Relapse Prevention Group Activities to Try This Winter (Hint: Go Somewhere)

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Getting sober is one of the most powerful experiences in an addict’s life. And having a solid relapse prevention group can be an excellent support system that lays the foundation for long-term sobriety.

These groups often involve elements of group therapy. There are a lot of feelings and difficult experiences discussed amongst people who share the same struggles. And while these conversations are incredibly valuable, they can also be taxing.

That’s why we’ve compiled a couple relapse prevention group activities to try when it’s time to lighten up or get active, especially in the winter when activity can be scarce.

Keep reading to see if these activities can work for your group.

Get Some Exercise

“Eat well.”

“Get good rest.”

“Exercise regularly.”

These are all common suggestions for a variety of ailments. They’re so common that they can be easy to dismiss, as if they weren’t based on deep human truths. Alas, they are.

Exercise is not just good for the body. It’s good for the brain. Getting regular exercise reduces stress and anxiety, and it can improve memory and other cognitive capabilities.

Your brain can be an enemy or an ally in the recovery process. Getting exercise goes a long way toward making friends with your newly sober brain.

Take a Class

This follows well from our last suggestion, as there are plenty of exercise classes that can be a blast to take as a group. And taking a class is a perfect way to get exercise without having to brave the winter weather. Hip-hop dance classes work great for this purpose!

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But classes extend beyond the world of exercise. Improv comedy classes are a great way to face fears and jump into the unknown, which is helpful in sobriety. And cooking classes can be a great reminder to take of your body during the winter months.

Getting creative with your choice of class is a great way to start the process of engaging your brain.

Go Outside

Addicts spend a lot of time indoors. Addiction itself is isolating, and then inpatient drug rehab takes place in treatment centers and hospitals where quarters are monitored closely for the addict’s safety.

Once you leave rehab, though, spending time outdoors can be one of the most relaxing and natural ways to get in touch with not only nature but yourself as well. And going outside in the winter might seem counterintuitive, but it can be a uniquely peaceful experience.

Think as a group about the places you’ve always wanted to visit. Perhaps there is even a local attraction that wouldn’t cost too much money. Many places have a particularly beautiful area nearby in which skiing, snowboard, snowshoeing, or even sledding are options!

An outdoor adventure can invigorate the individuals in your group and bond you more closely together.

Relapse Prevention Group Activities Can Be Fun

Getting sober doesn’t have to be miserable. Relapse prevention group activities tend to focus on avoiding negatives, and understandably so. But these groups exist to support newly sober addicts, and few things are more supportive than showing addicts just how big their lives can be.

Don’t stop with engaging in fun group activities during the winter. Start planning vacation destinations for when your life gets really abundant.

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