If you have also found yourself physically, mentally, and financially drained due to an inability to not take it too far over Christmas, here are some things to do this January that don’t involve drinking (that are actually really fun).
1. Make a Vision Board
Creating a vision board that represents your goals for the year ahead is not only an incredibly positive and motivating practice, but also a powerful way to supercharge your manifestations.
2. Take a Dance Class
Even if you’re an atrocious dancer (like me) the endorphin rush from getting your heart racing and the confidence boost that comes with connecting with your body makes taking a dance class ridiculously fun – liberating, even.
3. Go Pottery Painting
Locking into painting your little pot allows your brain to enter a flow state, fully immersing you in the task at hand and blocking any outside noise. It’s relaxing in a way that’s similar to meditation, except it’s less boring and you’ll get a new plate or mug at the end.
(Be sure to search for design ideas on Pinterest before you go, so you can get stuck in straight away and don’t waste any precious, paid for time when you get there!)
4. Colouring!
Just as relaxing for the mind but less expensive than pottery painting; colouring is in activity that’s fun for your inner child and one you can do in the comfort of your own home.
5. Bake Some Treats with your Besties
Rather than going for cocktails, get a few of your girlfriends together and bake something delicious. If you feel like being extra adorable, make an evening of it by getting into your pyjamas and having a movie night afterwards (imagine how cute the pics would be).
6. Have a Solo Reading & Coffee Date
Take yourself to your favourite coffee shop, treat yourself a drink and a sweet treat, and spend an afternoon in solitude reading your book.
7. Host a Game Night
Whether it’s Articulate, Cluedo or, if you have all weekend, you could get out the Monopoly board.
8. Go Rock Climbing
This works both if you’re trying to stay sober or if it’s your 11th birthday party.
9. Host a Video Game Night
If board games don’t appeal to you, dust off your old Wii and invite your friends round for a night of Just Dance or Mario Kart.
10. Have a Pamper Evening
If you don’t know what this entails, refer to this culturally resetting Zoella video from 2013.
11. Go to an Escape Room
Your group will either come out of the room closer than ever or no longer on speaking terms (which is part of the fun, really).
12. Hiking or Nature Walking
Now that 2024 is over, take some time to reconnect with nature, because wtf was that.
13. Rage Room
A social alternative to screaming into your pillow.
14. Bike Ride Somewhere Scenic
I’ll be honest I’ve never done anything like this in my life, but you could!
15. Try a Painting or Drawing Class
Spend an afternoon getting in touch with your artistic side (/ruining a canvas if you don’t have one).
16. Mini Golfing
This works both if you’re trying to stay sober or if it’s your 11th birthday party.
17. Try a New Craft
People with rogue hobbies are interesting and usually hot, so if you’re not going to the pub why not take up knitting or crocheting.
18. See a Show
You’d have to re-mortgage your house to get a drink at the theatre anyway, so this works perfectly if you’re trying to stay sober.
19. Go to a Museum
You uncultured swine.
20. Bowling
This works both if you’re trying to stay sober or if it’s your 11th birthday party.
21. Go for a Sunday Roast
Take advantage of the cosy weather and go for a Sunday roast whilst they’re still in season.
