9 Weirdiful Things to Do Instead of Drinking

Quitting drinking is a wild, wonderful, beautiful beast to tackle, y’all.

And a lot like breaking up, it can be hard to do — even temporarily, as anyone who’s attempted “Dry July” or “Sober October” might know.

A big part of the difficulty lies in how insidiously ingrained alcohol is in our culture.

Indeed, in today’s fast-paced world, finding alternatives to stereotypical social activities like drinking can be not only a challenge, but also a refreshing change and a pathway to discovering new interests.

Because sobriety is weirdiful, y’all.

Soooo… with that said, here is an oh-so-helpful list of 10 weirdiful things to do instead of drinking! Ready? Let’s get into it.

1. Embrace Nature in Weirdiful Ways

Night Hikes with Themed Playlists: Imagine wandering through the wilderness under the stars, your path illuminated only by the light of a headlamp, and your ears filled with the sounds of a carefully curated playlist that enhances the mystery and beauty of the night.
Extreme Bird-Watching, Stealth-Mode Style: Take bird-watching to the next level by challenging yourself and friends to spot the rarest birds in your area without disturbing their natural habitat, using only camouflage and patience.

2. Try Creative Culinary Experiments

Cooking with Unconventional Ingredients: Break the monotony of regular meals by experimenting with ingredients that are rarely used in everyday cooking, creating dishes that are as surprising to the palate as they are to the eye.
Hosting a Mystery Meal Night: Invite friends over for a dinner where each course is a mystery, encouraging guests to guess the ingredients and the inspiration behind each dish.

3. Embark on Weirdiful Artistic Adventures

Guerrilla Gardening in Urban Spaces: Participate in or organize a guerrilla gardening event, where you and a group of friends plant flowers and greenery in neglected urban spaces, bringing beauty and life to forgotten corners.
Participating in Public Space Art Installations: Engage with your local art community by contributing to or creating art installations in public spaces, making art accessible to all and transforming ordinary locations into works of wonder.

4. Engage in Mind-Bending Educational Pursuits

Learning a Rare or Endangered Language: Challenge your brain by learning to speak a language that few people know, thereby preserving cultural heritage and expanding your own mental horizons.
DIY Science Experiments with Household Items: Rediscover the joy of learning by conducting simple yet fascinating science experiments using items you already have at home, proving that discovery doesn’t require a lab. (But remember, safety first, kids!)

5. Dive into Some Weirdiful Physical Fitness Activities

Underwater Yoga Classes: Experience the tranquility of yoga in a completely new environment by participating in classes held underwater, enhancing the challenge and the serenity of each pose.
Joining a Quirky Sports League (e.g., Underwater Hockey): Find a local sports league that offers something out of the ordinary, such as underwater hockey, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of participating in team sports with a twist.

6. Participate in a Digital Detox and Retro Revival Revolution (a little R&R… &R!)

Organizing a No-Screen Day Filled with Retro Games: Dedicate a day to turning off all screens and indulging in retro games like board games, card games, or even outdoor games from your childhood, fostering connections without digital interference.
Crafting Your Own Board Game or Puzzle: Channel your creativity into designing and creating your own board game or puzzle, tailored to your interests and experiences, offering a tangible product of your imagination.

7. Set Off on Weirdiful Travel and Exploration

Planning a Trip Based on Historical Mysteries: Organize a travel adventure focused on exploring historical mysteries or legends specific to a region, combining the thrill of travel with the intrigue of unsolved puzzles.
Volunteering for Archaeological Digs: Engage with history hands-on by volunteering for archaeological digs, where you can contribute to uncovering the past while immersing yourself in the physical and intellectual challenges of excavation.

8. Test Out Weirdiful Social Experiments and Boost Your Community Involvement

Starting a “Pay It Forward” Project in Your Neighborhood: Get out there and do a bunch of good deeds within your local community, encouraging recipients to pay it forward, thus creating a ripple effect of kindness and positivity. Everybody wins!
Hosting a Swap-Shop for Skills and Talents: Organize an event where people can offer lessons in their skills or talents in exchange for learning something new from someone else, fostering a community of sharing and learning.

9. Do Weirdiful Mindfulness and Self-Improvement Stuff

Practicing Extreme Minimalism for a Week: Test the limits of simplicity by living with the absolute minimum for a week, discovering what you truly need and what is simply clutter in your life.
Embarking on a “Silence Retreat” in Your Own Home: Create a retreat in your own space by dedicating a period of time to complete silence, allowing for deep reflection and a break from the constant noise of modern life.

Things You Might Be Wondering

How can I find more weirdiful activities to try?
Start by looking for inspiration in local event listings, social media groups dedicated to hobbies and interests, or by simply asking friends for their most unusual pastimes.
Are these activities expensive?
Many weirdiful activities can be low-cost or even free; it often depends on how resourceful and creative you are in planning and executing them.
Can weirdiful activities really replace drinking in social settings?
It all depends on your frame of mind! (It’s like the old saying goes: If you think you can or think you can’t, either way, you’re right.) Give it a chance and see what happens. Weirdiful activities can offer new and enriching ways to connect with others, often leading to more memorable and meaningful experiences.
How can I convince my friends to try these alternatives?
Share your enthusiasm and the potential benefits of trying something new, highlighting the unique experiences and fun they can provide. Sometimes, organizing a small, low-commitment event as a starting point can help ease friends into adventurous activities.
Is it possible to do these activities alone?
Absolutely! Many of these weirdiful activities can be equally rewarding when done solo, offering a great opportunity for personal reflection, self-improvement, and a break from the social media-driven world.
Can weirdiful activities like these contribute to personal growth?
We believe they do! Engaging in unconventional activities challenges your creativity, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, encourages mindfulness, and can significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the world.

Embracing the Weirdiful Life

Choosing weirdiful activities over drinking not only offers unique experiences but also fosters creativity, personal growth, and a deeper connection with the world around us.

By stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing the unconventional, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities and adventures.

And it gives us the opportunity to just have some plain-old (hangover-free) fun!

So go on, give the weirdiful life a try. Let’s all go alcohol-free, weirdifully!