50 things to do instead of drinking

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.

1. Ride a bicycle.
2. Go for a walk.
3. Meet a friend for lunch.
4. Read a book.
5. Play a board game.
6. Try a new nonalcoholic drink.
7. Attend an exercise class.
8. Organize old photos, albums or books.
9. Cook dinner.
10. Bake cookies.
11. Volunteer in your community.
12. Write a kind thank-you note.
13. Play with your pet.  
14. Binge a few episodes of a favorite TV show.
15. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile.
16. Pick up a new hobby through classes or online tutorials.
17. Collect items from around your home for donation.
18. Go for a run.
19. Play a game with your child.
20. Clean your home.
21. Meditate or pray.
22. Learn a new language with books or an app.
23. Try at-home exercises like crunches or planks.
24. Help your child with their homework.
25. Clean out your car.
26. Print and frame digital photos from your phone.
27. Take a nap.
28. Go to the movies.
29. Meal-prep lunches for the workweek.
30. Catch up on errands like laundry.
31. Walk your dog.  
32. Finish a home-improvement project.
33. Call an elderly relative.
34. Plant a garden in your yard (or join a community garden).
35. Write in a journal.
36. Do a crossword puzzle.
37. Plan a vacation (or staycation).
38. Make it an early night and head to bed.
39. Stream a movie online.
40. Run yourself a hot bath.
41. Catch up on your favorite podcast.
42. Take yourself out for ice cream.  
43. Brew a pot of tea.
44. Put together a jigsaw puzzle.
45. Write a poem.
46. Try mindfulness techniques.
47. Catch up on budgeting for the month.
48. Visit a local museum.
49. Update or polish your resume.
50. Practice yoga.