10 Proven Strategies for Finding Joy in Sobriety: How to Be Happy Sober

Many people who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse also struggle with finding joy in sobriety. Not everyone knows how to be happy sober. Thankfully, there are several things you can do regularly to incorporate more happiness into your life.

How to be Happy Sober

After completing an addiction treatment program, you can learn how to be happy sober by finding joy and gratitude each day. Below are 10 proven strategies for finding joy and happiness in sobriety:

Tip #1: Learn a New Skill

One of the hardest things about recovery or maintaining good mental health is dealing with isolation and poor self-esteem. For those reasons, it is important to learn a new skill or try a new hobby that might help you connect with others. Learning new skills builds your self-esteem, helps you set goals, and gives you a chance to socialize. These skills can include activities like learning how to play an instrument, singing, or going hiking or rock climbing. 

Tip #2: Focus on Sleep Hygiene

Sometimes, poor sleep is the biggest factor in recovery or mental health. Too little sleep can increase cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to inflammation and mood drops. If you are struggling with sleep, consider listening to an audio guide that can offer helpful tips or guided meditation right before bed. 

Tip #3: Get Helpful Apps

Several apps can help you quiet your mind and improve your sleep quality and mental health. Look for apps that offer guided meditation or apps that offer daily positive affirmations.

Tip #4: Journal

When you feel yourself overthinking, take time to journal. Journaling can help you collect your thoughts and make plans for your day. Set time aside at night to journal before bed. This can help you set aside thoughts that might inhibit sleep. 

Tip #5: Turn Off the Clock

Being continually aware of time can exacerbate stress, especially with sleep issues. Throughout the day or night, continually checking time can make anxiety worse. Set alarms for activities throughout the day and for your morning alarm. Then, turn clocks around or cover them so you don’t see the time as you move through your tasks. 

Tip #6: Reflect

You will never be happier than you are grateful, so spend a few minutes every day reflecting on what is going well in life. This can help you create an attitude of gratitude where you recognize each day’s successes, no matter how small they may be. Some days, your biggest success might simply be getting out of bed, and on those days, it can boost your resilience to reflect on your achievements during your recovery. 

Tip #7: Talk about Emotions

Think about who you would trust in moments of struggle, anxiety, depression, or stress. It’s important to identify trusted relationships that you can turn to when you need to talk about emotions. Opening up to people you trust can help you address your feelings and find support in others when you need it, helping you find joy again.

Tip #8: Be Social

One way to find joy is to be social. Look for groups of people who have similar interests. You might find websites that connect different groups of people interested in similar hobbies, such as hiking, woodworking, or exploring historical points of interest in your area. Make it a point to be social with friends and family as well, incorporating daily or weekly in-person activities.

Tip #9: Be Outside More Often

Being outside brings several benefits:

• Being outside can help those with trauma improve their family relationships, physical health, and psychological function.
• Spending time in nature reduces stress.
• Spending time in nature lowers blood pressure and heart rate.

Research has found that spending as little as 10 to 20 minutes outside in nature can have a positive impact on mental health.

Tip #10: Volunteer

Volunteering is a way for you to improve your mental health, find joy, meet new people, and help those in need. Volunteering could be as simple as helping your neighbor with limited mobility do their shopping a few times per month or could involve participating in larger, coordinated efforts within your community. This will help you maintain an attitude of gratitude, especially as you see how other people share their gratitude for your efforts.

Ava Recovery Can Help You Find Joy

Ava Recovery is a drug rehab in Austin. We offer both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs as well as dual diagnosis treatment in Texas to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. We can help you capitalize on several tips for finding joy in sobriety, no matter your circumstances. Contact the team at our residential treatment center in Texas to learn more about finding happiness in sobriety and getting the help you need.