Boredom in Recovery: Finding Fulfillment Without Alcohol

Boredom is one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in recovery. For years, drinking filled my time, my brain space, and gave me something to look forward to. It was like my daily life revolved around it—drinking wasn’t just a habit, it was an activity.

I looked forward to that first beer after work, the cocktail on a lazy Saturday afternoon, or the buzz that kicked in while cleaning or getting ready for a night out. Scrubbing toilets or vacuuming with a drink in hand? Made the chores more tolerable. Pre-drinking while putting on makeup and curling my hair before heading to the bar with friends? It was practically part of the ritual. Even “relaxing” on the couch felt incomplete without an IPA or a glass of wine.

When I got sober, all of that was gone. My life felt quieter, emptier even. The rituals I had created around drinking had to go, and I didn’t know how to fill the gaps. No more wine-fueled Netflix marathons, no more cocktails during chores, no more bar nights with the girls. And honestly? It was hard.

So, what do you do when you can’t rely on alcohol to occupy your time, your mind, or your emotions? How do you deal with the boredom that inevitably creeps in?

It took time—longer than I’d like to admit—for me to figure out how to live without drinking. I had to sit with myself, be alone with my thoughts, and figure out what I actually enjoyed. Being present with myself was scary. My mind races constantly, and sitting in silence with it felt overwhelming. Does anyone else have that constant mental chatter that just won’t quit?

I had to make a conscious decision to focus on the here and now and really pay attention to what made me feel fulfilled. Turns out, I still enjoy cooking—only now I cook elaborate meals while watching drama series on Netflix. Cleaning? It’s still not my favorite, but I’ve found it’s a lot more bearable when I blast Bon Jovi and sip a Dr. Pepper. And when I finish cooking a massive meal like homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo or scrub the bathroom until it’s sparkling clean, I get this amazing sense of accomplishment. I can look around and say, I did this. Sober.

Here’s what I’ve learned: boredom is just an opportunity to rediscover yourself. What do you genuinely enjoy doing? Maybe it’s something you forgot about during your addiction, or something you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time (or clarity) to pursue.

For me, it was rediscovering reading, binge-watching shows, and cooking. For you, it could be anything—gardening, painting, learning a new skill, or picking up a hobby like crafting or woodworking.

Maybe you’ll take a cooking class, learn to play the guitar, or tackle that home project you’ve been putting off, like painting a room or organizing your closet. Heck, you might even discover a passion that turns into a side hustle, like designing and selling items on Etsy, starting a blog, or creating custom canvas prints.

The point is, there’s a whole world of possibilities out there, and you get to explore it—sober.

One thing that has helped me immensely is helping others. When you focus on someone else’s struggles, your own problems seem smaller. Volunteering is an incredible way to pass the time while making a difference.

For example, I volunteer at the Salvation Army, which not only keeps me busy but reminds me of how much I have to be grateful for. I also work with other alcoholics and addicts, which not only keeps me grounded in my recovery but gives me a sense of purpose.

You could also explore programs like Teammates, where you mentor students, or find a local organization that aligns with your interests. Helping others isn’t just fulfilling—it’s a reminder that you’re valuable and capable of making a difference.

Boredom can feel like isolation, especially in recovery. Finding new friends who share your interests and values can make a huge difference. Are there book clubs in your area that aren’t centered around wine? Workout classes that let you burn off energy and connect with others? A local church group or AA/NA meetings where you can meet people who understand your journey?

For me, connecting with others through Bible study, volunteering, and AA has been life-changing. My sober friendships are deeper and more meaningful than the friendships I had when I was drinking. These people show up for me, and I show up for them.

When I got sober, I found a passion for designing and inspiring others. That passion turned into Grit and Grace, my online store filled with recovery- and faith-inspired items. Building this business has brought me joy and filled my time with something meaningful.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to build or create? Maybe it’s starting a business, designing art, or even making a difference in your community. Sobriety gives you the opportunity to focus on these things and turn them into reality.

Boredom in recovery isn’t just about killing time—it’s about filling your life with things that bring you joy, fulfillment, and purpose. Yes, it’s hard to let go of the rituals and habits that used to involve drinking. But in their place, you can build a new life filled with hobbies, passions, and meaningful connections.

Give yourself the grace to explore, try new things, and fail along the way. If something doesn’t feel right, try something else. Your time is precious—fill it with things that remind you of how far you’ve come and how much you’re capable of achieving, one day at a time.

You’ve got this. 💜