22 Ways To Enjoy Your Own Company

Is being alone difficult for you? Being alone is healthy if it is a choice we make, but some of us can slide into unhealthy habits to escape when issues arise or fear being alone for a minute due to boredom. Many of us think we're far too busy with daily obligations to relax alone. Fear not! Here are 10 things you can integrate into your day to enjoy your alone time.

1. Listen to music.

In 2019, a study from the British Academy of Sound Therapy showed that listening to 78 minutes of music a day can benefit our mental health. The study found that 80-90% of participants who listened to music can increase levels of happiness, relaxation, and concentration. It also showed that 30-50% music participants decreased or faced their sadness, anger, and stress. Music reaches parts of our brain that we can't see but scientists can. So, put those ear-phones in and relax to your favorite tunes.

"Listening to happy songs increases blood flow to areas of the brain associated with reward, and decreases flow to the amygdala, the part of the brain associated with fear,”

- BAST researcher Lyz Cooper

2. Visit a library near you.

The library has movies, books, and even video games. You can take your pick from so many things to enjoy. Community events are also held at many libraries; book clubs or your favorite author may be on an event flier on the bulletin board at your local library for to join. Today, we have the Inter-web to look up local events as well.

3. Go on your own food tour.

Pick one food (ie. cupcakes or pizza) that you love and go to each restaurant or bakery in your city to try your favorite savory good eats. Sites like this below help you book walking tours in multiple cities:

4. Go to a museum of your choice.

Find a nice little museum you've wanted to visit. From art or history to sports museums, pick on closest to you. When you're alone, you can take your sweet time to enjoy the exhibits without anyone rushing you. It's also nice to be alone with your own thoughts and to gain a different perspective on the pieces in front of you.

5. Lay in the sand and sun.

There's nothing better than laying on the beach in the sun with your toes in the sand. Mommas and daddies will especially love this sans watching the kids. You can even have a beach read while the sun's rays warm you up and tan you up. Don't forget to bring UV protection!

6. Declutter and debug your house.

Clean and declutter your home. Devise a plan and go room by room fixing those piles you've wanted to fix but never had the chance. Shred your mail, pick up the kids' toys, do the laundry, throw away the things you don't use, spring clean the living tools out of your garage. Organizing and decluttering can lead to less stress and productivity in the long run as well.

7. Take a little trip to the movie theatre.

Yes! Leave your work and life behind for a bit and immerse yourself into someone else's life or drama on the big screen, with some popcorn and candy.If the theatre is packed, no one will be paying attention to you because everyone's paying attention to the movie.

8. Join a workout group if you're lonely.

There are a myriad of classes like rowing, barre, yoga, spin classes or pole dancing classes you can join to destress and let loose. You will develop new skills that you didn't know you had, decrease mental health stressors, and knock out those hot girl summer body goals. You may even make some new friends in these classes.

9. Apply for a class or lessons.

It is never a waste of time to gain new skills or knowledge. Join a class that you've always wanted to or learn something that you're unfamiliar with. You can take up dancing, music lessons, singing or choir, photography, magic lessons, improv theatre, glass blowing, even painting. You can even apply here for online piano lessons if you feel more comfortable learning at your own pace.

10. Head to a comedy show or live performance.

Laughing can be the best medicine. Check for comedy shows near you. Certain events are free or inexpensive to attend, You can also look up ballet performances, community theater productions, operas, orchestra performances, or other cultural events happening in your area that you might enjoy.

11. Become one with nature or nature hike.

Walking in general has so many health benefits and can keep diseases like heart disease or diabetes, at bay. You can explore local parks, camping grounds or stroll through a conservatory or botanical garden, explore your city's market places, or pick a trail at a beautiful park to clear your thoughts and explore nature. You can even bring your pet with you or collect things you find along your walk within nature even gaze at the stars above.

12. Pick up a new hobby.

Occupying ourselves in hobbies can bring fulfillment and a sense of companionship. Spending your time doing the things you love is the key to leading a happy, meaningful life, even if it's alone. There are so many hobbies to choose from. To name a dozen, there's crocheting, quilting, sewing, drawing, wine or jewelry making, playing video games, theatre acting, joining that church choir, cosplaying, film making, guitar playing, scrapbooking, baking, or hiking. 

13. Make a trip to a spa.

Everyone deserves to be pampered once in a while. Several spas have massages, mud baths, and cleansing methods that can be very relaxing and soothe you.Overworked muscles can result in a higher chance of injury, worsening of posture, and decreased flexibility; those amazing massages at the spa can help with that. Men! This is for you too, go to the spa for some TLC on your skin and muscles. Spas have expanded services to men for steam rooms and relaxation areas increasing overall wellness.

14. Look after an animal.

Animals make the heart grow fonder. Cheesy but true! Many shelters will allow you to borrow an animal for a day through the Humane Society or Doggy's Day Out. This helps remove them from the stressful and cramped shelter. There are also stand in pet programs that take volunteers to feed, play with, or walk a person's pet that is not able to anymore, like an elderly or someone undergoing a medical procedure.

15. Complete a new puzzle.

Puzzles are a great way to spend time alone. Pick between sudoku, jigsaw, or a crossword puzzle and voila! You will melt into relaxation while challenging your mental acuity, simultaneously. But most of all, it's so much fun to see your work after. There are even puzzle competitions you can join and see how fast you can solve one. 

16. Learn a new language.

Today there are a myriad of language apps, and programs you can use to learn a new language. Spanish, Italian, French, German, Russian are just several to name on the spot. There are even language programs where you can learn live! Click here for more information. When you learn a new language, you improve your multitasking skills, creativity, confidence, memory and cognitive function. You can even advance your career or seek advanced career prospects. 

17. Become a tourist in your own city or a random one.

If you've never tried it before, pick a city and hop on the tour bus. Multiple cities have this or a double decker bus, so you can look from above for a better view. You can book a walking tour to explore monuments, or old historical sites around your city. Sports by the beach also have walking tours.

18. Take a bubble bath.

Make sure you have hot water. Turn on your faucet to fill your tub up. Choose a liquid bubble bath solution, bath foam, or even a bath bomb to pour as the tub fills. You can even add in essential oils, bath salts, or dried flowers (like lavender or rose petals). Lean back, take deep breaths, and enjoy the soothing bubbles. Bring a book, a glass of water, or herbal tea. Don't forget to moisturize after your warm relaxing bath. 

19. Treat yourself to a mani-pedi.

Take a trip to the salon, pick out your nails or ask for a pedicure. Sinking your feet into warm clean water is a great way to relax and add to your self care routine as well. You can even give yourself a preferred manicure that is affordable, beautiful, and easy outside of the salon. There are press on nails, gel kits, and nail kits you can do yourself. 

20. Book a guided tour in a National Park.

The United States has about 63 national parks, from Alaska to the Florida Keys. They are in 31 states and two U.S. territories: American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can even book different tours to explore America's diverse landscape and parks with via helicopter flight, wildlife tour, or a guided hiking trip. You can book guided tours through sites like VE. Gifts, Trip Advisor, Tauck.

21. Go thrifting or window shopping.

Shopping solo can be freeing and a good escape of daily stresses. You can take your time, peruse on your own schedule, or explore every aisle that peaks your interests. Without the input or preferences of a friend, you may spark creativity, discover unique or antique items, and enhance your own style. Window shopping allows you to assess what you truly want or need, helping you gauge prices and product availability and make more informed purchasing decisions later. 

22. Print some of your most recent photos.

Choose some of your favorite recent photos to print out. Stores like Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS will print pictures you pick out on your phone, the same day. Many Target stores in the US have in-store kiosks where you can print photos from your phone easily. You can send your family members some printed photos as a gift. 

What do you enjoy doing solo?