Time left? 20 Things You Could Do!

Now that you leave the alcohol for what it is, you may find that you have time left. Because secretly 'drinking' takes quite a lot of time. During the break period you want to spend this regained time well, we can imagine. How? Well, you might just find your new hobby or pastime here.

From planning drinks outings, to traveling to and from happy hour, choosing drinks, thinking about what kind of drink you are going to bring into your house, the hours of actually drinking (think of night outs and other festivities), coming home afterwards, sleeping in and the time you spend in bed (with a hangover). All in all, drinking takes up quite a bit of time. We found twenty ways to pass the time and are happy to explain to you why they can do so much good for you.

1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about focusing your attention: out of your head and into your body. It's about feeling how you are now and dealing with it with care (with yourself). By practicing mindfulness you learn to deal with stress and cravings in a different (healthier) way. And that's really helpful when you're on an alcohol break. There are all kinds of apps (eg VGZ mindfulness app, or Insight Timer) and find courses.

2. Self-defense or martial arts

An hour of practicing 'crossing', 'jabbing' or 'high-kicks' gives you both a mental and a physical boost. Give everything and you will see that it literally and figuratively makes you stronger.

3. Gardening

Work in the garden. Studies show that digging into the earth has an incredible anti-anxiety effect.

4. read

So much more time for so many more books. Eating letters instead of drinking drinks. Better right?

5. Theme park

Fancy a kick or need a rush? Visit an amusement park with some challenging roller coasters. Feel the adrenaline!

6. Up the paths, into the avenues

Hiking boots, nose in the wind and go! Good for mind, body & soul. At the end of your walk, treat yourself to a delicious hot cup of tea or chocolate milk.

7. Kitchen prince(ss)

Join a cooking club. Together you make the tastiest dishes and they will also be happy with your new hobby at home.

8. Trains without destination

Take the first train that arrives at the station and get off at the terminus. That will be a day full of surprises.

9. spinning

Cycling hard, loud music, working hard: after a spinning class you can take on the whole world.

10. Start your own business

Always dreamed of owning your own company? Now is the time to work on it. Write a business plan and take the first steps.

11. Working as a volunteer

Do you feel restless? Are you bored? Suits doing good good with you? Sign up as a volunteer. Put a smile on someone else's face. That does a person good.

12. take a dog

Nice walk, cuddling on the couch, to (puppy) course: a dog takes a lot of time, that's just as convenient :). But borrowing a dog is of course just as good an option. Well the benefits, not burdens?

13. Swimming

In the water, all your worries will disappear. Good for body and mind.

14. To climb

Challenge yourself by doing something you wouldn't otherwise do. Maybe you've never done wall climbing? Do you even suffer from a little fear of heights? Ask a buddy and push your own limits.

15. DIY

Have you been annoyed by that not-so-color in the hallway for years? That empty space under the closet? That crooked tile in the bathroom? Roll up your sleeves and tackle those annoyances.

16. Subtle DIY

Also DIY, but more subtle, is coloring for adults, crochet, diamond painting or, for example, sticker mosaic. You really have your head elsewhere for a while.

17. Bicycles

It's in the shed, it has two wheels and it's waiting for you...Cycling is relaxing. You go somewhere by bike. Nice to do alone and maybe even more fun with two.

18. Diary

At the end of the day, write how it went. What was nice? What went less? What are you grateful for? Writing is therapeutic. Real.

19. Library

Visit the library. In the morning, very early when everyone is running and rushing. Grab a newspaper and read it from front to back. And then another one, because you can. Because you are bursting with time.

20. grab a movie

Normally you may not allow it yourself or find that you don't have time for it. Now there is no excuse. And you can eat as much popcorn as you want.

Of course there are many more hobbies and other pastimes to think of. It's about doing something you've been thinking about for a long time. Now is your chance, because there is time and probably also budget (all those unbought beers and bottles of wine; count your profit!). For many people, a break period also means that they have money left over. Grab your chance!