Learning to enjoy your own company is a life skill that opens the door to new experiences and deeper self-understanding. This guide explores 21 rewarding things to do alone, from cozy home activities to outdoor explorations.
What’s Coming Up
- The Value of Doing Things Alone
- How to Be Comfortable Doing Things Alone
- 21 Things to Do Alone
- Why Some People Enjoy Doing Things Alone (and Others Don’t)
- Finding Your Personal Balance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Further Reading
The Value of Doing Things Alone
Many people confuse being alone with feeling lonely, but these represent two different experiences. Loneliness involves feeling disconnected regardless of who surrounds you. Solitude, however, describes the physical state of being by yourself.
But why might we see so many misconceptions about solitude?
Humanity’s complicated relationship with solitude has deep historical roots.
Throughout history, isolation was often used as a form of punishment – from exile and banishment to modern-day timeout corners for children. These associations have quietly shaped our collective perceptions, creating subtle biases against being alone.
This stigma runs so deep that it is sometimes even embedded in the way humans speak.
“In a lot of languages around the world, there aren’t two words that mean solitude, the state of being alone, and then mean loneliness,” said Dr. Netta Weinstein in the Speaking of Psychology podcast. “There’s one word that’s used interchangeably for both. So we don’t even have a language to speak to solitude as a neutral and even positive experience.”
So is spending time alone really that bad?
According to research from Durham University’s Solitude Lab, short periods of alone time actually benefit our emotional balance. Just 15-30 minutes of thoughtful solitude can calm an anxious mind, lower stress levels, and create peaceful mental space.
Some other key benefits of solitude include:
- Deeper self-understanding and mental clarity
- Enhanced creativity and fresh perspectives
- Improved decision-making without external pressure
- Greater independence and self-reliance
Learning how to be comfortable doing things alone opens the door to these benefits while creating space for personal growth.
Throughout this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies for embracing solitude, share meaningful things to do alone across different settings, and help you discover the transformative power of quality time alone with yourself.
Ready to uncover the truth about who you really are? Take our free personality test and gain deep insights into your strengths, challenges, and more in just 10 minutes.
How to Be Comfortable Doing Things Alone
Despite the benefits of solitude, many people feel a pang of anxiety at the thought of spending time alone. People worry about feeling lonely. Some even feel a subtle sense of shame when dining solo or attending events alone.
But these anxieties don’t have to define your experience with solitude.
The journey to enjoying your own company begins with a fundamental mindset shift.
Rather than viewing solitude as something to endure, try seeing it as a gift you give yourself – as time free from external expectations and social performance. This perspective transforms alone time from a negative experience into a positive, empowering, and freeing choice.
In addition to the mindset shift above, if you’re ready to overcome the initial awkwardness of doing things alone, these four practical steps can help you build comfort and confidence when it comes to solitude:
- Choose activities you genuinely enjoy. Your initial solo adventures can involve things you already love. Perhaps you visit your favorite museum, watch a film, or explore a local park. Enjoyment helps override any discomfort you might feel.
- Begin in less public environments. Start where social pressure feels minimal. Practice solitude in relatively private settings like a quiet coffee shop or neighborhood bookstore before tackling more visible activities like restaurant dining.
- Gradually extend your comfort zone. Slowly increase both the duration and the visibility of your solo activities. What starts as a quick coffee alone might eventually become a weekend road trip or concert attendance.
- Challenge negative thoughts directly. When thoughts like “Everyone is looking at me” or “This feels awkward” arise, recognize that most people are far too absorbed in their own worlds to notice or judge you, and those who do might even be secretly admiring your independence.
With practice, learning how to have fun alone becomes second nature. The initial awkwardness fades, replaced by a liberating sense of freedom and self-reliance.
Now that you understand how to build comfort with solitude, let’s explore different things to do alone so you can enjoy being by yourself.
21 Things to Do Alone
Wondering what to do solo when bored? Finding meaningful activities to enjoy by yourself is key to transforming idle time into enriching experiences
We’ve gathered 21 diverse things to do alone across different environments to inspire your independent adventures. Whether you’re looking to relax at home, boost your happiness, or explore the outdoors, these suggestions will help you discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from quality time with yourself.
Things to Do Alone at Home
- Learn a new recipe and have a solo cooking night. Transform your kitchen into a personal culinary school. Pick a recipe you’ve always wanted to try, gather all the ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the process without any pressure to impress others.
- Create a vision board for your goals. Grab some magazines, scissors, and a poster board to visualize your aspirations. This creative exercise helps clarify what you truly want from life when there’s no one else’s opinions to consider.
- Plan your dream trip in detail. Research destinations, create itineraries, and budget for your perfect getaway. Solo planning lets you design a trip that perfectly matches your interests without compromise.
- Catch up on sleep. Sometimes the most productive thing to do alone is to rest. Create a sleep sanctuary with fresh sheets, the perfect room temperature, and perhaps a calming scent to enjoy deep, restorative sleep.
- Take a bath. Elevate a simple bath into a spa-like experience with candles, bath oils, a good book, or your favorite podcast. The quiet solitude allows for complete relaxation.
- Start a movie marathon. Choose a director, genre, or series and watch back-to-back films without anyone complaining about your selection. Stock up on your favorite snacks and fully immerse yourself in the stories.
- Read that book you’ve been meaning to get to. Create a cozy reading nook, turn off notifications, and finally dive into that novel, biography, or self-help book that’s been sitting on your shelf.
Things to Do Alone to Make You Happy
- Make a “joy playlist” and have a solo dance party. Compile a list of your favorite songs, clear some space, and dance like nobody’s watching – because no one is! This can release endorphins and boost your mood instantly.
- Visit a museum or art gallery at your own pace. Wander through exhibits following only your interests, spending as much time as you want with pieces that speak to you without worrying about someone else getting bored.
- DIY spa day. Create a luxurious at-home spa experience with your favorite skincare products, scented candles, and relaxing music. Taking time for self-care signals to yourself that you deserve nurturing.
- Get active with a workout or a yoga class. Whether at home following a video or at a gym, exercising alone allows you to focus completely on your form and breathing without self-consciousness.
- Declutter your living space. Clearing physical space often creates mental clarity too. Make decisions about what to keep or discard based solely on what brings you joy or serves a purpose.
- Treat yourself to your favorite meal. Either cook it yourself or order takeout from your favorite restaurant. You can even find a comfortable spot to people watch while you eat, adding entertainment to your solo dining experience.
- Take an online class in something you’ve always wanted to learn. From coding to creative writing, online courses let you develop new skills at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Things to Do Alone Outside
- Watch the sunrise or the sunset. Find a peaceful spot to witness the beginning or end of the day. These quiet moments of natural beauty often inspire reflection and gratitude.
- Find a scenic spot to read or sketch. Take your creativity outdoors. Spending time in nature can spark new ideas and perspectives.
- Try a solo hike or nature walk. Without conversation to distract you, you’ll notice more wildlife, plant details, and subtle sounds of nature. Move at your own pace, stopping whenever something catches your interest.
- Garden. Whether you have a backyard or just a few indoor plants, tending to living things is meditative and rewarding. The focus required keeps your mind in the present moment.
- Take yourself on a day trip. Explore a nearby town, attraction, or natural area you’ve never visited. Without having to accommodate others’ preferences, you can create an itinerary that perfectly suits your interests and check off items from your travel bucket list.
- Find a quiet spot by water. The sound of water – whether ocean waves, a flowing river, or a peaceful lake – has proven calming effects on the human brain.
- Go stargazing. On a clear night, find a spot away from light pollution and look up. Apps can help you identify constellations, planets, and satellites, connecting you to the vast universe beyond.
Exploring these things to do alone can transform your relationship with solitude from something you avoid to something you actively seek.
The next time you find yourself with free time, consider it a gift – a chance to reconnect with yourself through meaningful solo activities that refresh and inspire.
Why Some People Enjoy Doing Things Alone (and Others Don’t)
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to thrive in solitude while others find it uncomfortable or even distressing? The answer lies partly in our personality traits, which influence how we interact with the world around us.
Understanding your personality type can provide valuable insights into your relationship with solitude. It can help explain why certain things to do alone feel energizing to some and draining to others, and guide you toward solo activities that align with your natural preferences.
Introverts vs. Extraverts: Where You Draw Your Energy
One of the most significant factors affecting how we experience solitude is where we draw our energy from. Introverts typically find that time alone is energizing and restorative. They process the world internally and often need quiet space to reflect and recharge after social interaction.
According to our research, 80% of Introverts say the time they spend alone often ends up being more interesting and satisfying than the time they spend with other people. This doesn’t mean Introverts dislike people. They just engage differently with the world, often preferring deep, meaningful interactions over broader social networks.
In contrast, only 29% of Extraverts reported feeling the same way. Extraverts tend to feel energized by engagement with their environment and other people. They may find extended periods of solitude draining or even boring, and often seek out stimulation from their surroundings when alone.
For many Extraverts, learning how to have fun alone requires more intentional effort, but can still be deeply rewarding with the right mindset and activities.
Judging vs. Prospecting: How You Structure Solo Time
The way you approach structure and planning can also impact how you experience solitude.
Those with the Judging personality trait prefer clarity and defined activities. When alone, they’re likely to create detailed plans or schedules.
In fact, 73% of those with the Judging trait say they remain focused on their goals and rarely get sidetracked, making them especially effective at using solo time productively – whether that means completing projects, learning new skills, or working toward specific objectives.
By contrast, only 20% of those with the Prospecting trait report the same level of focus. People with the Prospecting trait tend to approach alone time more fluidly, often preferring to keep their options open and follow spontaneous interests. Rather than adhering to a rigid plan, they might begin their day with a blank slate, letting curiosity steer their direction.
While they may struggle with consistent follow-through, their flexibility often leads to creative discoveries and unexpected joys in solitude. Their natural adaptability makes them especially good at finding novel things to do alone when circumstances change unexpectedly.
Finding Your Personal Balance
Whatever your personality, your traits don’t mean you’re destined to either love or hate solitude, but this knowledge can help you discover solo experiences that work with your natural tendencies instead of against them.
By honoring your natural preferences while gently stretching your comfort zone, you can transform alone time from something you endure into something you genuinely enjoy.
Curious about where you fall on these personality traits? Take our free personality test to explore your unique type and gain deeper insights into how you engage with the world – whether alone or with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to have fun alone?
To have fun alone, focus on activities that engage your personal interests without requiring others. Try creative hobbies, outdoor adventures, learning something new, or simply enjoying entertainment your way without compromise.
What activities should I do alone?
Common activities to do alone include reading, hiking, cooking experiments, museum visits, meditation, journaling, photography walks, taking classes, gardening, creating art or music, and more. There are infinite possibilities for how to spend time in solitude.
How do I spend my day alone?
Structure a fulfilling solo day by mixing productive tasks with enjoyable activities – perhaps start with a peaceful morning routine, tackle a personal project, explore somewhere new, and end with self-care or entertainment that feels indulgent and fulfilling.