“What are the activities I can try which will give me the same joy as drinking.” If you ask this question, you are not the only one. We welcome you to a judgment-free zone where our existential crisis has led us to the quest of finding activities that give us the same joy as alcohol.
If you have yet to find an answer, you have reached the right place. In this excerpt below, we will give you seven joyous activities that give you the same dopamine release as when drunk.
We are all here because we want an alternative that doesn’t consist of us marinating our liver with poison. Rather we can enjoy the high along with the health benefits. So, without any further adieu, let's jump into the bundle of joy.
What Happens When You Drink?
Have you ever wondered why you are always chasing that high?
Scientifically the first thing alcohol does is affect our cerebellum, which in turn compromises our motor activities. However, it is also responsible for the high dopamine release, with less reuptake (the act of chemicals taken back or destroyed for not being used).
Dopamine is the feel-good hormone because it temporarily blocks the release of cortisol (stress hormone) and makes us worry-free. It is hard to find such an activity that gets you high, but there are activities that can bring about the same chemical release in your brain.
Activities Which Bring The Same Effect
Here are some of the activities which you can try at home or outside in a social gathering which will prevent the temptation of alcohol. Maybe in the first months, you have to resist it, but once you get accustomed to the new lifestyle, it will be all good from then onwards.
They are fun and entertaining, and some of them are even healthy for your body, heart, and not to mention liver.
1. Adrenaline-Inducing Activities
We like the excitement that alcohol brings, but you can get the same rush with a good adrenaline boost. So, why not indulge in some of the adrenaline-inducing activities which can get you excited?
The reason why we love caffeine and why we all hate being drowsy when we have so much to do is the boost of energy. We all love feeling energized. Therefore, activities like running till you have to stop to breathe can be a great alternative.
Go bungee jumping, have a trampoline in your backyard, and go swimming, there are better things that can get your heartbeat rising and your dopamine flowing, and you wouldn’t even need alcohol.
2. Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Non-alcoholic cocktails are the new addition to the quit drinking movement. If you have never tried one, then we would suggest you try one today. There are many advantages to non-alcoholic beverages, for example:
- They have fewer calories than your normal alcoholic beverages.
- You can drink them anytime, anywhere. Even at alcohol-free parties.
- Find the best recipes, and make delicious cocktails for your parties.
- You wouldn’t be craving alcohol.
- No more waking up with the worst possible hangover.
The best part is the craftsmanship of such alcoholic beverages. They taste and smell the same, but they have zero alcohol in them. This tricks our minds and leads to dopamine release. So, best buy non-alcoholic drinks online, and enjoy them today.
3. Cooking Delicious Food
The olfactory particles from delicious food bring us more joy than alcohol. However, always ordering takeout is not the right thing to do. So, why not find healthy and tasty recipes online and cook them on the weekend?
Plus, cooking a whole meal is very therapeutic. You will learn to give meaning to your thoughts while sauteing your vegetables and enjoy the surroundings. It is clearly not the same as exciting, fast-moving activities, but the peace and joy from slow cooking are far better than the anxiety-inducing fun that alcohol brings.
4. Spending Time In Good Company
A good company can cure any mental ailment. If you are alone and suddenly have an undeniable craving for alcohol, it is better to call upon some friends who fully support your sobriety. When you are enjoying good company, it is much easier to forget about toxic temptation because your body is already getting the endorphins to boost from talking to quality people.
5. Fresh Air & Nature
Doctor’s have claimed that a ten-minute walk not only helps your body but is also great for your mental health. Now, if you can take this walk amidst nature, you should be able to combat most of your bad urges to give in to alcohol. Alcohol helps you to clear your mind and dive into the subconscious state where you can think deeply.
Sometimes a good walk, when you give in to the sound of nature, helps to clear your mind. The refreshing feeling will also stop you from drinking the slow poison immediately after the walk.
6. Romanticizing Your Life
Romanticizing your life includes not always looking for grand pleasures but rather finding happiness in the small things in life. For example, waking up in the morning and having a cup of hot beverage or being more productive throughout the day.
Psychologists claim that romanticizing your life can help you enjoy small achievements and not get bored with the monotony of everyday life. Boredom could be one of the biggest causes of alcoholism since we tend to drink alone when we have nothing else to do.
7. Try Dancing
This might sound a little silly, but drinking always gives you the courage to dance to any tune. Dance like nobody's watching, and it's always so freeing.
You can bring about the same feeling in your body and mind when it comes to simply moving to a great tune. Plus, if you do it alone in your room, you do not have to worry about embarrassing yourself.
No more needing a glass of wine to fall asleep; the cardio will get your heartbeat running and tire you for a good sleep.