Enjoy Your Own Company
We all love spending time with our loved ones. With so many engaging activities available, it seems there’s no shortage of fun ways to pass the time. That said, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your own company—in fact, sometimes those very group activities are best enjoyed solo!
1. Travel Solo
Solo travel means you aren’t beholden to anyone’s schedule or rules—and it’s one of life’s most freeing experiences. It doesn’t matter if you took a nine-hour drive or a two-hour plane ride, solo travel boosts confidence and can immerse you in an entirely new culture.
2. Eat Dinner
We’re hoping to eradicate the stigma of eating alone. For years now, people have skipped out in fear of judgment, but there’s nothing wrong with a table for one. Eating alone lets you enjoy the moment (and your food) without the pressures of small talk. It’s also a good way to get comfortable with your own company.
Photo by Oleksandr P on Pexels
3. Attend an Event
From sporting events to concerts, there are plenty of events to attend solo. You’re free from distractions and fully able to enjoy the experience on a deeper level. Solo concerts are especially freeing because you can really feel the music.
Photo by Josh Sorenson on Pexels
4. Visit a Museum
While it’s nice to discuss paintings or historical pieces, it’s nicer to indulge alone. Head to an art gallery or museum sometime. No one will rush you and you’ll have a chance to engage with exhibits at your own pace. You can also go to exhibits you actually like.
Photo by Una Laurencic on Pexels
5. Go Hiking
Experienced hikers should try a solo trek. Perusing trails lets you connect with nature and unplug from the world. It clears your mind, too, which is particularly helpful for easing stress. Inexperienced hikers can still indulge, though it’s probably safer to take a long nature walk instead.
Photo by Nina Uhlikova on Pexels
6. Learn a New Language
Duolingo knows you skipped those Spanish lessons—to keep their omniscient mascot at bay, try to pick up a new language. It’s a solo activity that works your brain and can open the world to you.
Photo by Aysegul Yahsi on Unsplash
7. See a Movie
Movies are just as fun alone as they are with friends. No, really! You don’t have to agree on a movie or a time, you can indulge in whatever snacks you want, and it’s a chance to unplug for a couple of hours. There’s also zero pressure to socialize.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels
8. Explore Your City
You might know less about your city than you think. Remedy that with a solo trip around the neighborhood. You’ll discover new storefronts or places to eat and you can take your time exploring. New recommendations also impress your social circle.
Photo by Tim Douglas on Pexels
9. Take Up Journaling
Journaling is way more beneficial than people think. It’s the ultimate form of private expression, allowing you to track personal growth or write without judgment. Even if you don’t do it every day, you might surprise yourself with how often you reach for that notebook.
10. Cook a New Recipe
It’s less daunting to cook with someone more experienced, but life is for learning! Whipping up meals from scratch lets you experiment in the kitchen and expand your culinary prowess. Not only that, it’s pretty liberating to make a meal all by yourself.
Photo by Kristina Tripkovic on Unsplash
11. Stargaze
The night sky impresses everyone, but it’s truly magical to stargaze alone. Take a drive away from all that light pollution and soak in the stars for a bit. You’ll have a peaceful, unplugged night free of distraction and life’s worries.
Photo by Vincent Guth on Unsplash
12. Try Meditating
Solo meditating puts you in touch with your thoughts. It’s a great way to relax, build self-awareness, and regulate stress levels. Look into online apps or try guided meditation walkthroughs.
Photo by Matteo Di Iorio on Unsplash
13. Spend a Day in Silence
When was the last time you actually put down your phone? Take a day to truly unplug, with only yourself for company. Time away from all those screens reduces stress and forces you to get comfortable with other forms of entertainment.
Photo by Felipe Dias on Unsplash
14. Have a Picnic
Picnics with friends are great, picnics with partners are romantic, but picnics alone are most relaxing. That time in nature lets you munch on your favorite foods, people-watch, or finally dive into that novel; your only obligation is to do whatever you want!
Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
15. Indulge in a Spa Day
Whether it’s seaweed body wraps or a simple mani-pedi, you ought to pamper yourself. Spa days are the perfect way to indulge in a little self-care. Even if you’re at home, slice some cucumbers and recharge your batteries.
Photo by Karolina Kaboompics on Pexels
16. Screen-Free Hobbies
One of the best things you’ll ever do is learn a screen-free hobby. You have dozens of options, too—from woodworking and new sports to junk journaling and sketching, hobbies do wonders for the soul. There’s something special about having something that’s just your own.
17. Ride the Rails
Congratulations, you’re finally the star of your own music video! (Only in your mind, of course.) Scenic, solo train rides expose you to all kinds of landscapes. You can read or listen to music or just look out the window and watch the world go by. All in all, it’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Photo by Genine Alyssa Pedreno-Andrada on Pexels
18. Attend a Class
Attending classes solo gets you out of your comfort zone. You’ll learn something and maybe even make a new friend along the way. Even if you don’t, the experience teaches you to be comfortable with yourself.
Photo by Alicia Zinn on Pexels
19. Solo Road Trip
Road trips are always fun, and they’re somehow even better alone. Solo road trips let you explore new grounds at your own pace. You can set your own itinerary and hit the open road with nothing but a cooler full of snacks.
Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash
20. Volunteer
Volunteering is a fulfilling experience that lets you focus on what’s most important. You’ll make a positive impact, could meet new people, and will help causes that truly matter to you. It’s also a good way to get out of the house.
