March 11, 2024
My Favorite Things to Do Alone
Being alone with myself has always been something I’ve enjoyed, for the most part. In my youth, I was far more dependent on being with other people, likely due to some form of insecurity. People were a distraction that I welcomed. When I entered adulthood, that completely changed and I realized my own company was not so bad. In fact, I loved it. When I moved to a new city post-college, I had a choice to make: get out and do things or rot in my apartment. I found delight in taking myself to a new bar, going to the gym, or traveling solo. The more I did these things alone, the more comfortable I became doing more. That’s all it is: repetition. Getting past that fear that people are looking at you, watching you, feeling sorry for you. None of it is true, and if someone is, they can kick rocks. Hanging out by yourself is a sign of strength and deep acceptance of yourself. I’m going to share with you my favorite things to do alone. This might help you step outside your comfort zone and start living more freely.
Things to Do Alone
Each year that passes, I expand my horizons on things to do alone. It becomes addictive to spend time with myself, and I realize just how much I love it. Being alone gives me a fresh perspective on life and helps me practice self care, which is usually much needed. Many nights I opt to stay in to get to know myself a smidge better. It's important to me to really dig deep, understand myself, and grow. I show up to the world a better person when I do this. There's not escaping myself anyway. As the saying goes "wherever you go, there you are." So I may as well be fully present and attentive to who I really am. If you're struggling to want to spend time with yourself, I understand. It can be uncomfortable at first. However, when you see how awesome you are, you'll want more. Let's see how to get there.
Traveling Solo
I’ll jump right into the most controversial one for many people. People traveling solo by choice? Why? Because it’s utter magic. While going on a trip with fun people is wonderful, there is nothing, and I mean nothing, like traveling solo. It climbed to the tippy top of my favorite things to do alone because once I did it once, I was hooked. Now, I plan at least one solo trip per year, whether it’s a couple of hours from where I live or internationally. If you’re unsure of going by yourself completely, there are group trips where solo people sign up and travel together. It could be considered solo group travel, if you will. That is a way to do it that I would highly recommend to get your feet wet if you haven’t done it and aren’t too into the idea of solo travel. For me, I love being on my own. I get to eat where I want, when I want. Take photos at my leisure for my business and pleasure. Not have to be bothered by someone else’s needs or schedule. I’m passionate about this one. Take the solo trip! I really enjoyed my solo trip to Salem, MA, and Paris!
Taking Myself to a Meal
Eating alone is something that I hear people say they’d rather die than do. Do you honestly think that other people are looking at you that much? Maybe they are. Let them. What does it matter if you’re sitting in some great restaurant alone and people are watching? They are likely envious at your sheer boldness to do it. Be their inspiration and give them the courage to watch someone who is willing to sit with themselves for an entire meal alone. But really, do it for you. Waiting around for people to join you in life is exhausting, and it could never happen. My personal preference is to sit at a bar, drink or no drink, and enjoy a meal. Occasionally, though, I love sitting at a restaurant or cafe and doing my own people-watching. When you’re chatter boxing with someone else, you don’t take in the same sights as you can when you’re by yourself. It’s a really relaxing experience if you let it be, and by far one of my favorite things to do alone.
My Favorite Place to Walk Alone
Walking (In Cemeteries)
When I’m not taking my pooch on a walk with me, I love to go alone. Walking around with my camera is one of my favorite things to do alone because I can take my time. Strolling the streets in my neighborhood, or walking through a botanical garden is so cathartic. I can drop into another world, see the sights, the people, and not have any agenda. You can go for an exercise walk, or you can go for a leisure walk, but try it by yourself - it’s one of my favorite things to do alone. You know where my favorite place to walk alone is? Cemeteries. Particularly in New Orleans, where I live. The utmost peace and quiet! Anyway, I promise, no one is watching you and labeling you as a loser. Take your time, take your walking shoes, and hit the pavement or the trail or a cemetery. Always be careful when you’re alone, but enjoy yourself, your thoughts, and your time to get to know yourself better. I bet you’ll like who that is.
Me and My Quiet Companion
Riding My Bike
One of the best things for my mental and physical health is to ride my bike. Full disclosure, I’m not usually alone because I take my dog in a front pack so he can also enjoy the ride. And boy, does he love the ride. Since he doesn’t talk, it makes it a great way to spend time with my thoughts. It’s climbed to the top of my favorite things to do alone because it’s so easy to do. My bike is easily accessible by design, and I can grab it and go for just a little while at a time. This is a low-stakes activity for you to do by yourself, and with your helmet on, no one can really identify you. Just in case you’re afraid people will spot that “person riding a bike alone” - gasp! I love incorporating a physical activity and solo time because it gets the juices flowing. You never know what you’ll dream up when you’re moving that body, so get on that bicycle and let’s ride a bike together…but alone.
Watching My Shows
This isn’t at the top of my list of favorite things to do alone, but I like intentionally watching certain shows by myself. I’m not a big movie-goer, but I do have a couple of streaming services that come in handy when I’m in need of Netflix-and-chill-by-myself time. My goal when choosing a show is to not feel like I’ve lost brain cells, so possibly a documentary or something about cats would be at the top of my list. Because I’m into health, I loved watching a show on Blue Zones. Who doesn’t want to live an entire century with a great quality of life? My recommendation when watching a show or movie is to not make it a primary activity, but we all need down time. It’s a great thing to do by yourself, so make it intentional. Learn something from what you watch, or have it evoke some emotions. Those are some good rules to live by when you’re watching your shows alone.
Creating Feasting Masterpieces
Cooking
I'm not super sentimental about carrying on family traditions or habits, but a long time ago I knew I wanted to cook really well. My paternal grandmother had a knack for cooking, and it was like nothing I had ever experienced. Anytime I asked to come over, she would have the most amazing meal prepared. Typically it was one that she had never made before. Somehow she just knew how to make the best meals. I wanted that to be me one day. So, I developed skills in cooking, and now people love my cooking the way I loved my grandmother's. There's not a lot of higher compliments for me than when people ask me to cook for them, or come to my house hungry because they can't wait to try whatever concoction I made. I'm not a big recipe user, so it makes it a very creative process for me. Listening to music while cooking is one of my favorite things in the entire world to do alone.
Sony a6000 Mirrorless Camera - My Creative Outlet
Get Creative
Have you ever wanted to see how you would do painting a room? Or a picture? Do you have a creative itch that you have yet to scratch? That's how it started for me when I decided to start writing and diving more into photography. I needed an outlet to reduce stress from my other business, which is real estate, so I decided writing and my love for photography would be perfect ways to release the tension. Creativity begets creativity, and one of my next creative endeavors will be improv. Currently, I enjoy attending comedy shows, but to be in one? I can hardly even imagine! The juices get flowing when you give yourself the space and time by being alone, and you're suddenly unstoppable. What we forget, though, is that this type of thing takes time alone. Otherwise, you will never get around to it. Creativity doesn't fall into your lap. You must seek it out. For inspiration to get started, try an art gallery or museum.
Learn a Language
More than ever, people have access to learning new languages. I've always had an interest in languages, and have taken many classes. Currently, I am taking French because I plan to spend a lot of time in Paris and France in general, so it makes sense. Prior to French, I learned to speak Portuguese, which was an absolute delight. Shockingly, I still remember much of it despite not having used it in quite a while. I've taken private lessons, group lessons, and always had Rosetta Stone as well. Learning a new language is challenging, fun, and interesting. And it gives you a lot of cool kid credit when other people learn that you are doing this. I've inspired other people to learn languages, too, which is super cool. Anything for the brain health has my stamp of approval.
Have a Solo Dance Party
There is nothing like busting a move in the privacy of your own home. I know because I do it almost daily, especially when I am making myself a meal. Putting on music that my body enjoys dancing to is one of the most gratifying activities I do in a day. My pets enjoy watching me slide all over the wood floors in my socks or bare feet, and I enjoy how good of a mood it puts me in for a long time after I am done. While it's no live music, it's possibly even better because you get to pick your soundtrack. Whatever mood you were in, you can change it and make it better with a solo dance party. I highly recommend throwing in singing as well, as you can't get much better than private karaoke. My neighbors might be able to hear me, and I'm good with that. They probably secretly love it.
Reading on my Screen Porch with My Companion
Read a Book
Bringing it down a bunch of notches from a solo dance party, I love having some hot tea and reading a book on my back screen porch when the weather permits. If I'm not on my porch, I'm on my cozy couch with a blanket and 2-3 pets draped over me. Does this count as alone? When I'm not people-ing, I'm alone in my books. (Did you get my pun? So good.) Reading a book does wonders for your brain and your nervous system. You can actually calm your nervous system down when you read a book for just six minutes - that is incredible! Since my nerves love to flare up, reading is a great solo activity for me. Coupled with stress-reducing tea, and I am calmer than a summer cucumber. When you're wondering what a good activity to do alone is, this is a good one to put high on your list.
Enjoying Myself at the Park
You've Got You
So many people think that because you’re alone, you’re lonely. Not the case. There are many of us who genuinely like to be by ourselves, but it usually takes some work to get there. With my list of my favorite things to do alone here, you can also start building up your tolerance with yourself. By yourself. In the company of yourself. Once you start, let me warn you, you will likely want to keep up the momentum. It’s a muscle. Repetition. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Get your feelings and thoughts in check around the whole topic of being alone, and try it out. You are going to be your own best friend, and that is a good place to be. With all the practice I have, I know I can get through anything, and I mean anything. Sometimes, you’re all you have, and that’s more than ok. But you have to put in the time to get to know and like that person, and that person is YOU.
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