10 Things To Do By Yourself That Are Good For Your Well-Being

What can I do for fun by myself?

There are many fun ways to entertain yourself both at home and out and about when you’re hanging out alone. Here are some solo activities to try:

• Go to the library

Finding a good book to cozy up with can be highly satisfying, especially if it’s a book you haven’t read by an author you love or in a genre you enjoy. If reading isn’t your favorite, most libraries offer movies, documentaries, TV series, and other media types. Don’t leave without checking the community bulletin board—you might find other fun things going on in your area to check out. 

• Write in a journal

Journaling can be extremely therapeutic. Recording your thoughts can provide a different perspective on your life, your relationship with yourself, and your relationship with others. It’s also an excellent way to process your feelings and offers a platform for open and honest self-expression. 

• Go thrifting

Check out your local thrift store or antique market. It can be fun to browse even if you aren’t in the market to buy something. Secondhand shops often have one-of-a-kind knickknacks, furniture, jewelry, and clothing you won’t find anywhere else. You never know; 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 spent in nature can do a lot for your mental health and well-being. Try going to a local park you’ve never been to or take a short road trip to a national park. If that isn’t an option, walking or biking around the city can be just as beneficial. 

• Indulge in a massage

An increasing amount of research points to the benefits of massage therapy for your health and well-being. Book one at your local spa. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, get a facial, manicure, and pedicure (or splurge on all of them), too. Remember that pampering yourself doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money in a spa, though. Light an aromatherapy candle, soak in a warm bath, and do your own facial and mani/pedi at home!

• Go to a museum

Sometimes, going to a museum with others might leave you feeling like you haven’t seen everything you wanted to see. 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 really taking in the exhibits and beautiful architecture can be highly fulfilling.

• Organize your home

While it might seem like doing chores you’d prefer to avoid, the act of decluttering can be satisfying. Get rid of what you don’t need and organize what’s left. You’ll find the result is a tidier, more productive, and less stressful home environment. The process is also a good opportunity for practicing mindfulness.

• Do a DIY home improvement project

While you’re in home beautification mode, consider taking it 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 will likely provide you with all the DIY tutorials you need. If you prefer to spend time outside, consider beautifying your space by landscaping and planting.

• Do some people watching

Grab a coffee, find a spot in a crowded public place, and watch people go about their busy lives. It’s an excellent study of human nature and a great way to find inspiration for random acts of kindness. The park is a fantastic place to enjoy nature while you observe. (Also, watching kids and pets play in the park can lift your mood exponentially.) 

• Learn a new skill

Gardening, cooking, home improvement projects, learning to play an instrument, or learning a new language are all examples of hobbies that promote self-growth. Creative projects like painting, sculpture, dance, and writing can be therapeutic. And art therapy isn’t just used for treating mental health challenges—research suggests it can help anyone “express themselves more freely, improve their mental health, and improve interpersonal relationships.” 

• Meditate

Studies repeatedly show that meditation is beneficial for our mental health in many ways. It can reduce stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote self-esteem. It’s also been proven to have many health benefits. Meditation can lower blood pressure, lower the risk of diabetes, reduce cholesterol, and more.

• Take yourself on a date

Go to a movie, a concert, a comedy show, out to dinner—the possibilities are endless. Get dressed up (or not, whatever makes you feel good) and hit the town. Spoil yourself, do something that brings you joy, and be sure to get a ride home if you’ll be drinking! 

• Play games

Word games, jigsaw puzzles, and other types of 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 it can also benefit cognitive functioning. If you don’t play video games, give it a try; you might find it a welcome temporary escape from daily stress.

How do you have fun when you're single?

In addition to the above suggestions, there are many things single people can do for fun. Spending time with friends can be fun but consider cultivating self-growth while you’re at it. Ask a friend to accompany you to take a class, play a sport, or learn a new hobby. Host a dinner party and cook something new, or ask a friend for help (or help them) with a home improvement project.

Doing something selfless can be therapeutic, fulfilling, and fun. Try volunteering for a cause you care about in your community. If possible, consider adopting a shelter animal. Lend your time and skills to help children in your community. You might offer homework assistance, lead a crafting activity, or simply play games with kids at your local YMCA, rec center, or other children’s organization. 

You might join in group activities for single adults with similar interests. For example, there are single’s book clubs, film clubs for cinephiles, gardening clubs, and more. If you like cooking, try a single’s cooking class. If you’re into art, join an art appreciation club or take a single’s workshop. 

Why do I enjoy being alone?

It may take some self-searching, but ultimately, you are the only one who can say for sure why you enjoy being alone. 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. You may enjoy the autonomy and freedom offered by keeping your own company. Spend some time journaling about your thoughts and feelings. Reflect on how social interaction and your interpersonal relationships impact you.

How do I accept loneliness?

Often, the first step towards accepting loneliness is eliminating negative self-talk or judgment about being alone. There’s sometimes a stigma associated with loneliness that can be difficult to overcome—understand that most people experience loneliness at some point in their lives, and there’s nothing “wrong” with you for feeling that way. It might help to write about your experience in a journal. Writing down our thoughts and feelings can help us see them from a different, healthier perspective. It can also help us process difficult emotions. 

Learn about other people’s experiences with loneliness and how they learned to accept it. This may provide you with ideas for how to accept your loneliness and solidarity in knowing you aren’t the only one. However, unaddressed loneliness can become overwhelming and affect our daily well-being. 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?

Learn to accept and appreciate yourself for who you are. 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 would you provide encouragement? Treat yourself like a good friend and practice positivity and self-encouragement.

How do you tell if someone is lonely?

The best way to tell if someone is lonely is to ask them—but that might not always be appropriate. Remember that just because someone spends a lot of 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. Here are some signs:

• 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, but sometimes, a healthy distraction can be beneficial. Practice self-care activities, eat well, and get plenty of quality sleep. Studies show that exercise is exceptionally effective in relieving loneliness and feelings of isolation. Volunteering can be an excellent distraction from loneliness. Donate your time, skills, and energy to help others. Do things you’re good at and that will make you feel good about yourself. Try learning something new or 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 feelings of loneliness and cultivating self-love.