As the weather starts to turn colder, we say goodbye to summer fun and hello to cozy autumn nights, big sweaters, and pumpkin flavored everything. Fall is quite possibly the trendiest season of the year and is filled to the brim with opportunities to have some fun. One of the best things about fall is the fact that there are so many activities that don’t require beer coozies, ice chests, or a hangover cure in the morning – unlike many summertime activities. Fall is the perfect time of the year to get adventurous, try your hand at a new hobby, and have some sober fun.
Apple picking
Apple picking is one of the quintessential activities of the fall season and it has more benefits than just taking home a bushel of apples! Eating fresh apples supplies you with antioxidants that help to keep your brain healthy. Not only that but getting outside and breathing in that crisp fall air can do wonders for your physical and mental health! Wandering an apple orchard all day is a great way to sneak some exercise into your day and studies show that any time spent outdoors and around nature has a positive impact on mood and helps to decrease negative thinking.
Pumpkin carving
What would the fall season be without a night spent carving pumpkins and watching scary movies? Heat up a mug of fresh apple cider, stencil out your carving design onto your pumpkin, and roll up your sleeves! Pumpkin carving can be a really fun way to get your creative juices flowing and have a few laughs while you hollow out your gourd. Once you’ve got your design all carved out, grab a battery-operated candle and place it at the bottom of your jack o’ lantern for a safe and spooky decoration!
Go hiking/camping
Fall bring the perfect weather to go hiking in because you can work up a sweat without worrying about the intense sun beating down on you. Depending on where you live, you might be able to take advantage of the breathtaking views of tree leaves that are changing colors for miles and miles below! If your schedule allows it, make a whole weekend out of the trip and spend a night or two camping and telling scary stories around the fire. Don’t forget to bring apple cider!
Horseback riding
Animals can be very therapeutic to those who are in recovery. A guided horseback ride through nature is a fun fall activity that can be done alone, with a partner, or a whole group of people. Not only do you have the opportunity to connect with the great outdoors, but you get to do so from the back of a majestic horse! During your ride, you might find yourself learning things that you never knew about horses but perhaps you’ll find a new hobby!
Scary movie marathon
Choose your favorite person (or people) to laugh and cry with because there’s no better time of the year for a scary movie marathon than fall. If you’re watching with a group of people, you can ask everyone to pick one scary movie – or choose a franchise and watch all of the movies that they’ve made so far. Don’t forget the movie snacks! Popcorn, Halloween candy, and spooky-themed snacks are an absolute must.
Throw a socially distant Halloween party
Gather up all of your friends and get them to log into Zoom in their costumes. Have some activities planned ahead of time like pumpkin carving or painting, creating a spooky Halloween snack, or a Netflix watch party in which you all watch the same scary movie. Zoom parties are perfect for staying sober in the fall because it allows others to imbibe if they so choose without the temptation being present for those who don’t. If others begin to show signs of intoxication, you can always log off and continue your Halloween-themed night yourself.
Host a craft night
Autumn is the best season to get your craft on because there are so many things to decorate for! First, autumn is reason enough to decorate your space with bright orange leaves, scarecrows, and corn husks. But then there is Halloween and Thanksgiving, too! Here are some craft night ideas for any of the reasons that you love to celebrate fall:
- Wreaths
- Gourd birdhouses
- Hand-painted mugs for coffee and apple cider
- Painted pumpkins (great craft to do with kids!)
- Candle holders
- Garland
Potluck
If you’re craving a big meal with friends and family but you just can’t wait until Thanksgiving, gather everyone together and have a potluck. Everyone can make and bring their favorite dishes and a non-alcoholic beverage to sip on and enjoy throughout the night. Make it a recipe swapping party by having everyone write down the recipe they followed and trade it for another one that they just can’t live without!
Become a master baker
It might take more than one seasons for you to really master the art of baking, but it doesn’t hurt to try! There are so many delicious creations that are in season in the fall – apple crisp, apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, sweet potato pie, and more! Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner, after all. Impress your family this year by showing up with everyone favorite new dessert!
Seeking support with Intrepid Recovery
If you are looking for more ways to stay on the path to recovery this fall, give us a call at Intrepid Recovery. Our confidential hotline is open 24/7 and we will do our very best to answer any questions that you have about recovery and staying sober this fall. If necessary, we could get you set up with an outpatient treatment plan that will help to keep you on the right track despite any temptations. When you’re ready, give us a call and someone will be on the other line to assist you with your recovery-related issues.