This post lists loads of fun things to do alone when you’re feeling bored. Living alone comes with its challenges, one of which is keeping yourself entertained when you’re on your own. Check out these suggestions to stay happy, productive and healthy, even when you’re on your own.
I’m Bored
It happens to everyone sometimes: boredom strikes. Whether you’re home alone or just generally feeling aimless, the pacing begins and restlessness kicks in. There are so many things you could be doing, but you don’t feel like doing any of them. At the same time, you don’t want to waste time doing nothing either. That’s boredom at its finest!
Check out these ideas for fun things you can do right now, without waiting on anyone else. If a suggestion especially jumps out at you, commit and go do it! Hopefully, you can curb your boredom and find yourself feeling satisfied for accomplishing something during your free time (or at least you’ll be entertained).
Fun Things to Do Alone
1. Read a Book
Grab your next must-read book, a cup of tea and a cozy blanket and dive in! Even if you’re not much of a reader, consider finding a good book you’ve been meaning to read and give it a try. Not only can reading transport you to other worlds, but it can also help build your vocabulary, relieve stress and stimulate your creativity. Here are a few book recommendations if you need a place to get started:
A spicy rom-com beach read:
It Happened One Summer
by Tessa Bailey
Self-help & motivation:
Atomic Habits
by James Clear
Laugh-out-loud comedy:
Furiously Happy
by Jenny Lawson
2. Cook
Cooking is great on so many levels. First of all, it can be super fun. Second, if you choose healthy recipes, cooking can result in much healthier meals than eating out. But most importantly, food is just great. If you cook a nice big meal, you’ll have delicious leftovers for days. As someone who lives alone, the value of prepared meals sitting in the fridge cannot be understated. For the less kitchen-savvy aspiring home cooks, start with easier, one-pot recipes, like soup, chili or curry. Here are a few of my favorite easy recipes:
- Creamy Vegan Mushroom Artichoke Pasta – The sauce in this recipe is ridiculously easy and SO yummy. This is one of my go-to recipes when I need a super quick, healthy dinner.
- Thai Red Curry with Vegetables – Curry is one of those great dishes where you can throw everything you have left in the fridge into a pan and it always turns out delicious.
- Seriously Good Vegetable Soup – Can’t go wrong with a warm, veggie-packed soup!
3. Workout
Okay, I get it. If you’re feeling bored and lazy, working out may be one of the last things you have any interest in doing. That said, if you can muster up the self-discipline to do it anyway, you’ll feel so much better about your day! Exercising releases feel-good endorphins, which may turn your boredom around and set you up feeling motivated and productive.
No need to pack yourself up and go to the gym either. Home workouts can be just as satisfying! If you’re just getting into regular exercise, check out Pamela Reif’s workout videos on Youtube. Many are only 10 minutes, but I guarantee you’ll work up a sweat!
4. Craft
Crochet, sew, scrapbook, paint, draw, model… Unleash your creativity into a new or familiar craft. Pull out your sketchbook and draw. Or whip out the painting supplies and make yourself a piece of art to hang on the wall. Perhaps macrame a cool, boho plant hanger. Crochet a scarf. Use clay to create a little ring dish to leave on your bathroom sink. Check out creative ideas on Pinterest for inspiration, then try making something with your hands. It’s so satisfying!
5. Go thrifting
Browsing a local thrift store can be fun and interesting. Search through the shelves and racks to try to find something you can’t leave without. The best part about thrifting is that if you do find something you love, it’ll probably be super affordable! Don’t forget about thrift stores when you need home decor, like cute picture frames. You can buy fairly large frames from a secondhand store, versus spending $100+ on a brand-new frame. Plus, you can add to the fun of refinishing or painting your cool find to make it fit your style. This leads us to…
6. Refinish a piece of furniture
Check out some local secondhand stores or Facebook Marketplace for a pretty piece of used wooden furniture to refinish. Have you been putting off the purchase of an end table or cute nightstand because you haven’t found the right one or they are too expensive? Find the perfect piece at a fraction of the cost used, then hit up Home Depot for some furniture paint and pretty pulls to make a custom piece!
7. Redecorate or rearrange your house
Don’t worry, this doesn’t need to involve spending a bunch of money. If you have the space, try rearranging the layout of a room. Just switching the wall your bed or sofa is on can completely freshen up the feel of your place. It also gives a great opportunity to deep clean, but that’s not quite fun. Head to Home Goods or Marshall’s to get a unique piece of home decor to add some character to a room. The smallest of changes can make your home feel refreshed.
8. Do yoga
There’s a reason yoga has been popular for ages. Regularly practicing yoga can make you calmer, stronger and more flexible. Even better yet, it can be grounding, help you live in the moment and stay in touch with your body. Look up some online yoga tutorials or check out classes at a local yoga studio. Don’t be intimidated if you haven’t done yoga before. Many instructors offer alternative (easier!) poses for people just getting started.
9. Treat yourself at T.J.Maxx
When was the last time you went to T.J.Maxx? If you’re in need of some retail therapy and don’t want to break the bank, set yourself a budget and head to T.J.Maxx or Marshall’s. They’ve got bargain prices on makeup, hair care, skincare, clothing, shoes, home decor, dog toys, accent furniture, snacks and more! It’s literally the best store to rush to if you need a last-minute gift for someone too. You can make the most adorable gift basket for under $40. Today, you could make a gift basket for yourself!
10. Take a bath
Suggesting a bath as a means of relaxation and pleasure may be overused, but for a good reason. A hot bath is just wonderful. Let’s set the scene: Imagine you’re winding down after a long day. You’ve got candles lit in the bathroom, making the foamy bubbles floating over your tub glisten. The mirror is fogged. You have a glass of wine and a good book, as you soak in a divine-smelling bath. Ugh. It’s the best. That’s all before you get the closest shave ever and have the easiest time falling asleep afterward. Yeah. Go take a hot bath.
11. Have an at-home spa day
In a similar vein, go the whole nine yards and treat yourself to an at-home spa day. Apply your favorite face mask, exfoliate and give yourself a mani & pedi. Maybe even put on some soothing spa music to relax to. You’ll be feeling prim and pampered afterward!
When you do your pedicure, don’t limit yourself to only painted toenails. File off your calluses and give your feet a long soak in some Epsom salts. Finish off with a good slather of moisturizer. They will be ridiculously soft when you’re done.
12. Take a walk
Walks are great for your heart, release endorphins and give you all the benefits of spending time outdoors. If you have a dog, bring them along too for some quality bonding time. By the time you get back home, you’ll be feeling awake and motivated.
Read More: 14 Safety Tips for Living Alone for the First Time
13. Lay outside
If you’re feeling lazy, try being lazy outside. Throw a blanket down in the grass or set up a hammock in the shade. No matter what you’re doing, the fresh air and sunshine can naturally boost your mood. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen if you’re laying out in the sun!
14. Go to the movies
Going to the movies alone is honestly really fun in its own way. You can see whichever movie you want without anyone suggesting otherwise. It doesn’t feel awkward to go solo like other activities may because it’s dark in the theater and you become absorbed in the movie. You can grab a bite to eat afterward or just head home.
15. Go to a café to get a coffee & read
Spoil yourself with a fancy coffee drink, but don’t go through the drive-thru today. Instead, go inside for your drink and stay while you enjoy it. Bring your laptop, a book or your journal to keep yourself occupied. Or maybe you’d rather just people-watch (entertainment in its own right, really). You might just meet someone interesting!
16. Browse Barnes & Noble
Bookworms could always use a stroll through a bookstore! Grab a Starbies and wander the aisles for your next must-read. Don’t let your budget stop you from this nice afternoon activity. Take pictures of all the books you want so you don’t forget about them. Come back to your wishlist when you’re in a better place to buy.
I know books are way cheaper on Amazon, but consider paying for the book in-store every once in a while. It keeps brick-and-mortar bookstores in business!
17. Or browse a vintage or used bookshop
There’s something so unique about browsing tall shelves of used books. There’s a unique feel to the books and everything has that old book smell. Wander through a shop for the afternoon and see what kind of treasure you can find.
I’m a reader, but there’s also something very aesthetically pleasing about old books. Shop for books you may actually want to read, but also keep an eye out for bargain finds that would look great on an empty coffee table or nightstand.
18. Start a side hustle
Living alone isn’t cheap! If you regularly find yourself with some extra time on your hands, consider starting a side hustle to generate some extra income. There are so many ideas online and many don’t require much money to get started, if at all. Here are some cool ideas:
- Design printables to sell on Etsy
- Create an online course about something you’re an expert at
- Sell a craft, like paintings, handmade furniture or quilts
Even if you only bring in a tiny bit extra each month, it can give you peace of mind that if you ever lost your job, you already have a temporary option to fall back on. It’s also really, really satisfying.
19. Go to a park
There are tons of great city, metro, state and National parks throughout the US, so you’re bound to be near one. Walk or drive to a nearby park for some time outside. If you have a dog, bring them along! You’re more likely to be active once you are in the outdoor setting. Maybe…
- Go for a bike ride
- Walk a walking trail
- Have a picnic
- Go for a swim
Enjoy some sunshine and time to yourself outside of the house. If you happen to live in SE Michigan, here are my favorites:
20. Make yourself a sweet treat
Take your time making a delicacy to indulge in. Perhaps a decadent parfait or rich brownie a la mode? Look up recipes to find the perfect treat that will have you feeling worthy of a 5-star restaurant.
- Atomic Cake – overwhelming deliciousness, but not for the calorie counters
- Blueberry Almond Crisp – another win from my favorite food blogger
- Vanilla Crème Brûlée – a classic dessert for when you’re feeling fancy
21. Watch Love, Death & Robots
Not everyone might be into this, I get it. But if this does sound appealing to you, you should definitely give it a try and consider partaking in some legal recreational THC to really put the cherry on top. Just note that taking this route will probably not lead you to a productive, satisfying day. Take a rest day, kick back, relax, and watch a really weird, visually appealing show that will confuse you, sober or not.
Warning: some episodes of this show contain nudity and graphic violence.
22. Start a blog
Blogging is not for the faint of heart. The amount of work that goes into starting and maintaining a blog is actually kind of insane, but if you think you’d enjoy it, you should DEFINITELY give it a try! Blogging is a great creative outlet for those that love to write and plan. You can also dabble in photography and graphic design. Writing about something you love is always fun!
These are my favorite YouTube Channels to use as resources as you get a new blog going:
23. Pick up an old hobby
Do you still have all the bits and pieces of an old hobby stuffed in a closet or under your bed? Dust off that guitar or yank out those knitting needles! Impress yourself with how much you still remember about an old hobby and see if you can reignite your interest in it again.
24. Dance around the house
Blast your favorite pick-me-up songs and dance around your house! Once your endorphins are really pumping, knock out a chore you’ve been meaning to get to, like mopping or trying on old clothes you might want to donate. The fun energy of busting dance moves will boost your mood, get your heart racing and motivate you.
25. Take a nap
When you’re in a funk, sometimes a nap is the perfect fix. Naps on rainy or snowy days are kind of the best. Snuggle up on the sofa or in bed with a book or a good tv show. Keep the volume low so you can drift into a nice nap.
A good nap can rebound your alertness, memory, attention span, energy levels and creativity!
Just don’t forget to set an alarm. Try not to nap longer than a half hour, otherwise, you might wake up even groggier than before and have a difficult time falling asleep at bedtime.
26. Create a bucket list
Excite yourself out of being bored by coming up with a list of things you want to do in life. Think big! Where in the world do you want to travel? What skills do you want to learn? Who do you want to meet? Check-in on your list every once in a while and take steps towards reaching those goals.
27. Have some special “me time”
Hear me out – if you’re bored and home alone… you could spend some time masturbating. Self-pleasure has so many physical and emotional benefits.
- First of all, you can enjoy it without relying on anyone else
- It can lower your stress levels and help you relax
- Exploring your own body can improve your body image
- Having an orgasm releases feel-good endorphins, just like a good workout!
- Plus, it just plain old feels good.
You can make an evening of it!
28. Go for a hike
Spending time in nature has so many benefits. Spending time surrounded by greenery stimulates creativity and relaxes you. The fresh air is refreshing. Maintaining a good hiking pace or trekking a trail with some elevation gain will release endorphins and get your heart pumping. Snap some beautiful pictures of nature along the way!
Read More: Hiking With Dogs | 9 Important Things To Know Before Your Next Adventure
29. Stargaze
When boredom strikes at night, don’t ignore getting outside as an option! Throw a blanket down outside or set up and hammock so you can relax under the stars. If it’s chilly, grab a hot beverage and a blanket to keep you warm. Staring into the night sky is relaxing as your mind wanders. Don’t forget to make a wish when you see a shooting star! If you’re into astronomy, check out this cool interactive, real-time space mapping app. You can click on constellations, stars and planets for more info on what you’re seeing in space.
Apple App Store: Star Walk 2: The Night Sky Map
Google Play Store: Star Walk 2: The Night Sky Map
30. People watch
People are fascinating to watch. Go sit at a Starbucks or in a park and just watch. Keep your phone tucked away to give your eyes a break from a screen and just watch as people pass by. Just don’t be a weirdo. Like don’t sit yourself on a park bench and watch children play at recess or anything else that might get the police called on you. Although, I’m sure that will nip your boredom in the bud.
31. Create a list of goals
Some people are planners, others aren’t. For the former, creating goals can be a fun activity! Write down a list of goals you want to achieve today, or think longer-term like goals to achieve this month or within the next year. Outline a plan to reach those goals. Then, next time you’re bored, pull out your goal list and use your time wisely by working toward them!
32. Bake
Baking has three main advantages: it’s fun to bake and will zap your boredom, baking makes your house smell great, and you get to eat baked goods at the end. What more could you ask for?
33. Tend to an indoor garden
Tending to plants has loads of health benefits. People who get their hands dirty gardening may even live longer! Houseplants, in particular, can improve your mood and improve your home’s air quality. Choose some plants that will thrive in your home, find some pretty pots (or paint some terracotta ones yourself!) and create an indoor jungle. If you have a sunny kitchen window, consider planting some fresh herbs so you have a garden and fresh food.
34. Plan a vacation
Planning something fun to look forward to can be a super fun way to motivate yourself. Work and life don’t seem so bad when you can count the days toward something you’re really looking forward to. Plan a vacation that you can get excited about!
Vacations don’t have to be extravagant or expensive. Anything from a week out of state to an overnight stay in the next town can do the trick. The idea is to get excited about exploring somewhere fun.
Read More: How to Plan a Solo Road Trip with a Dog
35. Train your dog a new trick
Entertain yourself by entertaining your dog, which will end up entertaining other people. Whew! Try teaching your pooch a cool new trick. There are lots of videos online that walk you through the steps to teaching super impressive dog tricks. Don’t forget to record your progress! Those videos will be super heartwarming to watch once the new trick becomes old news.
36. Make a vision board
Instead of a bucket list or goal list, tap into your visually creative side to create a vision board. You can physically cut out pictures from magazines or take snips online to put together a collage of images that represent what you want your future to look like. Once it’s put together, keep it somewhere you visit often so you can be reminded of the wonderful things you’re attracting into your life.
37. Go to the farmer’s market
Enjoy a stroll through the local farmers market to pick up some fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies or handmade wares. It’s also a great chance to network with your local community. Throw on a cute dress or some slouchy jeans, grab your reusable grocery bag and enjoy a slower pace while you shop for food.
38. Order takeout and watch your guilty pleasure show
The classic answer to “what should I do tonight by myself?”. When nothing else sounds better, slip into your comfy pants, order from your favorite takeout restaurant, queue up the show you’ve been dying to binge and veg out on the sofa. You’ve earned it. Go enjoy yourself!
When all is said and done, do whatever you want when you’re feeling bored but don’t let it get you into a funk. Entertain yourself, treat yourself or push yourself. Tomorrow will be a new day.
Do you have any foolproof fun things to do alone that you do to curb your boredom? Are there any activities that you enjoy just as much or more alone than you do with others? Share your ideas for fun things to do alone in the comments!
Sincerely,
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