Hobbies are activities we do because we enjoy them, not because we have to. We’ve all experienced the rush of starting a new hobby, getting all the gear, and then abandoning it. Hobbies provide breaks from daily routines, offer new opportunities for learning activities, making friends, boosting confidence, and learning. A good hobby will allow you to get to know yourself better while offering an outlet for fun and relaxation. This is a guide to starting a lasting, beneficial, and fun hobby that will sustain, uplift, and ground you.

What are your interests?

What are the things that you’ve always wanted to learn about or do but haven’t had time for? This will offer insights into what might make a good hobby for you. Whether it’s a book club, tennis, mountain climbing, or learning about the stars, your interests and passions should be at the center of your hobby.

What do you want more of in your life?

Take an inventory of your life. What do you want to do more of? Maybe you want to have more fun. Think about ways in which you used to have fun when you were a kid. Returning to our childhood hobbies are wonderful ways to get back in touch with ourselves.

What are my self-care goals?

A good hobby, especially during recovery, should involve some kind of self-care. Don’t choose a hobby that will trigger you in some way or serve to derail your recovery. Take a mental inventory of what kinds of activities you enjoy that also contribute to your overall self-care and recovery.

What makes you feel happy, relaxed, and balanced?

What do you do already that makes you feel peaceful and most like yourself?

What do you Google?

It sounds silly, but your Google history can provide a roadmap to your interests. As long as they’re supportive of your health and recovery, your frequent Googles will clue you in on your interests. Choose a hobby that’s in line with your interests and curiosities.

Tree House Recovery of Portland, Oregon uses cutting-edge techniques in individualized programs to help men achieve freedom from addiction. Taking a holistic, sustainable approach to the inner and outer effects of addiction ensures you or your loved one will emerge with the confidence and skills to manage your addiction independently. No one is beyond help- our Admissions Counselors are available 24/7 at  (503) 850-2474