30 Solo Activities for Introspection, Fun, and Personal Growth
Social connections are extremely important for personal wellbeing. Yet, alone time provides its own host of perks. Spending time alone can foster self-reflection, provide rest, yield creativity, and increase focus at times – all benefits that go toward creating a lifestyle that pursues goals and contentment.
Get started with these 30 solo activity ideas.
Free or Inexpensive
10 Free or Inexpensive Solo Activities
Movie Night In. Pick a movie you love that not many people do. Set the cozy scene with your favorite candle, snacks, blanket, etc. and enjoy your movie night in.
Morning Coffee Walk. Start your morning off by making your favorite coffee at home and going for a walk to watch the sunrise. My favorite portable coffee cup for these walks.
Make a “My Life” Playlist. Think of the songs that reflect your life story and make a playlist. Do this activity alone, but it’s also fun to share later with friends and share stories + get to know each other on an even deeper level.
Take a Scenic Drive. Crank up your favorite music, carry along your favorite roadtrip snacks, and enjoy local scenic views.
Visit a State Park. Find a state park and explore by yourself. Check the park’s events calendar. There might be something special going on you can plan your visit around.
Go Stargazing. Looking up at the night sky instills a sense of wonder and awe.
Check out a Book at Your Local Library. Your local library is likely full of resources, knowledge, and often cultural experiences. Check out books and their events calendar!
Give Yourself a Manicure. Save some money but still feel put together with an at-home manicure. Try this dip nail kit. With multiple color options, you won’t get bored.
Do a Puzzle. Challenge yourself to focus on a puzzle. You could throw on your favorite movie and combine a couple options in this list.
Write a Gratitude List. Fill out a gratitude worksheet, like one of these, or pose these questions to yourself and write the answers down.
Personal Development
10 Personal Development Solo Activities
Make a Vision Board. Write a life vision statement, then look for pictures and words that reflect that vision and decorate your vision board.
Write One Line a Day About Your Day. Log the line in this simple, nifty journal. As the pattern builds, look back on the days from previous years.
Try a New Form of Exercise. Go to a new exercise class by yourself that is out of the norm for you.
Cook a New Dish. Find a recipe you’ve been wanting to try and cook just for you.
Create Something. When we get older, sometimes we don’t make time for developing creative skills such as painting, learning a language, writing fiction, or maybe even brewing your own beer. You don’t have to create a masterpiece in one night, but exercise your creative side occasional and frame it as personal development.
Make a Budget. Find a budgeting tool, like this one, that works for you. Consistent time making a budget can yield long term success.
Journal. Have an evening in with some music and your favorite pens and journal. Keep a journal to record your thoughts, emotions, and daily experiences, allowing for greater self-awareness and insight.
Take an Online Class. Find courses and workshops to learn new skills or delve into topics that interest you.
Declutter your Space. Too much clutter has several negative impacts on our brains, which in turn stunts our growth toward reaching goals. Decluttering your space is time alone that turns into personal development.
Plan for Future Travel. Going on a trip in the near future? Put your travel planning and organization skills to work in advance.
Fun Outings
10 Fun Outings for Solo Activities
Find a park you enjoy or haven’t explored yet. Make a picnic for yourself and enjoy nature. Use this favorite collapsable, easy to store outdoor blanket.
Bring a book to a wine bar or coffee shop. Support local business and enjoy a good book.
Go on a Day Trip. Find a location you haven’t explored yet, map out the activities you’d like to do, and take yourself on a solo day trip.
Spa Day. Find a local or nearby spa and book a relaxation day.
Go to the Movies by Yourself. No need to pass the popcorn. It has its perks!
Visit Your Local Farmers Market. Buy an in-season snack and freshcut flowers while you're out.
Volunteer at a Charity. This is a rewarding experience that not only benefits the community but also enriches your own life as you give back.
Explore Local Museums and Galleries: Many museums and art galleries offer free or discounted admission on certain days or during specific times. Take advantage of these opportunities to immerse yourself in art, history, and culture.
Buy Presents in Advance. Make a list of upcoming birthdays or holidays you need to buy gifts for and go shopping for these gifts in advance. If you have spare time on your hands, you can be productive and enjoy time out by yourself.
Attend a Local Artistic Event. Find an open mic night, stand up comedy show, art show, or similar experience.
Want to come back to these ideas for your next solo day or evening? Pin this to your Pinterest account!