The topic of self-care is very current and famously referred to in multiple conversations. And rightfully so. I don’t know about you, but I have experienced difficulties planning self-care activities because my diary is overbooked. That’s how I looked into a list of 15 self-care activities to enjoy solo, thinking it could benefit many people.

Finding time to assign to self-care activities can be challenging due to our busy lives. I’m sure you can relate. It can feel like an impossible mission sometimes. However, self-care is paramount to a joyful existence. Therefore, I compiled a list of 15 self-care activities to enjoy alone, which are easy to incorporate into your routine despite the lack of time.

This list of 15 self-care activities to enjoy alone will help anyone feeling low or drained. Whatever your circumstances, do you need to relax and take some time for yourself or search for something to do without necessarily interacting with other people?

If you’ve answered YES to any of these questions, worry not! I’ve got you. The list of 15 self-care activities to enjoy solo offers you a variety of choices. So, go ahead and practice the ones that suit you best.

Social connections are essential to maintain a balanced life because we are social beings. However, pressing pause on other commitments to look after ourselves is vital. Therefore, setting aside time to focus on your “me time” helps boost your well-being.

Why should you practice self-care activities?

When thinking about self-care, YOU are the priority. Remember that you can’t wait for someone else to prioritize YOU. The idea is to put YOU first, even if no one else is willing to participate. Since YOU are an essential piece of the puzzle in your journey to happiness, prioritizing yourself is critical.

“Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.” — Bell Hooks.

That’s where the list of 15 self-care activities to enjoy alone comes in. What’s more, this article explains why enjoying life alone is beneficial for your mental, physical and emotional well-being.

What activity can you enjoy alone to care for yourself?

This article will provide 15 activities you can undertake independently, regardless of gender, age, family situation, or professional or relationship status.

These activities are easy to implement in your routine as part of your habits and will positively impact your life. Therefore, pick the ones that will bring you joy and positively impact your life. Here is a list of self-care activities to enjoy alone and boost your well-being.

• Enjoy the outdoors
• Take care of your plants
• Take a bubble bath
• Turn to a book or a movie
• Exercise at home
• Take a nap and catch up on some sleep
• Create something new
• Take on a new hobby
• Listen to calming music
• Treat yourself to a spa day
• Take time off from work
• Tidy up your living space
• Stretch before bedtime
• Journal about your thoughts and feelings
• Express gratitude

1. Enjoy the outdoors

Something is refreshing about stepping outside and enjoying mother nature, as part of your morning routine if you can. The scenery and the deep silence will work wonders for your peace of mind. So, take a deep breath, stretch your legs and see where your walk-in nature takes you! This will be a perfect activity if you are outdoorsy and/or have a handle on those allergies.

2. Take care of your plants

Spending time in nature can reduce stress and boost mood, and gardening is an excellent way to get your hands dirty and connect with the natural world. Therefore, to care for yourself, why not garden or tend to your plants? Whether you have a sprawling garden or just a few potted plants, take the time to grow them. It will calm your nerves.

3. Treat yourself to a hot bubble bath

After a long day, there’s nothing like sinking into a hot, bubbling bath and letting the day’s stresses soak away. Also, if you are adventurous, add some Epsom salt and essential oils to your bath water for maximum relaxation. This is the perfect treat if you have limited time on your hands and need to cope with stress.

4. Turn to a book or a movie

Whether it’s a heartwarming true story or a thrilling, action-packed adventure, a great movie or book will allow you to escape reality for a little while. Both tools will help you unwind. So, choose that book or film that does the trick for YOU.

5. Exercise at home

When you are busy, exercising at home is the solution when your time is limited. This way, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising at home. A simple stretching routine in the morning can do wonders to start your day using technology to use online classes. It’s so convenient that there is no excuse to neglect your physical health.

6. Take a nap and catch up on some sleep

When you feel exhausted, the easiest way to recuperate is to nap. This will help you boost your energy. Not only does getting enough rest to promote a healthy lifestyle, but it can also improve your productivity and focus throughout the day. So try it out today and see how it feels!

7. Create something new

Another self-care activity that will help you relax is creating something new with your hands and imagination. You can turn to painting, crafting, writing, or making a food recipe if that is what you are into. Whatever your chosen medium, there’s no limit to what you can create. So go ahead, create something today!

8. Take on a new hobby

As you probably know, learning a new hobby has never been more accessible with the rise of technology. Now, there are many opportunities to learn something new in just a few clicks. It could be learning a new language, playing a new musical instrument, painting, drawing, dancing, cooking or gardening. What’s more, pursuing a new hobby keeps your mind sharp and provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.

9. Listen to calming music

Another to care for yourself is by listening to calming music. It can help you reduce stress and anxiety, making you feel more at ease. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider carving out a few moments to listen to your favourite calming music.

10. Treat yourself to a spa day

Life can be stressful, right? Between work, family, and the everyday hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget to take a “me time.” That’s where a spa day comes in. Indulging in relaxation and pampering can improve your well-being. You could go for treatments like facials and manicures. You don’t have to break the bank either. If you have a tight budget, set up a spa day at home; it’s fun!

11. Take time off from work when possible

When you feel overwhelmed, giving yourself permission to take time off from work is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It’s not laziness or weakness – it’s self-care. Taking some time off allows you to rest, recharge, and return with renewed energy and focus.

12. Tidy up your living space

Another way of taking care of yourself is by taking care of your living space. I always think that a tidy space, a tidy mind. That’s why putting time aside to organize your closets, pantry, or drawers will allow you to relax. Also, unclutter if necessary. By sorting through your belongings and creating designated spaces for each item, you’ll be amazed at how much more room you have. Not only will your home feel less cluttered, but you’ll also save time by being able to quickly locate the things you need.

13. Stretch before bedtime

As part of your bedtime routine, gently stretch. This will allow you to shut your mind off and easily sleep. Taking just a few minutes before bedtime to do this activity will help you release tension, ease stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of calmness.

14. Journal about your thoughts and feelings

Journaling will allow you to get deep into your thoughts and emotions, gain insight into your behaviours, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Journaling as part of your self-care routine is not only a way to express yourself, but it also serves as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

15. Expressing gratitude

Thinking about what makes you grateful is vital when taking care of yourself. What’s more, gratitude helps you feel optimistic about life. As an example, things like the morning sunshine, my family’s health and safety, a hot cup of coffee, a good book, laughter shared with friends, a warm blanket on a chilly night, and the opportunity to work from home and pursue my passions are just a few things I feel grateful for. What makes you feel grateful?

In Essence

Self-care is essential for leading a healthy and balanced life. The list of 15 activities to enjoy solo will put your well-being first. These activities are easy to practice and offer a variety of choices.

Turn to activities to help you achieve the expected outcome: the relaxed YOU! You want to be adventurous and try activities that work best for you based on your circumstances. Remember that overdoing it will only make you feel overwhelmed instead of finding peace.

Because I work from home, I go for a 30-minute walk before breakfast, exercise after logging off from work, and journal before bed. These activities have helped me stay focused, boosting my happiness every day.

Your turn. What’s your go-to self-care activity? Share with us in the comments below.