Why Alone Time is Important + 35 Fun Things to Do Alone

Alone time…for some this is pure bliss and for others undesired. Personally, alone time is something that I need. As an introvert, it is part of my self-care to allow myself space to “just be.” But alone time doesn’t have to be limited to introverts only, and actually it shouldn’t be. Alone time is beneficial for improving your relationship with yourself, leading to greater happiness and growth. Plus, it doesn’t have to be boring or lonely. Keep reading to discover why time with yourself is important for all personality types, including 35 examples of fun things to do alone.

Why Spend Time Alone?

So why should you learn to enjoy spending time alone? A few of the impactful benefits revealed through studies are include happiness, lower depression rates, better knowledge of yourself, and better stress management. It also creates time to focus on self-improvement and encourages greater creativity. These are all amazing things to experience. While spending time alone might not be comfortable at first, these are just a few of the reasons why it is worth the effort. And it doesn’t have to be boring either.

“But I Get Bored…”

While sometimes I need to just lay in bed and watch TV, this isn’t what alone time always has to be. And let’s be real – too much of this can get boring and leave you feeling “blah.” If you want to lay in bed and allow yourself to be lazy, that can be a great form of self-care at times. But make sure this isn’t the only type of time you spend alone. And if chilling out alone doesn’t re-energize you, know that time alone doesn’t have to be this way!

You have the power to keep yourself company. While socialization is important to humanity, there can also be a balance. The answer to boredom doesn’t always have to be calling up a friend to stay occupied. It also doesn’t have to be picking up groceries or getting chores done. You can keep yourself occupied and have fun doing it! There are so many things to do alone, from chilling out to taking yourself out on a date. I mean, who could be better company? (And if you don’t enjoy your own company right now, it is all the more reason to learn how to.)  

Whether you already enjoy alone time or are ready to start learning, here are 35 fun things to do alone that will help you enjoy your own company.

35 Fun Things to Do Alone

1. See a movie you’ve been dying to see
2. Hike to a beautiful scenic point, and practice meditation (make sure it is a safe point too)
3. Go shopping. Perfect for when you are on a specific mission or if you want to wander aimlessly without pressure
4. Learn something new
5. Write in a journal – see here for journal prompt ideas if you’ve been feeling stressed
6. Plan a trip (but make sure you aren’t always using your time alone to plan something else!)
7. Go on a day/overnight trip to a new town
8. Have a spa day (at home or at the spa!)
9. Go antiquing 
10. Go thrifting
11. Bake something and share it with those you love
12. See a ballet or theatre production
13. Cook a new recipe (try one of these healthy recipes)
14. Go to a restaurant and try a cuisine or dish you’ve never had before
15. Take a pottery class
16. Go to a park, bring a blanket, and enjoy beautiful weather
17. Go to a new and exciting workout class or take one virtually
18. Volunteer for a cause you resonate with
19. Do a paint by numbers or YouTube art tutorial
20. Start a vegetable garden
21. Listen to a podcast on a topic you’re interested in
22. Think about where you want to be, and set goals to get there
23. Glam time! Try a new hairstyle or new makeup from a YouTube or TikTok tutorial
24. Go for a coffee or tea at a cute cafe and enjoy people watching
25. Light a candle, grab a cozy blanket, and read a book
26. Find new music you’ll love & make a playlist
27. Go to a museum or art gallery
28. Learn a TikTok dance
29. Learn how to recreate your favorite takeout
30. Find a DIY project on Pinterest and try it
31. Make a photo album of pictures you want to remember
32. Create a mood board of this year for you
33. If you have a pet, do something with them that they would love
34. Explore your aesthetic for your clothes, home, etc.
35. Find local sights/attractions you haven’t seen and go enjoy them

These are just a few of my favorite fun ideas, but there are endless ways to enjoy time by yourself. I hope this list of fun things to do alone helps you learn to love your own company. What else do you like to do alone? Which one from this list will you make an effort to try first?