The cold weather and short days can put a damper on recovery, but so can the summer. Even though the warm temperatures and bright, sunny days can improve the mood, they may also remind you of all the fun your friends are having while you stay at home and try to remain positive through your recovery.

Even though many summer activities do involve alcohol, this does not mean that you have to spend your days sitting indoors. Here are four great ways to embrace the summer, be social and have fun. Yes – it’s possible!

1. 1. Think Outside the Box

Sure, it’s easy to attend the first invite you get to a cookout or bonfire. But if you know that you are not ready to attend these functions yet, there are many other ways to have fun. It just requires a bit of creative thinking. Some examples of fun sober activities include:

1. 1. • Farmers markets
      • Outdoor concerts
      • Drive-in movies
      • Arts and crafts festivals
      • Amusement parks
      • Zoos and museums
      • Hiking and camping

   2. Get Active

When you take alcohol out of your life, it can feel like you’re missing something. You have a lot more time on your hands and you may not know what to do with it. Consider investing your time and energy into a fitness challenge like a 5K or a triathlon. Or think about joining an athletics team like softball or baseball. This way, you can be outdoors, interact with other people and work toward a positive goal.

1. 1. Take a Sober Vacation

Sometimes it’s helpful to get away from everything for a few days or weeks. There are plenty of opportunities for a sober vacation. Camping is one of them, so get your friends or family together for a weekend of fishing, hiking and boating. You can also use this time to strengthen your spirituality through meditation, yoga or journaling. Or, consider one of the many sober cruises or vacations available. A quick Google search will turn up plenty of results.

1. 1. Enjoy Mocktails

There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a few delicious drinks of your own. It can help just to have a cold drink to look forward to! There are many wonderful mocktail recipes that you can make for yourself and your friends using seltzers, fruit juices and teas. They’ll keep you hydrated, and you don’t have to worry about waking up with a hangover!

Summer is here, and that may be making you worry about how you’ll handle the season without drinking. Just be sure to keep an open mind with the activities you choose and surround yourself with the right people.

Photo Credit: FreeImages.com/SamuelHerrmann