Wine-Free Winter: How to Combat Cold And Boring Nights Without Booze

by John Risby

Published: January 19, 2023 Last updated: December 24, 2023

The holiday season feels like a decade ago, the weather is miserable, and for those who are avoiding alcohol, winter evenings can feel particularly long and lonely. But there are plenty of alternative ways to combat boredom and loneliness that don’t involve alcohol. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your evenings during the winter months.

Joining a Club or Group

One of the best ways to combat loneliness and boredom is to join a club or group. Whether you’re interested in photography, sports, or book clubs, there’s bound to be a group out there that aligns with your interests. Joining a group can provide a sense of community, shared interests, and activities. It’s also a great way to meet new people and make friends.

In recent years, there’s been a huge increase in the number of groups that meet online so you’ll likely be able to find something you can join from the comfort of your own home.

Indoor Activities

When the weather is cold and wet, it can be hard to motivate yourself to leave the house. But there are plenty of indoor activities that can help combat boredom and loneliness. Cooking and baking, knitting and crochet, playing board games or video games, or watching a movie with friends via a video call are all great options.

These activities allow you to spend quality time with friends and family, learn a new skill, and get creative. To make the most of your indoor activities, try to set a specific day and time for regular activities. You can also join virtual classes and workshops that align with your interests.

Reaching Out to Old Friends

One of the best ways to combat loneliness and boredom is to reconnect with old friends. Whether you’ve lost touch over the years or simply haven’t had the time to catch up, reaching out to old friends can be a great way to reminisce about old memories and create new ones. You could spend an evening writing a letter or an email to an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, or even give them a call.

Writing a letter or an email to an old friend is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings, and it can be a thoughtful gesture that shows you care. You can include updates on your life, ask about their life, share some memories and express how much you miss them. If you’re feeling creative, you can even include a small gift or a photo that reminds you of a fond memory you shared together.

You can also give them a call, it’s a great way to catch up and hear the sound of their voice. It’s a great way to reconnect and it’s a good way to spend an evening. You can chat about what’s been going on in your lives, and reminisce about old times. It can also be a great way to make plans for the future and make new memories together.

Reaching out to old friends can help combat feelings of loneliness and boredom, and it can also help you feel more connected and less isolated. It’s a great way to remind yourself that you have people who care about you, and who are eager to hear from you.

Remember, the key is to take the first step, whether it’s writing that letter, or making that call, the most important thing is to reach out. It may take some time to hear back, but it’s worth the effort, and you will be glad you did.

Online Classes and Workshops

Online classes and workshops are a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, and have fun in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re interested in learning a new language, taking up yoga, or trying your hand at art and craft, there are plenty of online classes and workshops to choose from. Many are free, and some are held in the evening, so you can do them after work.

Takeaways

Giving up alcohol is not easy, and it’s important to be kind to yourself and remember that there are many ways to make life more enjoyable.

Joining a club or group, indoor activities, online classes and workshops and reaching out to old friends are all great alternatives to alcohol for combating loneliness and boredom.

Try out different options and see what works best for you and don’t forget to take care of yourself and remember that you are not alone.

About The Author

John Risby

Co-Founder of The Alcohol-Free Shop and AlcoholFree.com. John is a recovering alcoholic who stopped drinking in June 2004. Born and raised in Manchester, he now lives in Malaga with his wife and young daughter. He came to terms with being an alcoholic many years ago, but still finds the concept his daughter is Spanish very strange.