What To Do Instead Of Drinking In The Evening (25 Fun Alternatives!)

Drinking is such a huge part of our culture. I know I am guilty of having a glass or two of wine as soon as six o’ clock rolls around.

But if you’re anything like me, you don’t want this to be the norm. I am very mindful of just how much I drink and want to make sure I only do so in moderation.

So I have come up with an amazing list of fun things you can do instead of drinking in the evenings.

This is in no way an exhaustive list and I’m sure you can think of some creative things to do as well!

Without further ado, let’s dive right in..

Fun Evening Activities To Do Instead Of Drinking

Fun Evening Activities To Do Instead Of Drinking

Yoga

Easy and classic.

Yoga should be high on everyones list of things to do in the evening without alcohol. It is an extremely calming and de-stressing activity that I recommend to everyone.

And no, you don’t need an expensive yoga studio membership! You can head over to YouTube and find a bunch of free yoga flows to follow along. My favorite is Yoga with Adriene!

Read A Book

Reading should be a no-brainer!

Whether it’s money books to become a millionaire or Crazy Rich Asians-type books, there is something for everyone.

Think of something, anything, you enjoy and I can assure you, there’s a book on that topic.

Go For A Walk

Walks are therapeutic and can even lower your cortisol (stress hormone.)

If you come home from work stressed and anxious and typically reach for a glass of wine to unwind, why not try going for a walk first and seeing how you feel?

Listen To A Podcast

Like a book, there is a podcast on literally every subject imaginable.

Relax with a funny podcast or maybe get a little geeky and find one on dinosaurs or black holes. There is SO much to learn in this world.

Don’t stop being curious.

Journal

Should come as no shock. I love journals!

Especially a good junk journal where I can destroy and let my creativity run free.

There are no rules for journals. Use it as a diary, to-do list, long pro-con lists; anything goes.

Plus, they’re for your eyes only so go crazy. It’s free therapy!

Play A Board Game

A classic family time activity. Board games will probably stand the test of time.

Even with all the technology we have, people still love board games because they’re FUN. And they allow us to engage and disconnect with friends and loved ones without a screen in our face. Win-Win.

Join A Gym

A gym is a great place to spend time after work.

You can find some reasonable gym memberships ranging from $20 to $45 a month.

You don’t have to become a gym rat, but simply going two or three times a week in lieu of binge watching tv with a beer is a great way to spend a Wednesday evening.

Take A Spin Class

Kind of similar to joining a gym but I just love spin classes I had to give it it’s own slot!

Spinning is a great and intense cardio workout that will get your heart pumping and have you feeling like a (sweaty) million bucks! I can’t recommend it enough.

Write

Did you ever enjoy writing a a kid? There is something so relaxing about putting pen to paper and letting your imagination run wild.

Write stories, write about your day, you can even write some fan-fiction for Harry Potter (or whatever your favorite series is!)

Start A Blog

I don’t have to tell you how amazing a blog can be. I was able to quit my 9-5 job thanks to this blog (check out my income report here!)

Although it can be difficult to start, there really is no limit to where your blog can take you.

Paint

Whether it’s painting your home or a canvas, get out your brushes and get creative.

Painting has been said to be incredibly therapeutic and calming. A lot of people use it as a drug-free way to combat anxiety.

Get home, put some music on, take off your bra, and get creative! (Sounds like a lovely evening if I do say so myself)

Get Your Budget In Order

Bleh. Budgets. But as an adult, this is one of those things we have to do in order to make sure we’re financially healthy and have our affairs in order.

Take some time every month to check your budget. See if there are any financial ‘leaks’ or if you’re spending money in places that don’t bring you joy.

Adjust accordingly.

(Perhaps not a fun evening activity, but definitely an important one you want to be sober for!)

Cook An Amazing Meal

I mean…. Who doesn’t love an amazing home-cooked meal?!

I’m not much of a chef, but I have recently started using HelloFresh and I could cry from how good my meals are!

(Honestly, if you are like me and can’t cook to save your life: Give HelloFresh a shot – Use this link to get $90 off your first purchase!)

Learn To Bake

Baking is one of those activities that you either love or hate.

Although it can be messy, I absolutely love baking and getting my hands dirty!

There’s something just so fun about playing and molding flour.

Plus licking spoons! Ugh, BRB, going to make some chocolate chip cookie.

Practice Gratitude

I have a gratitude log that I love to write in everyday.

It seems silly to some but taking the time to practice gratitude makes a world of a difference for your mental wellbeing.

The benefits of practicing gratitude are life changing!

‘Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance’ – Eckhart Tolle

Make a Non-Alcoholic Drink

Just because you’re cutting down on alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun and make some creative virgin drinks!

Put your mixology skills to the test and whip up a great new drink recipe.

You can even serve it at your next dinner party and wow your guests!

Declutter Your Home/Wardrobe

Do you wear everything in your wardrobe?! Or use everything in your home?

Probably not! If your home or wardrobe is needing a serious spring cleaning (even if it’s summer) don’t hesitate to dive in.

You will feel so much light simply by taking control of your home.

Meditate

Meditation is incredibly hyped up. But unlike most hypes, this is one of those things everyone needs to do.

The benefits of mediation are shocking. The more studies that come out, the greater this simple exercise is proven to be.

Get comfy on your sofa, set a 10 or 15 minute timer and just focus on your breath.

If you need some guidance, there’s a lot of amazing apps like Calm and Headspace for guided meditations!

Go Down A YouTube Rabbit Hole

Haha! I’m not sure this is something we can plan for but I do this at least once a week and I love it.

YouTube has so many incredible videos to offer. I honestly enjoy binge watching YouTube videos over Netflix or other subscriptions service (is that just me?!)

Call A Friend

I feel so much better after talking to a friend!

Did you know we arre in a loneliness epidemic?! Even though we have all thee gadgets and devices, we are lonelier than ever.

Take the time to build and strengthen your community. It fills your soul and (literally) makes you live longer.

Watch A Movie

Easy and classic.

Sometimes we think there are ‘no good movie out’ but that’s simply not true.

There are SO many movie to watch. You just have to do a little digging. Plus be open to watching some older movies.

Also, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with rewatching a movie (ahem, I’ve seen The Departed about 42 times – it’s THAT good)

Do A Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzles! Puzzles can provide hours of entertainment and are a great way to pass the time.

Simply put on some headphones with music or a podcast and dive right into it.

Meal-Prep For The Week

A meal-prep is one of the best simple acts of self-care you can do for yourself.

It doesn’t even have to be complicated. A lot of meal-preps are simple and easy to do. Plus this helps take stress off your shoulder as the week progresses.

Learn A New Language

Comment allez-vous? How amazing would it be to learn a second or third language?!

I’ve been wanting to learn French or a little bit of Italian for my future travels. Why not practice a new language in the evenings.

Just 30 minutes a day, every day, will make a world of a difference.

Your friend will be shocked when you blow out the German randomly while vacationing in Berlin for Octoberfest.

Go To Bed Early

Honestly, what is there to do at 11PM?! Not much!

Go to bed early and make sure you get your full 7-9 hours of sleep that we all need.

That’s right, those people that brag about only needing 4 hours a night are lying to themselves. Take care of your body and mind and just go to bed earlier!

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