I think a lot of people view alone and loneliness as the same thing. When I was younger, the idea of being alone always felt lonely. So I filled my time going from one place to another but inevitably felt lonely doing what everyone else wanted. I surrounded myself with toxic friendships just for the sake of having friends. Then I got serious about my mental health. In learning to recover from a lifelong battle of anxiety and depression, I slowly became more okay with the idea of being alone with my own thoughts. Growth comes from stillness. So here are 41 things to do alone at least once in your life, whether in your 20s, 30s, or 40s – or on the weekend or at nighttime – or at home or out in the world! Enjoy!
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41 Things to Do Alone At Least Once in Your 20s or 30s or 40s
1. Write a letter to yourself
One of the best things I ever did was write a letter to my future self in 5th grade. When I read it as an adult, I was amazed at how intuitive my younger self was. Later in life, I wrote a letter to my younger self during a hard time (read it here!) and it was so healing.
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2. Set intentions
Whether you already know why you’re looking to spend time alone or you’re being forced to because of the current state of 2020, write out some intentions for how you’d like to spend your time. What would you like to get from it? How can you bring more awareness and healing to what you’re doing?
[RELATED] How To Set Intentions For Manifesting
3. Get clear and manifest your desires
With intentions set, it’s a great time to manifest your desires! Here’s a post that can help you get started: How to Get In The Right Mindset Before You Start Manifesting
4. Travel
Traveling alone provides the luxury of choosing everything you do, eat and see – and when. When you’re exploring a new place alone, you can choose what is important for you to experience (and at what pace!)– rather than compromising with any travel partner. You’ll create invaluable memories, on top of building confidence and a sense of achievement by solving challenges and overcoming obstacles on your own (because they will inevitably come up when you travel). Whether you travel abroad or just take a simple staycation in a different part of town, experience a new place with memories you can cherish to yourself.
[RELATED] 7 Life Lessons From Traveling Alone As A Female
5. Redecorate a room
One of my favorite things to do is decorate! It’s a great way to express yourself and you’ll be shocked by how quickly your mood improves when you walk into a room that feels supportive and reflects you!
[RELATED] Our room by room home tour for inspo!
6. Listen to a podcast
I love going for a long walk and listening to a podcast. It’s so relaxing and I have a list of great podcasts for millennials here!
7. Dance like no one is watching!
Dancing releases endorphins and feel-good hormones! So pump up the jams my friends!
8. Live Alone
It’s nice to come home after a long day of work and unwind by yourself in a space that you designed, decorated and feel safe in. There’s never any arguments about cleaning, food or who can be over when. Have I mentioned you can be pantsless all the time without judgment? Yep, #winning! Plus, it forces you to learn how to fix household things on your own!
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9. DIY Something for your house
Whether it’s a full table, a simple painting or a knitted blanket, seeing something that you made – completely on your own – is exciting. Plus, it fosters creativity and gets you prepared to solve difficult challenges (if you aren’t traditionally crafty, that is).
[RELATED] How To DIY A Pom-Pom Lamp (Or Anything)!
10. Build a fort
Flex your creativity with a little fort building! It’s way more fun than you remember!
11. Clean your home
A decluttered space leads to a decluttered mind.
[RELATED] 5 Cleaning Hacks Using Bleach For Confused Millennials
12. Hike
Similar to traveling alone, completing an awesome hike will make you feel like a badass! Enjoy the time to think and be at peace in nature. It’s rejuvenating. But, be smart and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return to cell service!
13. Cook a new dish
Flex your culinary muscles and learn how to make a fancy new dish that caters to only your taste buds! Plus, when you nail the dish, you’ll be able to impress friends with your culinary skills!
[RELATED] How To Eat Healthy During Pregnancy [+ What I Eat In A Day While Pregnant]
14. Have A Spa Day
A spa is typically a place to go alone, cleanse your body and mind and sit in silence. So, it’s definitely not weird to go alone and clear your mind. Show yourself that you’re your own best friend and treat it to some completely unplugged me-time.
[RELATED] 10 Cheap & Easy At Home Spa Hacks
15. Dine alone
I used to freak out about this – what if waiters question why I’m alone? Will everyone stare at me? The reality of the matter is that no one cares and the discomfort is good for you! Bring a book or simply people watch! Enjoy a glass of wine and dessert without judgment and enjoy your own company.
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16. Read a book
A little quiet time has always meant a little reading time for me. Here’s a list of my favorite self help and personal development books!
17. Go to a concert
Similar to my fears about going to a restaurant alone, I assumed that I would receive judgment and stares from people at a show if I was alone. Yet again, proven wrong. People are focused on the live music – and honestly may compliment you on your bravery! So dance the night away with your favorite band, rather than drag a friend who is less than interested in the band.
18. Make a Major Purchase
Save up for something major – a car, a house…even a new Macbook – and purchase it all on your own. You’ll feel responsible and incredibly independent! This teaches you how to save and the confirmation that you can be fine on your own.
19. People Watch
It’s easy to feel like everyone is watching you when you’re out alone, but once you take the time to people watch, you’ll notice just how focused most people are on themselves. Notice people’s expressions, imagine what their lives are like, and be present.
20. Meditate
Practicing meditation can allow you to return to the calmness of alone time in any situation. Starting alone is a great way to jump in, and you can even work your way up to meditating at a concert!
[RELATED] The Beginner’s Guide To Meditation: 5 Tips To Get You Started
21. Fix up your resume
If 2007 and 2020 have taught us anything, it’s just how quickly our economy and job market can change. Always keep your resume up to date because you never know when you’ll need
Doing things alone in your twenties, thirties, or really at any point in your life can give you a sense of independence and self-worth that are harder to come by when you’re always relying on other people. This is the time to date yourself and explore. Truly learn what you like and don’t like in order to make you the best version of yourself!
Keep reading for more ideas of things to do alone in the list below!!
What are some of your favorite things to do alone?
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