Explore seven common summer activities that enhance your recovery, create structure, and foster well-being throughout the warmer months.
Summer is anexcellent season for addiction recovery since the extended daylight allows you more time for fruitful activities. A substance-free summer offers a chance to build friendships, enjoy adventures and focus on yourself. Spending time in nature can uplift your mood, which is essential for sustaining your flourishing recovery lifestyle.
7 Common Fun Activities To Do in Summer During Recovery
Whether you’re newly in recovery or continuing your journey, summer offers an ideal chance for rejuvenation and staying active in recovery. Here are seven recovery-friendly activities to keep your summer balanced and joyful.
1. Make a Splash
Whether you live near the ocean, a river, a lake, or a waterpark—get in the water! There is something so therapeutic about floating in the water with the sun beaming down on you. Studies show that just ten minutes of sun a day is beneficial for your health. It can boost your vitamin D levels and improve your mood. Just remember to wear SPF!
2. Go Camping
Spending a night beneath the stars while enjoying s’mores around a campfire is a summer rite of passage. Make this your year if you have never experienced this all-American summer activity! You do not even have to leave your backyard if you cannot get to a campsite. There are so many camping ideas out there, including posh luxury yurts!
3. Grow a Garden
Gardening is a fulfilling way to spend time outdoors. It encourages mindfulness, physical movement, and patience—all helpful in recovery. Even if you’re new to planting, you can start with easy-to-grow herbs or vegetables.
4. Volunteer Your Time
If you are coping with boredom in recovery, giving back to those in need is one of our favorite recovery tips. Animal shelters need volunteers to walk dogs, clean kennels and help at adoption events. Nursing homes always need people to chat with residents and spend time outdoors. Do some research, and you will quickly see many local opportunities.
5. Host a Recovery-Friendly Gathering
Summertime is, by far, the best season for hosting parties. You have so many options to choose from when developing a recovery-friendly theme. Even if you want something more low-key, everyone will enjoy delicious food off the grill and some yummy mocktails. If you are feeling more ambitious, plan a water fight or cornhole tournament to get everyone on their feet!
6. Create Some Art
A great benefit of summertime is being able to do things outdoors, especially messy things! Studies show that engaging in artistic hobbies helps reduce physical and emotional symptoms of stress in recovery. If you are looking for a creative outlet, get in touch with some local artists. Mural paintings, sidewalk art and much more are popular summer art activities.
7. Try a Summer Sport
Add movement and excitement to your routine by trying a summer-friendly sport like kayaking, hiking, biking, or trail running. Choose an activity that challenges you and fits your comfort level—everyone starts somewhere!
Ways to Maintain Structure During Summer Recovery
Some common summer activities can come with unique challenges like disrupted routines and increased social pressure. To stay focused:
- Create a routine: Stick to regular sleep, meal, and self-care schedules
- Stay active: Exercise to support physical and emotional wellness
- Prioritize recovery: Continue attending counseling and check-ins
- Manage your time: Balance social events and downtime wisely
- Reach out for support: Use your relapse prevention plan when needed
Staying active and maintaining structure can help you make the most of the season without compromising your recovery.
Get Help with Substance Use Disorder at HCRC
Summer is a time to enjoy life and build new memories—and recovery makes that possible. At HCRC, we provide evidence-based care including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and counseling services for opioid use disorder.
With more than 25 years of experience and over 6,500 patients helped, HCRC is proud to support individuals throughout New England. Our personalized care plans are designed to meet your unique needs.
Call us or contact us online to learn how our team can support your summer recovery goals.
