Did you know that communities all over the country have community and municipal bands that perform free concerts—generally in parks and other outdoor spaces—throughout the summer? Maybe there is one near you, and if so, we encourage you to take in a concert from time to time. Invite your friends and family to spend an evening in the park listening to music and enjoying a picnic.
You probably did not come to this blog looking for information and advice about summer band concerts. But we would like to suggest that taking advantage of the amenities your community offers at little or no cost is a great way to support your recovery from a substance use disorder.
After all, boredom and loneliness are enemies to ongoing recovery. Getting out and about in your community is a great way to keep both of them at bay.
What might you do besides heading out to the park to hear the local band? We’re glad you asked!
Check Out What the Public Library Has to Offer
We are big fans of public libraries—so much so that we devoted an entire blog post to the ways in which your library can help support your recovery. We will not repeat that full entry here (though we encourage you to give it a look), but we will remind you that your library gives you access to a world of ideas and entertainment and more. You have free access to countless stories, nonfiction accounts of the world, and on and on. Taking full advantage of what is undeniably a wonderous resource is an excellent idea in recovery.
Enjoy the Outdoors in Your Area
Getting outside is a great way to support your recovery. You have an opportunity to take in the beauty of the natural world, soak up some sun, and get some exercise—all things that support your recovery. More and more communities have been building up their outdoor infrastructure with walking and bike trails, lovely parks, and much more.
We have written about the benefits of getting outdoors before, using beautiful Clark Forest—located near our facility—as an example.
Head Out to Experience the Local Arts Scene
There is a good chance there is a range of arts activities to enjoy in your community—perhaps including the bands we mentioned above. Take time to explore local art galleries and museums. Support the local bookstore. Get tickets to the next show by the community theater group. Enjoy performances at local high schools or at a nearby college or university. Take time to search out and enjoy your community’s public artworks. You may even live in a community that has a variety of festivals or parades or other big gatherings you would enjoy.
There is also a good chance that you can get involved as a performer, technician, or general volunteer for a local arts organization. Engaging your creativity, spending time with others with similar interests, and exploring a variety of visual and performing arts options are all great ways to support your recovery.
Learning New Things Can Be Thrilling
Your community might have a history museum or a museum celebrating a specific culture. Perhaps there are historic houses to tour or walking tours that reveal the history of a whole neighborhood. If you live near a college or university, you likely have the opportunity to attend public lectures or take advantage of museums on campus. Authors and speakers may visit your community from time to time for public appearances.
All of these things and more can provide opportunities for you to learn something new. Being curious and pursuing that curiosity to see where it leads can bring joy and fascination into your life, supporting your recovery at the same time.
This List Is Not Exhaustive
Every community is different, of course, and it is likely we have left any number of activities out of this blog post. The examples we give are just that—examples. Find the things that you are excited about where you live and make a concerted effort to take advantage of them. It’s a great way to support your recovery while truly exploring what is wonderful about the place where you live.
Wooded Glen Recovery Center Is Here to Help
If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, it is time to get the help you need. Getting yourself into treatment is the single best thing you can do for yourself. At Wooded Glen Recovery Center, located in Henryville, Indiana, we help individuals put drugs and alcohol behind them while also addressing co-occurring mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or panic, issues centered on traumatic experiences, and more.
Our program begins with medically supervised detoxification, which gives you the opportunity to weather the challenges of withdrawal in a safe environment that is free of temptations. Detox is followed by rehabilitation as we work to ensure you have the resources, strategies, and support you need to start your recovery journey with confidence. Our work on your behalf continues after your time in treatment comes to an end via our robust aftercare program that keeps you connected to Wooded Glen and other alums of our program.
When you’re ready to make a change for the better, we’re ready to help.