23 Activities To Do By Yourself That Are Good For Your Well-Being
Spending time alone can be scary if you’re not used to doing so or don’t know what to do with yourself. You might be worried you’ll be judged in public or become lonely. However, choosing to spend time alone may be refreshing and can improve your overall well-being. Going out alone or staying in at home may allow you to explore your interests and follow your desires without having to think of someone else’s.
When you spend time with yourself, you may learn that you can be self-sufficient and find happiness in your own company. You may also learn to find peace and enjoyment in solitude, so you can enjoy your time around other people when they are around.
23 activities for spending time with yourself
Spending time with yourself can help you learn more about who you are outside of relationships. Below are 23 activities to consider for inspiration and motivation.
Eat at a restaurant
Eating is often seen as a social activity, but it doesn’t have to be. Eat a favorite food that no one else you know enjoys or take yourself out and indulge. You might find yourself enjoying eating a silent meal in your own company. If you have a sweet tooth, go out to get a sweet treat, or consider baking a cake or pastry at home.
See a movie
If you’re bored and there’s a movie in theaters that you want to see, consider going to the movies. Going to the movies alone allows you to watch a film without anyone talking to you during the scenes, and you can spend less money on concessions.
Take a walk
Taking a walk alone can allow you to get fresh air and clear your head. Listen to music while you walk and focus on your surroundings. You may walk to a nearby town, a local park, a store for fresh flowers, or the farmer’s market to pick up groceries. There are also walking tours in many tourist-friendly areas.
Have a spa day
A spa day is a way to indulge in self-care. Try a mineral face mask, go to a sauna, or get a massage. By the end of the day, you may feel like a new person.
Travel
Traveling alone can be exciting and eye-opening. On a solo trip, you can meet new people and see unique places, and you get to choose how and when you do so. Many people travel to an amusement park or theme park, where they may offer a single-rider line to ride many roller coasters quickly. You may travel to a place where you get a fresh perspective on life by taking a scenic bike ride or car ride. Some people also try solo international travel, which may inspire them to challenge themselves and learn a new language as they check places off their bucket lists.
Go shopping
Shopping therapy can be fun, but shopping at your own pace may be difficult when other people are around. Instead, try browsing and getting some retail therapy on your own. You can shop for a home improvement project that you need to knock of your to-do list, new clothes at a thrift store, or decorations, among other items.
Volunteer your time
Volunteering allows you to help other people and make a change in your community. Consider volunteering with organizations that challenge you to learn new skills, such as construction or technology skills.
Get crafty
Check out Pinterest or watch YouTube videos to find exciting DIY and craft projects or try baking. Getting your hands dirty with these types of projects may be almost meditative and can help you relax after a long week. You can sign up for an online class and practice your skills while baking or crafting.
Exercise
Exercise can be a healthy and fun activity when you’re alone, whether your favorite workout involves going to the gym, doing at-home yoga, joining a new workout class, going to a dance class, or running. Although a workout class may have others in it, you still do the work alone. You can also choose to complete an online class at home, where you may learn a new way to exercise.
Read
Reading is a solo activity you can do in many locations. For example, you can read on the bus, in a park, in a coffee shop, or at home. Plan a cozy day for yourself by waking up early and putting on comfortable clothes you feel good in, visiting your favorite local coffee shop, and reading a book you’ve been anticipating for a while. To challenge yourself, try reading in a new language or learning a new skill or school of thought.
Go to the library
Libraries are hubs for information, books, and community resources. You can go to the library to get a book to read. However, if reading isn’t your favorite, libraries often offer movies, documentaries, TV series, and other media types. In addition, you can check out the community bulletin board to find fun activities or groups in your area.
Write in a journal
Studies have found that expressive writing forms, like journaling, can significantly improve mental health and well-being. Recording your thoughts can provide a different perspective on your life, your relationship with yourself, and your relationship with others. In addition, you can process your feelings and have a platform for open and honest self-expression.
Go thrifting
Check out your local thrift store or antique market. Even if you don’t plan to make a purchase, browsing can be fun. Secondhand shops often have one-of-a-kind knickknacks, furniture, jewelry, and clothing you won’t find anywhere else. As you look, you might find the perfect outfit to wear the next time you treat yourself to a night out.
Go for a walk or a bike ride
Combining exercise and time in nature may improve your mental health and well-being. Go to a local park you’ve never been to, or take a short road trip to a national park. Walking or biking around the city can also be fun if you don’t know of any natural places.
Indulge in a massage
An increasing amount of research points to the benefits of massage therapy for your health and well-being. Book a massage at your local spa. If you want to be extra indulgent, you might also get a facial, manicure, and pedicure (or splurge on all of them). However, pampering yourself doesn’t have to mean spending money in a spa. Light an aromatherapy candle, soak in a warm bath, and do your own facial and manicure at home if you’re low on money or don’t want to go out.
Go to a museum
For some, going to a museum with others might leave a sense of not having seen everything. Going alone means you can take your time and browse at your own pace. Whether you choose art, science, or history, strolling through a museum and taking in the exhibits and beautiful architecture can be fulfilling.
Organize your home
Decluttering your home or space can be a helpful way to improve your mental health. Get rid of what you don’t need and organize what’s left. The result may be a tidier, more productive, and less stressful home environment. The process is also a good opportunity for practicing mindfulness, and studies show that a clean environment may improve your mood.
Do a DIY home improvement project
While in home beautification mode, consider going a step further and fixing up your space. Does your place need painting? Could your kitchen cabinets use an update? If you’re looking for a more complicated job, a quick YouTube search may provide DIY tutorials. If you prefer to spend time outside, consider beautifying your space by landscaping and planting.
Try people watching
Grab a coffee, find a spot in a crowded public place, and watch people go about their busy lives. People-watching can be a study of human nature and a way to find inspiration for random acts of kindness, such as complimenting a stranger’s outfit. You might consider going to a park to watch families and pets play and be in nature.
Learn a new skill
Gardening, cooking, home improvement projects, playing an instrument, or learning a new language are examples of hobbies that promote self-growth. Creative projects like painting, sculpture, dance, and writing can also be therapeutic. For support in this process, you might consider art therapy. Art therapy isn’t only used for treating mental health challenges—research suggests this modality can help individuals express themselves more freely, improve their mental health, and improve interpersonal relationships.
Meditate
Studies repeatedly show that meditation is beneficial for mental health. Meditative practice can reduce stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote self-esteem. Meditation has also been proven to have many health benefits, as it can lower blood pressure and the risk of diabetes or high cholesterol.
Take yourself on a date
Go to a movie, a concert, a comedy show, or out to dinner for a “self date.” Dress in clothing you’re comfortable in and make it a special occasion. You can spoil yourself and do an activity that brings you joy. Be sure to plan a ride home if you’re drinking.
Play games
Word games, jigsaw puzzles, and other brain teasers can be a cognitively stimulating, enjoyable way to spend quality time with yourself. Research on the cognitive benefits of video gaming is ongoing, but some results indicate certain games may benefit cognitive functioning.
Takeaway
Although doing activities alone can be rewarding, being alone can be scary for some people. If you have difficulty being alone or are experiencing loneliness, you might benefit from talking to a therapist. A counselor, either in-person or via an online counseling service like BetterHelp, can help you get to the root of these challenges.
Through an online platform, you can attend therapy from home or any location with an internet connection, which may be helpful if you are living with challenges like depression or anxiety. In addition, online therapy is often more cost-effective, leaving you with more money to spend on activities outside of therapy. Studies have shown that online interventions can also lead to an increased quality of life and may be more effective than in-person therapy in some cases.
How do you have fun when you're single?
Single people can do almost any activity alone that doesn’t require a partner. Spending time with friends can be fun, but consider cultivating self-growth while you do so. You might ask a friend to accompany you to take a class, play a sport, or learn a new hobby. Host a dinner party, cook a new dish, or ask a friend for help with a home improvement project.
Trying a selfless activity can also be therapeutic, fulfilling, and fun. Try volunteering for a cause you care about in your community. If you have the resources, time, and commitment, consider adopting a shelter animal. Lend your time and skills to help children in your community. You might also offer homework assistance, lead a crafting activity, or play games with kids at your local YMCA, rec center, or other children’s organization.
Some single people might try joining group activities for single adults with similar interests. For example, there are singles book clubs, film clubs for cinephiles, gardening clubs, and other activity groups. If you like cooking, try a singles cooking class. If you’re into art, join an art appreciation club or take a singles workshop.
Why do I enjoy being alone?
Enjoying being alone can have various causes. People with introverted tendencies often prefer being alone over socializing with others. You might like to be alone if you find social interaction tiresome or draining. In addition, you may enjoy the autonomy and freedom offered by keeping your own company. Spend time journaling about your thoughts and feelings. Reflect on how social interaction and your interpersonal relationships impact you. In some cases, people prefer being alone because they have an avoidant attachment style and struggle to feel safe in relationships.
How do I accept loneliness?
To start accepting loneliness, eliminate negative self-talk or judgment about being alone from your mental vocabulary. Loneliness is often associated with stigma. However, many people experience loneliness throughout their lives, and there’s nothing “wrong” with you being lonely. Consider writing about your experience in a journal. Writing down your thoughts and feelings may help you see them from a different, healthier perspective and process difficult emotions.
Another way to accept loneliness is to learn about other people’s experiences and how they found acceptance. Doing so may give you ideas for accepting your loneliness and solidarity in knowing you aren’t the only one. However, unaddressed loneliness can become overwhelming and affect daily life. If you’re experiencing prolonged or excessive feelings of loneliness, or your emotions interfere with your daily functioning, consider speaking with a mental health professional.
How do I love myself?
Self-judgment and criticism often affect self-esteem and create barriers to self-love. Pay attention to your inner narrator and eliminate negative self-talk. Would you judge or speak to a friend like that or provide encouragement? Treat yourself like a good friend and practice positivity and self-encouragement.
How can you know if someone is lonely?
The best way to tell if someone is lonely is to ask them. However, doing so might not always be appropriate. Just because someone spends a lot of their time alone doesn’t necessarily mean they’re lonely. They might have introverted tendencies and prefer solitude. However, if the person doesn’t appear to be alone by choice, they might feel lonely. Below are some signs of loneliness:
- Lack of motivation
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Negativity and pessimism
- Distrust of others
- Trouble regulating emotions and behavior
- Problems with sleep and appetite
How do you distract yourself when lonely?
Coping with loneliness can be challenging, so finding a healthy distraction might be helpful. Practice self-care, eat nutritious meals, and get quality sleep. Studies show that exercise is exceptionally effective in relieving loneliness and isolation.
In addition, volunteering can be a distraction from loneliness. Donate your time, skills, and energy to help others. Use your skills to help others and think positive thoughts about yourself. You might also try honing a skill to cultivate self-growth. If you find loneliness overwhelming, reach out to a mental health professional for help. They can give you tools for coping with loneliness and cultivating self-love.
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