Fun Things to Do Alone at Home or Elsewhere

PDF download Download Article
Therapist Rebecca Tenzer, MA, LCSW, explains what to do when you are bored and spending time alone
PDF download Download Article

We’ve all got days when our friends can’t hang and the next several hours stretch out before us without a single plan to fill them. You don’t have to spend those hours doing nothing—there are plenty of ways to entertain, educate, exercise, and enrich yourself, even without a partner in crime or a group of your best buds. In this article, we’ll give you our top ideas for things to do when you find yourself alone with some time to kill. We’ve even consulted mental health professionals and life coaches for their expert suggestions, so keep reading!

What are some fun things to do by yourself?

Therapist Rebecca Tenzer, MA, LCSW, suggests filling your alone time with diverse activities to keep things interesting from day to day. This may include creative hobbies, cooking, self-care practices, cleaning/organizing, lazy activities, exercise, or just getting out of the house in general.

1

Learn to cook a new dish.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Practice your culinary skills and treat yourself to something tasty.
    According to intuitive counselor & happiness coach Kari Samuels, alone time is an opportunity to learn something new, so why not take this chance to brush up on your cooking skills and learn how to make a new meal?[1] Plus, here’s some science for you: Studies show that having a homemade meal results in higher satisfaction than eating out.[2] If you’ve got some time on your hands, cook something tasty like crispy, savory pork chops or a refreshing pasta salad. You’ll hone your culinary skills and boost your mood at the same time![3]
    • Learn to make pasta with a pasta machine to pick up a crowd-pleasing kitchen talent sure to wow your friends at your next dinner party.
    • Or, marinate some chicken (or your protein of choice) to cook the next night. Your future self will thank you.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Rebecca Tenzer, MA, LCSW, is a clinical therapist with over 18 years of clinical and educational experiences in the field of mental health.

    Kari Samuels is an intuitive counselor & happiness coach with over 21 years of experience, specializing in intuition, energy healing, numerology, and astrology.

    Adam Dorsay, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in assisting high-achiveing adults attain more happiness in their lives.

    Nora Oliver is a certified life coach & motivational speaker who specializes in helping others discover who they are and how to live their lives.

    William Schroeder, LPC, NCC, is a licensed professional counselor and the co-owner of Just Mind, a counseling center in Austin, Texas.

    2. Advertisement
2

Experiment with baking.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Whip up a new confection or a classic comfort dessert.
    If you’re more of a dessert person, then break out the flour and sugar and whip up a sweet treat. Bake a seasonal pie to get festive, or get indulgent and make a rich chocolate cake. Up for a challenge? Now’s the time to perfect those macarons.[4]
    • If baking isn’t to your taste but you’re still looking for something sugary, make a simple mug cake to enjoy while you watch a movie or read a book.
3

Take up a new creative hobby.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Start learning a craft or an art form to enrich your free time.
    Samuels recommends using your alone time to try a hobby unrelated to work. “If there’s something that you’ve been meaning to learn, especially creative-wise, it’s a wonderful opportunity to exercise your creativity,” Samuels says.[5] Learn to draw to translate your imagination to paper, learn to make stained glass and create gorgeous light-catchers for your home, or learn to crochet and make gorgeous projects for your friends and fam. The possibilities are endless![6]
    • Or, join a local hobby group to spend time with like-minded creatives, finding inspiration and new friends in the process.
    • Not sure what hobby is right for you? Take our Hobby Quiz to help you choose one!
    • Reader Poll: We asked 486 wikiHow readers who've discovered new hobbies, and only 17% of them considered finding a creative outlet, like drawing or singing. [Take Poll] So while these may not be the most common hobbies to pursue, remember that your ideal hobby is something that brings you joy, regardless of popularity.
    2. Advertisement
4

Watch a movie.

PDF download Download Article
  1. See that flick you’ve been meaning to watch.
    There are more movies than you’ll ever have time to watch, and we think that’s a beautiful thing. Make some popcorn, grab a blanket, and settle into the horror movie or sweeping romance that you’ve heard so much about. When it’s done, boot up the next one!
    • Or, head to the theater to see something on the big screen, which is a great way to make an afternoon out of some cinema viewing.
    • Alternatively, get a start on that TV series you’ve been interested in. Sixteen seasons and 3 direct-to-video movies aren’t going to watch themselves, you know.
5

Read a book.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Explore a new world in the pages of a novel.
    Reading is like stretching your muscles to keep them limber, but in this case, that muscle is your brain. Reading improves your concentration and focus, helps you sleep, and even reduces stress.[7] So pick up that paperback on your coffee table, crack its spine, and dive right in!
    2. Advertisement
6

Take yourself out to eat.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sample the culinary scene in your city.
    Cooking at home is great, but eating out helps you broaden your culinary horizons and find new flavors for your palate. Make a reservation at that hip taco joint your friends have been raving about, or venture into a hole-in-the-wall diner to get a feel for the local scene. Explore your city one plate at a time.
7

Pick up a new instrument.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Teach yourself to play some tunes.
    Playing an instrument keeps your mind sharp, engaging every part of your nervous system and making use of both sides of your brain.[12] Learn piano and serenade yourself with a sonata, or learn guitar and strum out your favorite pop tunes. Apps like Yousician make learning at home both feasible and fun.
    • Or, sign up for some classes to get some professional instruction, which can help you pick up the skills faster than learning on your own.
    • While you’re working hard to learn your new instrument, you’ll likely find that the hours of alone time pass super quickly—and they’ll probably be extra satisfying.
    • “If you do something that's both challenging and meaningful, you will likely experience something called flow. And flow is that beautiful, yummy place where time goes by really fast. You could be engaged in doing some type of flow-based activity for three hours and it only feels like 30 minutes has passed because we're so into it,” licensed psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explains.[13]
    2. Advertisement
8

Visit a museum.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Learn something new while exploring the city.
    If you live in an urban area, hit the local museum—art, science, history, whichever stokes your curiosity—and spend time wandering the halls and learning as you go. This is a great activity to do solo, since museums have so much to look at and explore! Many museums also have free days or discounts, so check their websites before you visit.
    • If you live somewhere without a museum, browse the online archives of world-famous museums like the Smithsonian or the MoMA to learn in the comfort of your own home.
    • Or, visit your local zoo or aquarium to encounter some wildlife you don’t see in your daily life.
9

Go to a concert.

PDF download Download Article
  1. See a live show and mingle with the crowd.
    We’re here to break the stigma of solo concert-going! What better opportunity to lose yourself in a crowd than a dark room, where all eyes are on the stage rather than yourself? Browse your city’s events calendars to see if an artist you love is stopping in town. Or, buy tickets for an act you’ve never heard of—you might find a new fav.
    • Alternatively, visit a bar or cafe on a live music night to sample a local act while sipping on a beverage.
    2. Advertisement
10

Take a walk.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go on a walk to get out of the house and explore your neighborhood.
    “My advice is to put away your phone and get curious about the world around you,” recommends licensed professional counselor William Schroeder, LPC, NCC. “This could mean taking a walk and intentionally looking for things you might otherwise easily miss.”[14] For example, you might come across a relaxing spot in a local park to sit and read a book. Or, you could find a new coffee shop to try (and maybe even meet a new friend). The options are endless!
    • Consider bringing a sketchbook or notebook with you on your walk, so you can draw or jot down ideas when you come across interesting things.
11

Go on a scenic hike.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re the outdoorsy type, opt for a tougher hike with pretty views.
    Hiking exercises your body, improves your mental health, and brings you closer to the natural world all around you.[15] Look up a nearby trail on a service like AllTrails to find a scenic route that’ll get you to a waterfall, overlook, or another fabulous nature feature that’ll make your day one to remember. Just remember to pack plenty of food and water, and let a friend know where you’re headed.
    2. Advertisement
12

People watch.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sit somewhere public and appreciate the lives all around you.
    When you spend time alone, it’s easy to feel like your world is shrinking. People watching is a great way to remind yourself that life happens all around you, and that your world is so much bigger than the walls of your room. Set up shop in a cafe or even just on a park bench and watch the world go by.[16]
    • To spice it up and work your imagination, play the “Life” game and come up with a life story for the passers-by. Where are they coming from, and where are they headed?
13

Take a spa day.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Unwind and do some self-care at home.
    You don’t need to drop big bucks on a professional facial to treat yourself the way you deserve. Have a spa day at home by lounging in the tub or shower with some essential oils, doing a face mask or hair mask, and finishing it all off with a fluffy robe and cozy pajamas. Elevate the me-time with a cup of tea, a scented candle, some calming music, and a sweet treat like a scone.
    • Of course, go ahead and hit up a brick-and-mortar spa if that’s the journey that’s calling to you.
    2. Advertisement
14

Do nothing.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Let yourself just sit and be.
    Never underestimate the power of doing absolutely nothing! We’re not made to be productive 24 hours a day, so some relaxing downtime is totally essential. “I highly recommend everybody take a mental and emotional break every single day, a few times a day,” says certified life coach & motivational speaker Nora Oliver.[17] Take a few minutes for yourself, and commit to turning off your brain. Put your phone away, cut the music, and close your eyes. Let yourself listen to the rhythm of your own body and the world around you.
    • Make your do-nothing time more interesting by setting up a chair outside, on your lawn, a porch, or in a park, and letting the sights and sounds of your neighborhood wash over you.
15

Travel alone.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Visit a new place without being tied down by others.
    “Explore somewhere new alone! There is no greater adventure in life that brings you closer to who you really are than traveling alone,” says dating coach Cristina Morara.[18] Traveling alone is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture and city, and what’s more, it’s often cheaper and easier to travel light when it’s just yourself. Just be sure to check in with friends and family, and let your loved ones know where you are.
    2. Advertisement
16

Do some home improvement.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Spiff up your living space with a productive project.
    Been thinking about painting your walls a new color? Or maybe you’ve been meaning to re-tile your backsplash. There are plenty of home-improvement projects you can achieve alone, so now’s the time to roll up your sleeves and transform your home into the place you’ve always wanted to live. You’ll fill up your alone time with something entertaining, and you’ll end up with a new and improved living space!
17

Have a spring cleaning day.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Refresh your home with a thorough cleaning and decluttering.
    No matter the season, it’s a good idea to do a “spring cleaning” (a deeper, more in-depth clean than your usual tidying up) every once in a while. This is a productive way to fill some alone time, and it can also have some seriously positive effects. In fact, research shows that decluttering your home boosts your mood, sharpens focus and productivity, and even improves your physical health![19]
    • Try tackling your living space one room or area at a time. For example, one day you can try clearing out your closet and donating old clothes you don’t wear anymore. The next time, you could try to organize your home workspace or declutter your living room.
    2. Advertisement
18

Go for a drive.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Explore your local area while rocking to some tunes.
    They don’t call it a “joy ride” for no reason. We don’t recommend you careen your car through the streets, but a laid-back drive through the city or the country makes for some meditative and refreshing time alone. Whether it’s a summery afternoon drive or a contemplative night ride, put on some tunes to match the vibe.
    • If you don’t have access to a car, hop on public transit and take it to a new place. Put on those headphones, gaze out the window, and live your movie-moment fantasy.
19

Learn a dance.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Master some moves to show off another time.
    Dancing improves your aerobic health, coordination, flexibility, and spatial awareness while providing a great outlet for your creativity.[20] Learn a TikTok dance to master some simple and trendy moves, or learn more traditional dances at home like ballet, hip hop, or country steps.
    • To really work your creativity, make a new dance routine set to your favorite song.
    2. Advertisement
20

Give back to the community.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Volunteer at a non-profit to put your time to good use.
    There’s always a good cause just waiting for you to lend your time and energy. Volunteer at a food bank, homeless shelter, animal shelter, or other nonprofit organization to make your alone time a little less lonely while bettering your community.[21]
    • You don’t have to join an organization to help. Pick up litter by the highway or sweep a public walkway to keep your city clean on your own time.
21

Get some exercise.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Move your body to improve your mind.
    It’s hardly a secret that exercising regularly decreases your risk of disease, strengthens your body, helps you live longer, and helps manage chronic mental health conditions.[22] Tenzer advises getting up and moving—it can be as simple as going for a 5-minute run or even a nice long walk.[23]
    • Do some yoga at home for a mindful and low-impact exercise that improves your flexibility and core strength.
    2. Advertisement
22

Take a class.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Continue your education or pursue a special interest.
    Expand your skillset and broaden your horizons by taking a class at your local community college. They may offer free classes or allow you to audit a class in-session if you’re not looking to spend any money. Or, take an online class through your local university to learn in the comfort of your own home. Sites like edX offer free, professional classes you can complete on your own schedule.
23

Write a letter to someone you care about.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Send some snail mail to an old friend.
    Have an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, and you’re not sure how to rekindle the friendship? Writing them a letter is a great way to get back in touch on a relaxed, low-pressure schedule. Or, write one to a close friend or family member to surprise them with a touching and thoughtful gesture.
    2. Advertisement
24

Make a bucket list.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Write down everything you want to do before you kick it.
    Life is short, and one of the best ways to make sure you’re taking advantage of each and every day is to make a bucket list of things you want to do before it’s time for what’s next.[24] It’s a great way to give your life a little direction if you’re feeling aimless.
    • When you’re done, make a plan to achieve your first list entry. For example, if you want to scuba around a coral leaf, sign up for classes to become scuba certified.
25

Hit up an amusement park.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wander around a carnival, fair, or other attraction.
    Get some thrills on a high-speed roller coaster, or score a brand new plushie for yourself by playing a carnival game. Wandering around an amusement park or a carnival at your own pace lets you savor the atmosphere and curate your own experience, without being tied down to a group that wants to do different things.
    • If it’s winter, visit an ice rink and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, or enjoy the ambience of a ski village to soak up some seasonal celebrations.
    2. Advertisement
26

Go shopping.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Indulge in some retail therapy.
    We can’t deny that a little shopping spree hits the spot every now and then. Head up to the mall and let your wallet take you wherever it will. Try some new jewelry, or visit a toy store to indulge your inner child. Just be sure to stick to a budget to avoid an empty purse at the end.
    • If you’re a bit more conservative with your spending, spend your spree at a thrift store or secondhand store to find some real treasures at a steep discount.
    • Or, take part in the time-honored tradition of window shopping. Sometimes sizing up a display is just as satisfying as dropping money on new goodies.
27

Do a random act of kindness.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Offer someone a helping hand.
    Make the world a better place by doing something selfless. Visit an assisted living home and spend time with the older folks in your community, or donate some old books to your local library. Your act of kindness can be as simple as complimenting someone’s outfit, or writing a sweet note on a slip of paper and leaving it at a coffee shop for someone to find.[25]
    • Make your kindness a bit less random by asking a friend, neighbor, or family member if they need help today.
    2. Advertisement
28

Get some cleaning done.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Clear up your living space to clear up your mind.
    Cleaning around the house has been shown to calm your mind, boost your mood, and increase your attention span.[26] A fresh and tidy living space is its own reward, too. Clean your bathroom, organize your bedroom, or even just wander around the house with a duster to make things a little less grimy.
29

Practice a new language.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Expand your skill set with some linguistic learning.
    Licensed clinical psychologist Gera Anderson, PsyD, says learning a new language is a great activity to do when you’re feeling bored alone.[27] Practicing a new language exercises your mind, offers a valuable window into another culture, and is a strong asset on a resume.[28] Language-learning software like Rosetta Stone and Duolingo make learning a language at home a breeze.
    • Or, learn sign language to help you communicate with people who are hearing- or vision-impaired.
    2. Advertisement
30

Meditate.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Quiet your mind and explore your inner self.
    Tenzer recommends meditation as a go-to alone-time activity.[29] It helps you de-stress, reduce negative emotions, lower your blood pressure, improve your sleep, and boost your creativity, among other benefits.[30] Find somewhere quiet to sit and lie down, put on some relaxed music, and slow your breathing. Then, let your mind take you wherever it will.
    • Or, have a more focused meditation session by centering your thoughts on intentions for self-improvement, like being kinder to yourself or letting go of frustration.
31

Write a book or a poem.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Express yourself on the page.
    For some, reading isn’t enough; they have to stretch their creativity by creating their own characters and worlds. If that’s you, try your hand at writing a book. Your first draft doesn’t have to be pretty—it just has to exist! Or, to really stretch your emotional and creative muscles, write some poetry and express your inner thoughts and feelings. The only rule in poetry is being genuine!
    • You might also write non-fiction and chronicle an interesting time in your life, or the life of someone close to you.
    2. Advertisement
32

Explore your spirituality.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Connect with your faith or ponder your own beliefs.
    Your spirituality is something that’s always growing and shifting based on your own perspective and life experience.[31] If it’s been a while since you’ve explored your spiritual side, set aside some time to ask yourself what you believe and why. You might surprise yourself with how much your own outlook has changed—or how much it’s stayed the same.
    • If you’re religious, spend some time praying to connect with and explore your faith.
    • If you’re not spiritual, contemplate your place in the world and in nature. You don’t need to be spiritual to appreciate the interconnectedness of life.
33

Make a budget.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use your downtime to get your spending in order.
    Making a budget helps you visualize your spending money, decide how and why to spend it, and can even save you money over time by identifying areas of improvement.[32] Sit down and compare your income to your expenses to get a better handle on your books.
    • While you’re at it, make a plan to save some money if you can, to save up for a nice vacation, college classes, or other aspirations.
    2. Advertisement
34

Catch the sunrise.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wake up early to witness the start of a new day.
    When was the last time you were awake on time to greet the sun? It’s an easy thing to miss, and too many people go far too long without appreciating the break of a new day. Wake up early and savor a contemplative moment alone.
    • Add some coffee or tea and a cozy blanket to make the moment that much cozier. You might find that you’ve made a new daily tradition for yourself.
35

Stargaze.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Stay up late to watch the universe spin around you.
    It’s easy to forget that there’s an entire universe out there when the lights of the city aren’t getting in the way of seeing it. Use a website like Dark Site Finder to find a nearby area with minimal light pollution. Bring a blanket and a late-night snack, then lie back and behold the heavens. You might even catch a shooting star.
    • While you’re there, find some planets or use a guide on your phone to learn some constellations to turn it into an educational experience.
    2. Advertisement
36

Play a video game.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Entertain yourself and challenge your brain at the same time.
    They’re not all mindless fun or mature violence, you know. Playing video games has been linked to increased spatial awareness, more finely tuned attention, better problem-solving skills, and enhanced creativity.[33] So grab a controller and indulge in that new release, guilt-free.
    • Or, download some puzzle games to your phone like Sudoku, Solitaire, or Crosswords for a less involved experience that still engages your brain.
37

Listen to some tunes.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Listen to your favorite album all the way through.
    Did you know that listening to music is sometimes used as a form of therapy to aid with mental, emotional, and cognitive well-being?[34] Take some time to listen to your favorite album from front to back. Or, dive into Spotify or Apple Music’s expansive libraries to find new gems. Like reading a book or watching a movie, listening to music is a fabulous and creative use of your time.
    • To really get the most out of your experience, spend time thinking about the lyrics or identifying portions of a song you really enjoy. You might find you start to appreciate them even more.
    2. Advertisement
38

Start a journal or diary.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Keep track of your life to give yourself something to look back on.
    Writing about your experiences—even (and especially) the negative ones—helps you process them and put them into perspective. In some cases, it can even improve your physical and mental health.[35] Keep a journal and write down anything significant that happens each day, then revisit it months or years later to reminisce on the person you were.
    • If you already keep a journal, use this opportunity to crack it open and start reading! Let those memories come flooding back.
39

Plant some greenery.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Get gardening to practice your green thumb.
    Gardening helps you get some exercise out in nature, gives you some tasty plants to eat (if you’re planting edibles), and is known to reduce stress.[36] So get out there and start a garden with some easy starter plants like tomatoes or lettuce, or just plant some pretty flowers to give you something nice to look at.
    2. Advertisement
40

Refresh your wardrobe.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Update your closet to reflect the current you.
    Has your personal style kept up with your personal tastes and perspective? Now’s a great time to go through your closet and build a wardrobe that expresses your personal style. Start with staples like versatile pants and shirts, then shop or thrift for accessories that speak to you.
41

Play with your pet.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Spend some time with your animal companion.
    You know who’s always down to hang and will never pass up an opportunity for face-to-face time? Your pet! Throw a ball for your dog or take them on a walk; snuggle up to your cat or tease them with a feather toy; let your snake drape across your shoulders. Interacting with your pets keeps them busy, but also reduces your own stress, lowers blood pressure, and promotes physical activity.[37]
    • Or, volunteer to pet sit for a friend, family member, or neighbor to get some quality time with a friendly animal without the lifelong commitment.
    2. Advertisement
42

Give yourself a makeover.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Experiment with your personal style and self-expression.
    It’s easy to get stuck in a personal style and never change it. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you might be missing out on fun and fresh style possibilities if you never experiment! Visit a salon or style your own hair to find a new look. Or, take our What Makeup Should I Wear? Quiz and let us recommend a new makeup look. At the very least, you’ll have fun experimenting and expressing yourself.
43

Make a gratitude list.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Try practicing gratitude to boost your mental health.
    According to Tenzer, “Being alone can be difficult, but it can also be a really healing time,” and she recommends “showing gratitude…to be thankful for the opportunity to be able to do so.”[38] During your alone time, write a gratitude list including the things you’re super thankful for in your life. It’s a meaningful and entertaining activity to do, and practicing gratitude has also been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.[39]
    2. Advertisement
44

Create a list of solo activities you enjoy having on hand.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Make a list of enjoyable alone-time activities to have in your arsenal going forward.
    “Create a list of the things that you enjoy doing and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10, then incorporate the things that make you feel good (rated an 8-10 on your scale) into your alone time,” recommends Tenzer.[40] When you’re done, you’ll basically have a menu of fun items to choose from any time you’re feeling bored while alone!

How Can You Learn to Enjoy Your Own Company?


Join the Discussion...

What are some fun things to do by yourself?
Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor
Finding something that you enjoy doing alone that brings you happiness can make a world of difference between a lonely night at home or a relaxing time rejuvenating your inner self! Try some diverse activities to see what you like most; this could be a hobby, self-care, lazy activities, reaching out to a friend, or getting out of the house. Create a list of the things that you enjoy doing and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. Then, incorporate the things that make you feel good (rated an 8-10 on your scale) into your alone time. Think critically while making your list. Sometimes, the things we THINK we like are truly not what makes us feel good. Sitting on the couch for five hours, binge-watching Netflix with wine in hand, may not actually read high on your scale of feel-good activities, or maybe it does! Try new things and see if you can add to your toolbox of feel-good activities. Some ideas off the top of my head are mindfulness, meditation, getting a workout in, preparing healthy food, socializing remotely with loved ones, cleaning or organizing your space. Try to truly enjoy the time you have.
wikiHow Editorial Team
wikiHow Editorial Team
There are loads of fun and meaningful things you can do by yourself at home or outside the house, whether it's a special occasion (like your birthday) or just a regular day:
  • Spend an afternoon in the library to discover cool new books, take a class, or attend a reading
  • Go to the gym or take a fitness class
  • Volunteer for a cause you find meaningful
  • See a movie at the theater
  • Go thrifting or browse an antique shop
  • Explore an art, history, or science museum
  • Go strolling in the park or hike in the woods
  • Listen to an audiobook or podcast
  • Do a puzzle
  • Garden
See all 4 Replies and
Read Discussion

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

Tips from our Readers

  • You can also try doing a science experiment at home, like creating a baking soda and vinegar volcano or growing salt crystals.
  • Learning to solve a Rubik's Cube is a great way to pass the time. Plus, it adds another skill to your skill set!
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Spend Your Free Time (Girls)
How to
Spend Your Free Time (Girls)
Have Fun AloneFun Ways to Make the Most of Your Alone Time
Have Fun by Yourself on a Saturday NightHave Fun Alone on Saturday Night: 40 Activities
What Should I DoWhat Should I Do Quiz
Alone on a Friday Night20+ Ways to Have Fun When You’re Alone on Friday Night
Do Something when You're BoredWhat to Do When You’re Bored
Be Alone
How to
Be Alone (Without Being Lonely)
Pass Time at Home
How to
Pass Time at Home
Enjoy Being Alone
How to
Enjoy Being Alone
Avoid Being Bored When You Have Nothing to Do
How to
Avoid Being Bored When You Have Nothing to Do
What to Do on a Friday NightWhat to Do on a Friday Night: 20 Great Suggestions
Have Fun when You're Bored
How to
Have Fun when You're Bored
Beat Boredom on the Weekend
How to
Beat Boredom on the Weekend
Spend One's Holidays Without Getting Bored
How to
Spend One's Holidays Without Getting Bored
Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about having fun, check out our in-depth interview with Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP.

References

  1. ↑ Kari Samuels. Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21613564/
  3. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/nutrition/cooking-at-home
  4. ↑ https://preppykitchen.com/french-macarons/
  5. ↑ Kari Samuels. Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/how-to-start-a-hobby/
  7. ↑ https://markhampubliclibrary.ca/blogs/post/top-10-benefits-of-reading-for-all-ages/
  8. ↑ Mel Shipman. Certified Life Purpose Coach, Owner of NextLevel Life, LLC. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Christina Jay, NLP. Matchmaker & Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview
  1. ↑ Christina Jay, NLP. Matchmaker & Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Christina Jay, NLP. Matchmaker & Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/learning-musical-instrument-may-confer-lifelong-cognitive-benefits
  4. ↑ Adam Dorsay, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ William Schroeder, MA, LPC, NCC. Licensed Professional Counselor. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.nps.gov/subjects/trails/benefits-of-hiking.htm
  7. ↑ https://hhsmedia.com/21974/opinion/people-watching-is-a-good-habit/
  8. ↑ Nora Oliver. Certified Life Coach & Motivational Speaker. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Cristina Morara. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-decluttering
  11. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/dance-health-benefits
  12. ↑ https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/resource/10-creative-ways-to-volunteer
  13. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.html
  14. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
  15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-good-life/201102/bucket-lists-and-positive-psychology
  16. ↑ https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas
  17. ↑ https://recovery.org/pro/articles/the-mental-health-benefits-of-cleaning-organizing-decluttering-your-space/
  18. ↑ Gera Anderson, PsyD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview
  19. ↑ https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/7-benefits-of-learning-another-language/
  20. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
  21. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858
  22. ↑ https://www.nami.org/faith-community-leader/the-mental-health-benefits-of-religion-spirituality/
  23. ↑ https://consumer.gov/your-money/making-budget
  24. ↑ https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-a0034857.pdf
  25. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy
  26. ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/jun02/writing
  27. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/dig-into-the-benefits-of-gardening
  28. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-friend-who-keeps-you-young
  29. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
  30. ↑ https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude
  31. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
  32. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
  33. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Seth Hall
Reviewed by:
Seth Hall
Life Coach
This article was reviewed by Seth Hall and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Seth T. Hall (ICF ACC, CLC, and MNLP) is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”. This article has been viewed 64,743 times.
1 votes - 40%
Co-authors: 11
Updated: March 4, 2026
Views: 64,743
Categories: Boredom Busters
In other languages
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 64,743 times.
If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement