20+ Things to Do Alone to Treat Yourself

By McKenzie Jean-Philippe, Oprah Magazine

Making time for yourself improves your mental well-being. And that's not just our excuse for a little me-time, but a point supported by a 2017 SUNY Buffalo study, which found that solitude strengthens imagination. Even Oprah says, "Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices of the world so I can hear my own." Sometimes you just need space-but what do you do with your freedom? Whether you're a homebody, an adventurer, a creative, or all of the above, we've got some ideas.

Practice meditation

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Slow down, breathe, and clear your mind with whatever form of mediation works best for you. Not 100% sure of what that looks like or where you can even start? Black Girl in Om's Lauren Ash has six easy tips to help get you started. 

Write it out

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Some solo time often leaves you alone with your thoughts. And since that's not always one of the most comfortable things, journaling your feelings without watchful lurking eyes can be a soothing way to let go. 

Knit something warm and fuzzy

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According to Mental Health America, knitting not only results in some pretty comfy scarves and sweaters, but it can also help reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.

Endulge in a little self-love

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Yes, we're talking masturbation. There's nothing wrong with self-pleasure, people. (But of course, you know your own comfort zone.) But the act is known to reduce stress, help with mental clarity and even improve communication with your partner.

Take a soothing bath

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Not only is a lengthy, warm soak just naturally relaxing, but if you use the right bathing products, it will do wonders for your skin.

Have a solo dance party

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Next time you're alone, blast your favorite tunes as loud as you please and really feel the music by busting out whatever moves you want, judgement-free.

Watch the sunrise or sunset

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Though it happens everyday, it's easy to take the wonder of a beautiful sunrise (or sunset) for granted. Whenever you have the time, find the perfect perch that will allow you to take-in and appreciate the colorful sight.

Find a new page-turner

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Take a break from browsing the search bar of your Kindle's virtual library and visit your local indie bookstore or Barnes and Noble. It'll get you out of the house, and you'll have loads of new, exciting books to choose from.

Give your room a makeover

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Add a fresh coat of paint, buy that cute coffee table you saw at your neighborhood flea market, or maybe it's as simple as rearranging the furniture in your bedroom. Switching up your space brings out your creativity while also elevating your favorite room at home, especially if you try these useful design tips.

Go for a leisurely stroll

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The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and walking is a great way to get in that time (and some fresh air). Whether you venture out to a national park or just step out your front door, a regular stroll betters coordination and balance, helps keep you at a healthy weight, controls conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and even boosts your mood.

Visit a gallery or museum

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You can explore the history and art at your own pace, taking in the sites around you with as critical of an eye as you wish. If you're really looking for an experience, try the next one on our list and visit one of these TripAdvisor approved museums. 

Embrace your wanderlust

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Booking.com found that 65 percent of women they polled in 2014 felt more confident after taking a solo trip. Ready to enjoy your own company-and itinerary!-abroad? TripAdvisor has a forum full of resources to help get started. Whether you drive an hour away for a staycation or decide to backpack through Europe, you'll step out of your comfort zone on your own terms. 

Ditch the DIY spa treatments

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Treat yourself and use SpaFinder to look for deals on treatments and retreats anywhere in the US for a professional mani and pedi, facial, or massage-which are medically proven to have positive affects on your mental and physical health. You'll feel rejuvenated, relaxed, and ready to take on that next social gathering.

Exercise your mind

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Work the left side of your brain with an old-fashioned puzzle. Start a jigsaw, tackle a word find or sudoko, even open up a newspaper (gasp, yes, a newspaper!) and work on a crossword. It can help strengthen your memory, delay Dementia or Alzheimer's, and lessen your stress. 

Find an addictive podcast 

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Join 68 million other Americans who are indulging in the podcast craze. If you have an iPhone, you can explore your podcast app; for Droid users, there are free apps like Stitcher or Overcast. And if you need some ideas, choose from our handy list of OprahMag.com approved programming.

Get to class 

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Maybe there's a skill that would keep you ahead at work or a subject you want to know more about. Enroll in a class at a local university or community college, and get learning! When talking about the value of education in 2016, Michelle Obama said it best: "That’s the one thing people can’t take away from you...it is worth the investment." 

Go to a concert 

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Ever want to see your favorite band, but none of your friends or family are interested? Solution: Go by yourself! The idea of going to a concert alone seems strange, but when you think about it, you'll be surrounded by fans who don't care about who's there with who. They're taking in the music, just like you.

Get down and dirty 

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Use Oprah's illustrious garden as inspiration to test your green thumb. Pick a flower, herb, or vegetable, and you'll have a plant to tend and watch grow. And if you want something that doesn't need much maintenance, check out these house plants that are perfect for beginners.

 

Take yourself on a food date 

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Visit that restaurant you're dying to try or stop in at one of your regular spots. There's something exciting about savoring a meal on your own: no-one telling you what to get, no pressure to speed up your ordering process, and you can snap a pic of your Insta-worthy spread without an audience.

Fight for a cause that's special to you 

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AARP'S Create The Good is a great source, connecting you with local organizations in your community, whether it be an animal shelter, food pantry, the local library, or a museum. November's midterm elections give you a chance to help at a favorite politician's campaign office-Democrat or Republican.

Go out for a drive 

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You don't always need a destination: Just get in your car and drive! Maybe you'll find a part of your community that you never knew existed, or the hum and steady rhythm of the car will relax you. But expert tip: make sure you have a GPS. You know, just in case.