Sometimes we need alone time; time to just do whatever it is we love. In this article, we share things to do by yourself. Many activities can be done with others but work well in solitude. Others require the concentration and diligence that only comes from sitting quietly and completely alone. We have a quick list of “Things to Do Alone” to get you started. Many of our “Activities to Do Alone” take you out and about for some single diversions. Next, we have “Hobbies to Do Alone,” a list of interests to involve yourself in that take repetitive involvement. The article ends with “Things to Do by Yourself at Home” that make it possible to truly relax with no distractions.

Most of the things we can do by ourselves fall in to five general categories. As you read this list, think about which category appeals to you the most in preparation for the rest of the suggestions in this article.

  1. Collecting. You may find satisfaction from collecting and categorizing things. Start by thinking about what you already have that you love. Colorful card decks, seashells, dolls, anything you have a passion for can be the start of a collection.
  2. Creating. Making something from scratch, whether it is a scarf, or a fancy decorated cake, might be what brings you happiness. Organizing your tools or utensils adds to the creative process.
  3. Restoring. Turning something old into a usable and attractive object not only provides fun, but useful objects for you or to share with others.
  4. Relaxing. Some hobbies, simply help us avoid stress and get our heads clear. Concentrating on a puzzle or building a model helps the world and its worries fade away.
  5. Refreshing. Whatever hobby you choose should help you relax and refresh your mind and body. Many hobbies are specifically designed to do just that, especially those that involve physical activity or being outside, such as yoga or gardening.

Things to Do Alone

Things to Do Alone

Many of the things we do with others can also be done by ourselves. You may find it awkward to venture alone into the world at first. But you will soon find yourself looking forward to spending time in solitary pursuits.

  • Go to a museum or the zoo.
  • Play with your pet.
  • Stargaze.
  • Exercise.
  • Go to a fancy restaurant alone.
  • Give yourself a spa day.
  • Listen to a podcast.
  • Watch a movie at home or go to one in a theater.
  • Do home repairs.
  • Give yourself a manicure or pedicure.
  • Give yourself a facial.
  • Take a walk around the neighborhood.
  • Go on a nature walk.
  • Play an on-line game.
  • Volunteer
  • Organize anything.
  • Watch the clouds and look for shapes.
  • Make your own spice blends or infused cooking oil.
  • Set up a bird feeder and then listen to birds and try to identify them.

Activities To Do Alone

Activities To Do Alone

One definition for activity is recreational pursuit or pastime. The following list includes activities to do alone that adhere to that definition. Not only do they provide some physical benefits, but they also serve to involve us in repetitive activity. Plus, they are just plain fun!

  • Dancing. Turn on your favorite music and dance in the solitude of your own home. Dancing provides exercise and also makes one feel happy. Plus, those steps you practice can make you a star when you hit the dance floor next time.
  • Biking. Even if you do not own a bicycle of your own, many places have them available for rent. You can begin by biking to the store or another nearby location, then venture into a nearby park or take a ride on a bike trail.
  • Playing an Instrument. You may still have an instrument from your school days in band or concert classes. If not, begin with a small instrument such as a ukulele or guitar. Take lessons if you wish or watch on-line tutorials.
  • Walking. Taking a stroll around your neighborhood can provide a new and refreshing perspective. Search for local walking trails or venture to a nearby state park or recreation area.
  • Running or Jogging. If you like more strenuous exercise, try jogging or running. You can set yourself some personal goals to meet if you wish.
  • Bird Watching. Grab a pair of binoculars and search out the nearest plants and trees to identify bird species in your area. It’s fun to keep a log of the birds you see, when and where spotted, and some information about their habits.
  • Cloud Watching. Not extremely strenuous, this activity takes you outside. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie on the grass and watch the clouds go by. The author of this article finds this relaxing. It is also fun to see what shapes the clouds make.
  • Playing with Your Pet. You pet loves attention and taking time to play or teach a new trick provides fun for you and the pet you love.

Hobbies To Do Alone

Hobbies To Do Alone

There is nothing quite as relaxing as pursuing a hobby by yourself. We suggest that you start small with minimal investment. If you decide you love the hobby you have chosen to do alone, you can invest in more tools and/or supplies. Each hobby listed below gives advice on how to begin slowly with minimal investment. Remember, if you decide a particular hobby is not for you, simply choose another one from our list.

  • Baking or Cooking. If watching cooking shows is one of your pastimes, take it a step further and learn how to bake or cook those great recipes. You probably have cookbooks and family recipes you have never tried. You can begin with the food and utensils you have on hand. If this hobby becomes your passion, you can invest in special supplies, such as a bread making machine or special cake pans.
  • Building Models. Hobby stores provide options such as model cars, ships, and buildings. Start with a small kit. Remember, you will need a place to display your finished models. You can also gift them to family members.
  • Calligraphy. You will need to spend between fifty and one-hundred dollars to get started. Check out some on-line videos about calligraphy before making the investment. Remember, it takes concentration and skill to perfect the ability to do calligraphy well.
  • Drawing or Doodling. Drawing a detailed zentangle can be extremely relaxing. All you need to begin is pencil and paper. There are many YouTube videos available for the serious drawer. Check them out if drawing is your thing.
  • Coloring. Adult coloring books start at around $5. You may have colored pencils or fine tipped markers already. Try to use the coloring materials you have on hand to begin. You might even wish to use your child’s coloring books or go on-line and print off a picture to color. If coloring becomes your passion, you can invest in more equipment.
  • Painting. It should cost you under $50 to get an inexpensive set of paints, a canvas, and brushes. There are many on-line tutorials. You might also consider attending a paint party to see if this hobby is for you. Later, you will find many objects to paint, such as rocks, furniture, tiles, and fabrics. This hobby can be as simple or complicated as you desire.
  •  Gardening. You can opt for pots on a patio or a full-sized vegetable garden. The cost is dependent on the space you want to work in and the complexity of the project. Choose easy to grow plants to begin this project. One of the advantages of this hobby is that you are outside and get moderate exercise.
  • Jewelry Making. Begin your jewelry making hobby with bracelets made from embroidery floss or crochet thread. You can find patterns on-line for free. Later, you can invest in beads and other supplies. Also, garage sales and thrift shops have old jewelry you can take apart for new beads, pins, and such.
  • Photography. If you find yourself constantly using the camara on your phone, photography may be the logical choice of a hobby for you. Start with editing those phone photos you already have. You can invest in a digital camera and get into more serious editing as you gain experience. You can also pull out old photos and create themed albums for your family members.
  • Wood Carving or Burning. If you have whittled in the past and remember enjoying it, wood carving or wood burning may be for you. You will not need much to get started, but you can add to your collection of knives and woodburning tips as you progress. You can choose to make useful items like wooden spoons, or decorative items such as jewelry and wall plaques.
  • Sewing. This hobby can be as simple as creating a small purse by hand or as complicated as making a custom outfit for a special night out. You may already have a sewing machine. If not, check with family members to see if you can borrow one or take one no longer used. You will also need needles, thread, and fabric to begin. If you are really ambitious, consider making a quilt.
  • Restoring Furniture. Scour thrift stores for small pieces of furniture, lamps, or dressers – anything that catches your eye that you can restore to its former glory. You can either strip it and refinish the natural wood or create a painted piece with decals or other decorative designs.

Things To Do by Yourself at Home

Things To Do by Yourself at Home

Some solitary activities really must be done at home. In this list, you will find quiet, relaxing pastimes, many of which take the concentration only experienced in solitude. If you truly enjoy your own company and hate to go out, these activities will suit you.

  • Reading. You probably have books lying around you meant to read, but just haven’t taken the time to do so. Pull them out. You can also borrow books from your local library or read them on-line. Whether you choose the latest best seller, a how-to book, or a factual genre, reading provides relaxation and stimulates the mind.
  • Writing. Maybe you have always wanted to start a blog or write the great American novel. Now is the time to get started. Set a goal of time and/or words, or simply write as the spirit moves you. You may even decide to publish your creation.
  • Meditating. Whether you spend time reflecting on spiritual matters, or simply take time to think seriously about something important to you, daily mediation improves your attitude, reduces stress, and helps you focus on something outside yourself.
  • Solving Puzzles. You can choose a massive jigsaw puzzle, newspaper crossword, Sudoku, or on-line puzzle game. Puzzle books are inexpensive and readily available. Many find solving puzzles a relaxing pastime.
  • Napping. A daily nap provides rest and can actually make the rest of your day more productive. Even laying down for 30 minutes and resting your body and mind without sleep is restorative.
  • Writing a Letter or Sending a Card. Correspondence has become a lost art and one many people miss. Your can write a love letter, send a thank you card, or make your own card with a computer program or simple craft materials. There are even tutorials on how to make envelopes on-line.
  • Taking an On-line Class. Maybe it is time to finish that college degree or get your master’s degree. Perhaps you have always wanted to learn how to computer program or do fancy cake decoration. There are on-line classes for just about every activity or academic subject.

Whatever you choose to do alone, play it safe and consider the time of day and the place you are at. Jogging late at night in an unfamiliar area is foolhardy. Adhere to all safety rules and advise and don’t overdo it the first time you participate in a physical activity. Once you get going, you may find ways to expand your solitary activity, sharing it with others or doing it for profit. Whatever you choose to do alone, have fun!

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