Want to drink less or not at all in the new year? Boredom can be a surprising culprit behind drinking habits.
Here are some ideas for alternative activities next time you’re thinking about pouring yourself a glass.
- Ride a bicycle.
- Go for a walk.
- Meet a friend for lunch.
- Read a book.
- Play a board game.
- Try a new nonalcoholic drink.
- Attend an exercise class.
- Organize old photos, albums or books.
- Cook dinner.
- Bake cookies.
- Volunteer in your community.
- Write a kind thank-you note.
- Play with your pet.
- Binge a few episodes of a favorite TV show.
- Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile.
- Pick up a new hobby through classes or online tutorials.
- Collect items from around your home for donation.
- Go for a run.
- Play a game with your child.
- Clean your home.
- Meditate or pray.
- Learn a new language with books or an app.
- Try at-home exercises like crunches or planks.
- Help your child with their homework.
- Clean out your car.
- Print and frame digital photos from your phone.
- Take a nap.
- Go to the movies.
- Meal-prep lunches for the workweek.
- Catch up on errands like laundry.
- Walk your dog.
- Finish a home-improvement project.
- Call an elderly relative.
- Plant a garden in your yard (or join a community garden).
- Write in a journal.
- Do a crossword puzzle.
- Plan a vacation (or staycation).
- Make it an early night and head to bed.
- Stream a movie online.
- Run yourself a hot bath.
- Catch up on your favorite podcast.
- Take yourself out for ice cream.
- Brew a pot of tea.
- Put together a jigsaw puzzle.
- Write a poem.
- Try mindfulness techniques.
- Catch up on budgeting for the month.
- Visit a local museum.
- Update or polish your resume.
- Practice yoga.