There's a real joy in doing things by yourself. But it's all too common for people — particularly mothers — to be so consumed with work, family, friends, and social obligations that they forget to take time to connect with themselves. While there's real power in nurturing relationships with your community, there's also power that comes from fostering your relationship with yourself. Doing things alone is a great way to practice self-care and build confidence. If you're not sure where to start, we've rounded up the best things to do alone, both at home and out in the world.
These things to do alone range from easy activities you can do at home (we're talking really easy, like settling into bed with a cozy movie or TV show) to bigger adventures, like solo travel to an amazing destination. And just to be clear, many of these activities, like volunteering or going to a concert, are ways that you might actually make new connections. In other words, if you don't want to be solo, you won't have to be.
If you're not used to solo activities, it can feel strange at first. One thing to get you started is to think about what you loved doing when you were younger. Did you always want to be curled up with a good book? Spending time in nature examining every bug and rock you could find? Giving yourself a makeover? If you're taking the day off, lean into those past joys and hobbies, and we suspect you'll enjoy yourself.
Need more boredom-busting activity inspiration? Check out our roundups of spring activities and summer activities, many of which are things you can do by yourself or with other people.
Keep reading for more than 50 ideas of things to do by yourself.
1. Take a bubble bath.
When’s the last time you enjoyed a long, relaxing bath? Make it extra-special by grabbing some luxe bath oil, Epsom salts, or fragrant bubble bath that will truly help you unwind. We’d recommend pouring a glass of wine or a yummy mocktail to enjoy while you soak in the tub. You can also set the vibe by playing some relaxing music from your phone or speaker and lighting candles in the bathroom.
2. Binge-watch a TV show.
Sometimes, you truly just want to lay in bed for hours watching something enjoyable. Give in to that impulse and watch that new heart-pounding thriller that’s been on your list or revisit a show you used to love when you were younger. Snacks are not required but definitely recommended!
3. Get your nails done.
Getting a manicure or pedicure is an ideal solo date. Pop into your nail salon, pick your color or design, and relax. Most nail technicians won’t mind if you’re listening to music or an audiobook while they work on your nails, but be sure you have the volume low or only use one earbud so you can hear them if they need to ask you a question or direct you. If you’d rather skip the salon, buy yourself a manicure set and pretty polishes and do your own nails at home.
4. Visit your local library.
Libraries are the best! In addition to grabbing that book you’ve been meaning to read, you can also check out movies, TV shows, and video games. Some libraries even have small collections of useful items, like camping gear, specialty baking pans, and art supplies that you can borrow. Many libraries also have community events, so be sure you check out the fliers to see if there’s an upcoming visit from your favorite author or a book club you’d like to check out.
5. Head to a comedy show or other live performance.
Who doesn’t like to laugh? Poke around online and see if there are any comedy shows happening near you. It’s often easy to find shows that are free or inexpensive to attend. This is a great solo activity if you’re anxious about doing things alone, because everyone is focused on the performance. If comedy isn’t really your thing, see if there are any ballet performances, community theater productions, operas, orchestra performances, or other cultural events happening in your area.
6. Go thrift shopping.
We’d say there’s no better way to spend the afternoon than a leisurely browse through your town’s thrift stores. Whether or not you find something, it’s always fun to look through the knickknacks, books, and clothing at a thrift store. Maybe you’ll find the perfect dress for that event you have on the calendar or a whole box of books by your favorite author. The possibilities are endless!
7. Create a DIY food tour.
Another entertaining solo date is a food tour of your city. We’d recommend choosing one item and trying as much of it as you can in a single day. Think of trying a chocolate croissant from every bakery in town and deciding which one is your favorite, or going to as many pizza shops as you can to find out which one truly has the best pepperoni slice.
8. Journal.
If you’re not already in the habit of journaling, it’s a great way to spend some time alone. It can help you process feelings, reflect on your relationship with yourself and with others, and document important moments in your life. Plus, it’s interesting to look back on your entries later in life and see what you were feeling and thinking at a certain point in time.
9. Print your favorite photos from the past year.
Even in 2024, there’s something special about printing out your photos rather than letting them get buried in your phone’s album. Choose some of your favorites and have them printed. You can mail them to family members who will love having the physical photos to display on their fridge, or grab a few frames and find places to display them in your own home.
10. Take a bike ride.
Biking is an amazing way to get a different perspective of your area, particularly if you usually drive. Even if you don’t own a bike, you may be able to rent one from a shop in your area or as part of a bike-share program that exists in many cities. You might even be able to borrow a pedal-assist e-bike, which makes biking for miles and miles practically effortless.
11. Borrow a shelter animal for the day.
Some animal shelters allow volunteers to borrow adoptable dogs for the day, so that the animal can have some time away from the stressful shelter environment. Additionally, there may be volunteer programs in your area that have community members walk, play with, and feed animals when their owners are unable to (such as when the owner is elderly and/or undergoing medical treatment). You get to help an animal in need, and enjoy some animal companionship. Win-win!
12. Make a fancy cocktail or mocktail.
If you’ve got a drink you love ordering when you’re out, why not learn to make it at home? There are plenty of mocktail and cocktail recipes on the internet that are easy to follow. You may have to grab a few specialty tools or ingredients, but that’s all part of the fun. Don’t be afraid to tinker with the measurements a little to create an elegant beverage that’s truly yours.
13. Go to a concert.
If an artist you love is playing at a venue near you, buy yourself a ticket even if no one else wants to tag along. Attending a show on your own allows you the freedom to plan your night the way you want. Don't want to see the opener? Arrive late. Did he already sing all your favorite songs? Go home early. Should you sing along to the music at the top of your lungs? Absolutely, especially if you're surrounded by strangers.
14. Visit a museum.
Strolling at your own pace through the different exhibits you've been dying to see on your own can be liberating. With no one around to rush you through, you can take your time to appreciate the artwork around you without hearing, "Mom, can we leave now?"
15. Gaze at the stars.
An open, star-studded sky works well to put things into perspective. Grab a blanket and head to a spot where you'll have the best visibility. Instead of running through your to-do list for the next day or worrying about the fight you had with your significant other, try to unwind by focusing on the beauty above you.
16. Teach yourself a new instrument.
Have you always wanted to learn to play the guitar? The violin? The flute? Here's your chance. Check your local thrift store to see if you can buy an instrument secondhand, then head to YouTube for free, beginner-level lessons.
17. People watch.
Grab a coffee and head to a place in town that gets heavy foot traffic — your favorite park, your local art museum, or even the cafe you like to frequent. Let your imagination run wild as you concoct backstories for the people walking past you.
18. Go kayaking.
Considering there's only room for one person in most kayaks, this water activity is perfect to do on your own — as long as you consider yourself an experienced kayaker, that is. If you've been paddling out onto lakes with your friends for years, consider spending a few hours exploring alone. Kayaking on your own is empowering: You'll learn to trust yourself, your body, and your decisions.
19. Wake up early to watch the sunrise.
Everyone deserves to start the day with something beautiful. Whether you hike to a local vista that gets a great view of the horizon or just kick back in your backyard with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, taking some time to be alone with your thoughts can be the perfect way to prepare for a long day.
20. Learn a new language.
Exercise your brain muscles by teaching yourself to speak a language you've always been interested in learning. There are so many resources available online that vary in intensity, depending on how much time you have to dedicate. For instance, Rosetta Stone offers in-depth learning software in 24 different languages that range in subscription length, from six months to two years, while Duolingo's free app offers bite-sized lessons daily in your language of choice.
21. Lay on the beach.
Spend a glorious morning with your toes in the sand and your nose buried in a beach read — without your kids. Though you may love frolicking in the waves with them, you'll benefit from taking some time away to soak up the sun and recharge without stressfully scanning the shoreline to make sure they're safe.
22. Try a new workout class.
Whether it's cycling, kickboxing, or HIIT, chances are there's a group exercise class you've been wanting to try. Though you're showing up solo, you'll experience the evidence-based benefits of working out with a group, like the positive effects it has on social bonding, pain tolerance, and athletic performance. What does this mean? More calories burned for you, and a check off your bucket list.
23. Experiment in the kitchen.
Some of us are born chefs, while others struggle to whip up tasty meals in the kitchen. Cooking — alone — gives you the time to experiment with different recipes and sharpen your skills, and you won't have your significant other complaining about burnt bread in the background.
24. Have a spa day.
While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of getting a massage, this form of self-care may be helpful for anxiety, depression, and headaches, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. If you don't want to shell out a lot of money at a nearby spa, you can DIY your own face mask at home — and don't forget cucumber slices for the eyes.
25. Get organized.
If your basement is practically unrecognizable beneath a mountain of toys, laundry, and cleaning supplies, it's time to get organized. Clutter can lead to stress and impact your productivity, so make sure you give yourself some alone time to clean up. Plus, it's way more meditative of a task than you realize. Here are a few organizing tips from experts so you can have your home spick-and-span in no time.
26. Meditate.
Speaking of meditation, there's more evidence now than ever that meditation is beneficial for your mental and physical health. According to Everyday Health, meditation can improve concentration, reduce stress, prevent cognitive decline, and keep your brain healthy and alert as you age.
27. Travel solo.
Take a cue from Eat, Pray, Love, and plan a solo trip. At the end of the movie, Julia Roberts finds the love of her life because she spent the first part of the movie traveling the world alone in order to find herself. It doesn't matter how far you go (try a staycation!) or what you do while you're there, as long as you challenge yourself a bit, create some memories, and have a blast while doing it.
28. Take up a new hobby.
Life is short and now is the time to do that thing you've always dreamed of doing, whether it's knitting, photography, or gardening. Plus, when you have something fun to look forward to, you'll be motivated to plan more alone time for yourself in the future.
29. Take yourself to a really nice dinner.
Eating dinner in a restaurant by yourself is one of life's great joys. You can go to that restaurant no one else in your family or friend group likes and order exactly what you want. If you think you might grow bored of people-watching, bring a book with you. If you're feeling self-conscious, remember that no one else is paying attention to you — and if they are, they're probably admiring your confidence.
30. Create a list of life goals.
It's not about putting pressure on yourself to check off the boxes, it's about stretching yourself to go further than you ever thought you could.
31. Go to the movies.
Get away from the stress of work, family, and the business of everyday life by escaping to a movie theater where you can get lost in a summer blockbuster.
32. Read a book.
If your New Year's resolution is to spend some more time reading, add reading 10 pages a day to your nighttime routine once the kids fall asleep.
33. Take a class.
Whether it's art, a musical instrument, or a dance class, trying something new will help you learn new skills, make friends, and gain confidence — it's that simple.
34. Take on a home improvement project.
The thrill you'll get when you walk past that upcycled piece of furniture, freshly painted room, or remodeled outdoor patio knowing you did it all by yourself will be so worth it — you'll feel ready to tackle whatever's next.
35. Get lost.
Take a drive, go on a walk, or get lost in an inspiring book. Literally or metaphorically, this is what life's about. And when you do find your way home (you always will), you'll feel like an entirely new person — stronger, wiser, and more self-sufficient.
36. Bake a cake — and eat it, too.
Usually, you eat cake with a group for a special occasion. But this time, make a cake — and eat a big slice — for no other reason than to celebrate yourself. And don't spend one second feeling guilty about it!
37. Figure out your mantra.
Every woman needs one. It's that phrase you say over and over in your head when you need to summon some courage. Here's a powerful one to consider: "Don't be scared to walk alone, don't be scared to like it." (Yes, those are song lyrics.)
38. Take some time to reflect on religion.
Whether it's by reading Bible verses about faith or learning about religions other than your own, ponder faith, religion, God, spirituality, and the purpose of life and do some of your own digging so you're forming your opinion without input from family, friends, or peers. You can't really own your opinions unless it's something you choose to believe, as opposed to just believing in something because you were raised by those beliefs.
39. Take a long drive by yourself.
Blast your favorite tunes and drive off into the sunset. There's something so relaxing and thrilling about driving alone, with the windows down and the music up.
40. Take a hike.
Surround yourself with nature and go somewhere tranquil to be alone with your thoughts. You'll feel rejuvenated and inspired.
41. Relax in your own house.
Being alone at home is probably a pretty rare occurrence. Between kids running around, family stopping by, and the fact that someone is always blasting the TV, wouldn't it be nice to be alone in your house for once? Send the family off to do something fun together, unwind with a glass of wine, and put your phone on silent.
42. Treat yourself.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the business of work and family obligations that decades can go by in a split second — and we may realize that we never had certain experiences we wanted to have. Perhaps it's that family heritage trip you've always wanted to take, or going to a Taylor Swift concert. Make it a point to treat yourself to something you've always wanted, and don't ask for permission. You work hard for everyone in your life. You've earned it.
43. Unplug.
Turn off your phone, computer, TV, and everything else so that you can simply be alone with your thoughts. In fact, this is something you should do regularly.
44. Do all the embarrassing things you like to do when no one is around.
Want to dance around the house in your underwear, while singing along to your favorite song using your hairbrush as a microphone? Or want to sob through a sad, romantic movie while eating chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream? Whatever it is — do it!
45. Act like a kid.
Do something you haven't done since you were a kid. Maybe it's playing on a swing set, rollerblading, or going to a carnival. It will make you feel young and carefree again.
46. Volunteer.
Taking the time to give back is both humbling and eye-opening, and you don't need a buddy to do it. It's a great way to show yourself that you have what it takes to make a difference and shake yourself out of a rut. Plus, doing good makes you feel good.
47. Create a piece of art.
Maybe you've never thought of yourself as the "artistic type," but everyone has a creative side. Experiment with paint, make a piece of jewelry, or craft something you saw on Pinterest — all of these activities will sharpen your creative abilities, which in turn will improve your problem-solving skills and give you a fresh perspective on life.
48. Accomplish a fitness goal.
At least once in our lives, we should achieve some sort of athletic feat, whether it's finishing a 5K, completing an entire season on an intramural team, or learning a new sport. This is something you'll look back on and feel great about, which will give you an instant boost of confidence to tackle whatever lies ahead of you. Checking off that athletic goal will make you say, "I did that, now I can do anything."
49. Continue your education.
You can always learn something new, and if it's been a while since you've found yourself in a classroom, don't worry. Just pick up a new book, register for a free online class, or listen to a podcast. Learning new skills and information will remind you just how smart and capable you really are.
50. Write a letter.
Yup, a real letter — not an email. Reach out to someone who made an impact on your life and let them know in the form of a heartfelt letter. No one gets to the end of their life and regrets showing love or gratitude. What people do regret are the things they never said. Don't be that person.
51. Complete a random act of kindness.
You, all alone, by yourself can make a huge impact on a stranger's life. Even if you don't instantly — or ever — see the impact you made, you can rest assured that your random act of kindness made a difference.
52. Explore your hometown like a tourist.
When you've lived somewhere your whole life, it can be hard to see the things that make your town truly special. Act like a tourist for a day in your own hometown by researching the city to find out what special attractions it has, its best restaurants, and its best parks. Wander around your town with a plan to see everything (or as much as you can) that makes it special. You'll see it in a way you never have before.
53. Have a drink at a bar.
Instead of gathering up your best friends to meet for a night out, have a night out by yourself at your favorite local watering hole. Try a cocktail you've never had but have always wanted to, and spend the evening people-watching or chatting with the bartender. If you feel self-conscious about it, bring a book.
54. Pick out some jewelry.
Treat yourself to a piece that's as unique as you are. Have fun trying things on, perusing the cases, and daydreaming about your favorite shiny objects. If you find something you love that's in your budget, give yourself permission to indulge, and every time you wear it you'll be thankful for yourself.
55. Go to an amusement park.
Looking for some adventure? Go to an amusement park and channel your inner kid. Ride whatever rides you want without having to worry whether your friends want to, as well. If you're drawn to the biggest roller coaster, ride it! If you're more into the merry-go-round, go for it! If you're really just interested in taste-testing every carnival snack (funnel cake, deep-fried Twinkies, and corn dogs — oh my), then eat to your heart's content.
Currently an assistant editor at Prevention.com, Nicol is a Manhattan-based journalist who specializes in health, wellness, beauty, fashion, business, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Houston Chronicle, Business Insider, INSIDER, Everyday Health, and more. When Nicol isn't writing, she loves trying new workout classes, testing out the latest face mask, and traveling. Follow her on Instagram for the latest on health, wellness, and lifestyle.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
