’re not quite sure how to approach sober living. This is the time when they should be continuing to move forward and branching out to try new things. Even if you’ve never considered yourself to be an outdoorsy person, kayaking is a hobby that suits a wide range of people and an even wider range of experience levels.
One of the immediately obvious benefits of kayaking is that it’s active. No, you don’t have to take a kayak down a river with crazy rapids to feel the burn. Even if you’re just slowly paddling on a lake that’s smooth, you’re being more active than sitting on the couch twiddling your thumbs. Not only that, but it gets you active and outside. Being outdoors can be one of the greatest ways to boost your mood when you’re having a hard day, and it’s even better if you’re outside and working at something.
Kayaking also keeps you busy. If you’re focusing on not tipping over as you go, or if you’re working on teaching a spouse or friend how to paddle the right way, you’re not leaving the door open for thoughts of drug or alcohol use to creep back in. Whether it’s teaching someone else the finer points of steering a kayak, maintaining your own kayak or simply focusing on your paddling as you go through the water, there’s multiple ways you can benefit from having something to hone in on that’s a healthy activity.
Lastly, there’s something to be said about the peace of being alone. While you should never go out kayaking without taking someone with you, or at least letting someone know where you’re going, you may find yourself looking forward to the hour or two that you spend out there on your own, or with a close friend. Nature has a way of helping us calm the storms we feel inside, even if we don’t realize we’re struggling. The sounds of the water, the birds and wind along with warm sunshine or even cool air can be extremely relaxing, and if you’re struggling with stress or anxiety following treatment, it may be a good outlet for you to consider.
At The Springboard Center, we know that you and your family need a treatment provider you can trust. Incorporating the best of practices we have created a meaningful program to restore health and dignity with quality care and counseling. Call us today for information on how we are serving the Permian Basin: (432) 620-0255
