Best Spring Recovery Activities to Enjoy

Springtime is for rejuvenation and inspiration in recovery. Learn about the best spring recovery activities to enjoy.

The blistery winter temperatures may still be lingering, but springtime is well on its way!  As nature awakens under the last blanket of snow, the days get longer, and the sun feels brighter. These changes are encouraging for people in recovery, signifying a fresh new start.  With all this in mind, we rounded up some of the best recovery activities to enjoy this spring.

Our List of the 5 Best Spring Recovery Activities to Enjoy

Spring is the season for transformation. Something about the budding new leaves and greenery outside feels inspirational on a deep level.  It is also a great time to create new goals and set out to try new things.  Think of this season as a time to build healthy habits in recovery.

Get Growing: Gardening for Recovery

Spring is the perfect time to prepare for the summer gardening season.  You do not need a large plot of land to grow yummy and healthy vegetables and beautiful flowers, either! Many people produce a beautiful assortment on balconies or a small strip of land in front of their doorsteps.  Others opt for community gardens, where they grow food alongside their neighbors.

Once you start, you will quickly agree that digging in the dirt is one of the best nature activities for recovery. For first-time gardeners, choosing from a vast array of cultivars is only the beginning of the fun! Learning the needs of each plant, starting them from seed, and watching them grow is incredibly rewarding. Not to mention the plentiful harvest you will get in just a few months!

Tips:

Those with limited space should look into dwarf varieties of vegetables and flowers. Some micro dwarf tomatoes grow only a foot high!
Using affordable fabric grow pots is an excellent method for people with challenging soil or limited space. Hanging baskets and window boxes are also great options.
Joining a local seed swap or co-op is a great way to meet new people who enjoy mindful spring activities. It is also a perfect way to learn from experienced growers and get free seeds.

Learn the Art of Baking

If you are looking for creative hobbies for a healthy life, look no further than baking. Look especially to get your hands on the ever-popular and nutritious sourdough bread starter. Unlike cooking, baking is a little more of a science that involves measurements, proper technique, and lots of patience! Baking bread for loved ones will quickly become one of your favorite fun recovery hobbies. Plus, you can do it indoors during those heavy spring showers.

Tips:

Bringing baked goods to group counseling sessions is a fast way to make friends!
YouTube is an invaluable resource when it comes to learning baking techniques. Watching someone fold dough or stir the perfect icing consistency is much easier to understand.
Socializing without alcohol is easy when you join a baking class or seminar with friends.

Wipe the Slate Clean: Spring Cleaning for Wellness

Although predictable, cleaning will always be near the top of spring wellness activities.  Purging your home of dust and unneeded things is symbolic, especially in recovery. It signifies the birth of a new, clean-living lifestyle, far from your past troubles with addiction.

Get a head start by gathering old clothing, tools, supplies, and other items eligible for donation. It is the perfect way to start your big cleanup, which will feel gratifying once completed.

Tips:

One room or target area of the living quarters at a time is plenty. You do not have to finish everything in a single day or week!
Planning an aesthetic change, like painting a wall or adding floating shelves, is a great motivator. Springtime is the perfect season to refresh any space.
Ask for help! Having a family member or friend come by for more challenging projects is a great way to reconnect.  You can repay them with a freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread!

Hit the Road: Travel for a Fresh Perspective

Spring is a great time to travel, even to local areas near you.  Recruit a friend and plan an itinerary packed with healthy springtime activities, such as renting bicycles for sightseeing. There are so many hidden gems you probably do not even know about just a few miles away.  Once you start researching, you will be amazed.

Tips:

Do not forget to make use of your local public transit routes, bus or train. If you do not want to drive too far, these means of transportation can take you there and back home without worrying.  
Be sure to pack lightly; you do not need much for a short trip!
See if any substance-free social events are happening where you are going, and sign up!

Get Moving: Outdoor Activities for an Active Recovery

Being cooped up all winter means springtime is the best opportunity for outdoor activities in recovery.  With a focus on seasonal wellness routines, addiction experts agree that an active recovery lifestyle is crucial for good health. Pick a physical activity you can do outdoors, such as hiking, yoga or biking.

Tips:

You do not have to be an expert at anything to get started. Research what gear you need and some basics before you set out on your first day.
There are many fitness and recovery lifestyle groups that you can find online. Attending community events in recovery is an excellent source of alcohol-free socializing.
Create a schedule that allows you to enjoy your active hobby at least once a week for optimal enjoyment. 

Active and creative hobbies are some of the best things to do in recovery. Engaging in things that stimulate your body and mind will help you heal.   

Discover the Best Recovery Activities to Enjoy this Spring with Middlesex Recovery

Building a strong support network in recovery is vital to your long-term success. At Middlesex Recovery, our group counseling sessions provide a safe atmosphere for people in recovery to come together. There are many people just like you who are looking to focus on their mental health and substance-free living this season.

Middlesex Recovery provides evidence-based treatment for people who struggle with addiction in a professional, medical outpatient setting. Flexible scheduling and comprehensive, individualized programs are just a few advantages of medication-assisted treatment. To learn more about how Middlesex Recovery is changing thousands of lives, message or call a local office today.