In TV shows and movies, it’s common to see college students drinking on a night out with friends. This has created the idea that you require alcohol to have fun.
This simply isn’t true.
There are plenty of ways that you can enjoy a night out without any need for alcohol. Let’s look at some ideas you can explore:
Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
This is the most beautiful time of day when oranges and purple colors fill the sky. Though it happens every day, most of the time we are too busy to take notice.
Watching this can be a good way of taking it easy, proving you don’t need alcohol to manage stress.
Go Camping
Another option you can explore is a camping trip with a group of college friends. This is a great way to spend a little more time in nature. You can structure the trip to meet your needs.
For example, some people like to have a relaxing trip, lazing around the campsite listening to music and chatting with friends.
For other people, this is a chance to have an exciting adventure. Look for hikes or rivers that you can kayak down.
Explore a Museum
It can always be a good idea to explore a museum. Looking back at history is a good way to gain more appreciation of the modern world.
Plus, it’s a great place to visit with friends. There will be lots of things to talk about and the exhibits will always be changing.
Go to an Open Mic Night
You don’t need alcohol to have a good laugh. For proof of this, all you need to do is head along to an open mic night.
You’ll be able to see some local comedians before they hit the big time. Or you can stay at home and watch one of the comedy specials on Netflix.
Organize a Movie Night
There are plenty of ways that you can connect with your college friends. Why not load up your favorite movies and have a watch party?
While you don’t need alcohol, you should still bring along plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Exercise
Because of its addictive nature, it can be difficult to break your connection to alcohol. Sometimes, it can be used as more than just a social lubricant.
It can be used as a way of improving your mood, helping you relax and feel happier. One of the best ways to overcome this is by exercising more.
When you are raising your heart rate, you will be releasing endorphins. These are what is responsible for making you feel good.
Even better, you don’t need to do a lot of exercises to experience these benefits. Usually, it will just take between 15 minutes to an hour of activity, according to a new study.
If you want, you can combine exercise with socialization by joining a sports club. There will be plenty of sports clubs in your local area.
A quick internet search will bring them up, then you just need to apply to be a member. Many of these organizations will be friendly, ready to welcome you with open arms.
Fly a VR Drone
There are some activities that you will perform better at if you haven’t been drinking. A great example of this is flying a VR drone.
This will require fine motor skills and clear thinking. If you try to pilot the drone while you are drunk, you may end up destroying it.
Flying a VR drone is a great activity for a party. It will allow you to put on a headset and get a first-hand perspective of flying the drone. This is unlike other flying experiences.
Plus, these drones are relatively easy to control, so your friends can take turns piloting them. If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, read through this list of VR drones.
Be Honest About Your Drinking Preferences
Sometimes, group pressure can make it harder to quit drinking. This is especially true at parties or social gatherings, where everyone else is consuming alcohol.
The best way around this is being open about why you aren’t going to be drinking. Whether you want to quit for good, or just take a break from alcohol, it can be a challenge.
Because of this, you will need to rely on the support of your friends and family. Once they understand your reasons, they will rally around and support you.
This can be a difficult conversation to have. But it is going to benefit you in the long run.
Bring Along a Sober Friend
If you are attending a college party, it can be awkward if you are the only person who isn’t drinking alcohol. Because of this, it might be a good idea to bring along a sober friend.
Not only will they give you someone to talk to, but they can also hold you accountable, making sure that you don’t get pressured into drinking.
Loosen Up
As we’ve seen, there are plenty of activities that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy. But you need to be open to enjoying them.
Remember, you don’t need alcohol to be open to new experiences and willing to have fun. But you do need to be willing to loosen up.
Without alcohol, this can be harder. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there in a group environment.
Sometimes, it can make you feel vulnerable and embarrassed, especially if you are an introvert.
Growing self-confidence while sober can often take some time.
Conclusion
Alcohol is a great way to loosen you up, acting as a social lubricant. But that doesn’t mean that you need to use it to have a good time.
There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy while you are going to college without the need for alcohol. So, use these tips to live a happy, exciting, sober life!
