65 Actually Fun Things to Do at Home Alone (That Aren’t Just “Paint Your Nails”)

Confession time: I love being home alone.

That’s not code for lonely or bored — it’s actually one of the ways I feel most like myself. Chalk it up to being a (nearly) textbook introvert with a soft spot for solitude, or the fact that my work requires me to be fairly social and connected, or just the fact that I’m in a season where peace is a priority.

And if I am being honest, I’ve never quite treated time alone as something to “fill”. It’s something I deeply and while I enjoy my time out with friends and exploring new things, I am equally happy spending time at home by myself.

But I get it — some people are genuinely terrified of spending time by themselves, or think of it as a euphemism for doomscrolling through their phone or watching endless hours of television. While you could certainly do so, there are plenty of other ways to transform your solo time into opportunities for fun, creativity, relaxation, and personal growth.

Ideas for Things to Do at Home by Yourself

The next time you find yourself home alone, and whether you’re feeling wired, tired, or just plain unmotivated, something from this list is sure to hit the spot! These ideas are a mix of fun, soothing, and (sneakily) productive things to do at home by yourself.

Don’t think about optimization, but instead, choose something that sparks your interest or “fills your cup” or just simply brings you joy.

Fun Things to Do at Home by Yourself

1. Watch a comfort movie or start a themed marathon

Pick a genre, a decade, or a random actor, and lean all the way in.

2. Host a solo karaoke night with a karaoke app

Bonus points for committing to the emotional ballads. (“I will survive”, anyone?)

3. Have a dance party in your kitchen

Dance as if no one is watching. You’re not putting on a show, you’re simply enjoying yourself.

4. Play a cozy video game or app

Think: low stakes, soft music, and maybe a virtual garden. Here’s a list of cozy game ideas to get you started.

5. Try on outfits you forgot you owned

Turn it into a mini closet clean-out, if you want.

6. Watch stand-up comedy or go down a wholesome YouTube rabbit hole

Laugh, cry, maybe end up learning how crayons are made.

7. Try a new cocktail or mocktail recipe

And you’ll have something fun to add to the dinner menu the next time you have guests over.

8. Have a virtual museum or gallery tour

Yes, you can look at Monet while lounging around in a hoodie and mismatched socks.

9. Recreate a childhood snack

Ants on a log? Grilled cheese or PB&J with the crusts cut off? Go for it. There’s no one around to judge your choices. :)

10. Play a solo card game or do a logic puzzle

Flex your brain muscles a little!

11. Make a ridiculous snack plate and call it “girl dinner”

It became a TikTok trend for a reason, you know!

12. Rewatch your favorite childhood show

Because even years later, they are still oddly comforting.

13. Try a new hairstyle or makeup look

It’s always fun to mix things up a little.

Soothing Solo Activities

1. Take a long bath with music, a podcast, or silence

Add bubbles, oils, epsom salt, or your entire existential crisis. You do you!

2. Try a guided meditation

Even if you last just five minutes. That counts.

3. Do gentle yoga or stretching with soft lighting

So that you can finally put that galaxy projector lamp to good use.

4. Try an “everything shower” and go all in on skincare

The water bill might judge you. That’s okay.

5. Write an unsent letter

To your past self, future self, or someone who’ll never read it. I’ve tried it — it’s therapeutic.

6. Use one of your fancy items

Stop waiting for the “right occasion”. Light that bougie candle. Wear that expensive perfume. Drink from the fancy glass.

7. Watch the sunrise or sunset from your porch or window

No notes.

8. Take a power nap without guilt

Bonus points for playing soothing nature sounds in the background.

9. Browse through your memory box

Dig up your old memory box (I know you’ve got one!). Toss what no longer hits. Keep the stuff that still makes you smile.

10. Write a list of “Things I’m Proud of (That No One Saw)”

Because some wins are quiet and they still count.

11. Work through some journal prompts

Pick a theme or let your brain wander.

12. Do a body scan meditation while lying in bed

Think of it as a full-system check.

13. Map your personal milestones

Write out the chapters of your life and include the quiet ones that never made it to social media.

14. Get lost in the pages of a book

Listen, I will forever be a book girlie! No list of mine about “things to do at home by yourself” will ever be complete without some reference to reading. So this is me, telling you (yet again!) to go pick up a book.

If you’re looking for some romance book recommendations (without a doubt my favorite fiction genre!), here are some of my favorites: Looking for fantasy/romance? Read this. Looking for slow-burn romance? Read this. Looking for celebrity-normie romance? Read this. Looking for a sports romance series? This one’s a good one to start with!

Productive (But Low-Stakes) Things to Do

1. Do a “15-minute tidy”

Time it. Stop when it’s over. Done is better than perfect.

2. Deep clean something random

Your hairbrush. Your makeup bag. That one overflowing dump drawer.

3. Create a future gift list

Then go ahead and actually buy one or two and keep them handy for any last-minute birthday gift emergencies!

4. Sell something online

Make some money as you clear out space from your home/closet.

5. Update your budget or log recent expenses

I try and do this once a month, and it is both scary and necessary!

6. Organize printed photos or make a photo album

I am currently working on a physical photo album of my New Zealand trip. I can’t wait to see the final result.

7. Plan your week ahead

As I’ve grown older, I’ve really come to appreciate a little bit of mindful future planning.

8. Prep one meal or overnight oats for the next day

Future-you will thank you.

9. Clean out your phone’s photo roll

Delete the no-longer-needed screenshots or the photos that trigger bad memories. Keep the random joy.

10. Refresh your desktop background or phone wallpaper

These are my absolute favorites, and I change them monthly!

11. Catch up on laundry while watching something light

You’ll get through it faster if you’re watching something that doesn’t require full attention.

12. Organize your spice drawer/pantry/fridge/medicine cabinet

Keep an eye out for the expiry dates.

13. Lint roll your furniture

Random? Yes. A quick way to freshen things up without a full deep clean? Also yes.

Creative Things to Try by Yourself

1. Write a short story or random dialogue scene

Let your brain wander and see where it goes.

2. Doodle, sketch, or color

Adult coloring books exist for a reason. Or get your hands on some crayons, blank paper, and create your way out of boredom.

3. Try calligraphy or handwriting practice

There’s something oddly meditative about nice lettering.

4. Start a vision board (physical or digital)

Focus on what feels good to look at and feels aligned to your core values and true desires, not just what sounds impressive.

5. Make a new playlist based on a mood or memory

Music is a powerful tool. Make something that fits how you feel.

6. Create a mini scrapbook of your week

Photos, receipts, random thoughts — anything goes.

7. Try your hand at origami or paper crafts

Follow a simple tutorial and see what takes shape.

8. Do a “Day in the Life” photo project

Document the ordinary. That’s what most days are anyway. I love, love, love Ali Edwards’s style of doing this project.

9. Recreate a photo from your childhood or teen years

Just for fun, and no one else has to see it (if you don’t want them to!).

10. Make your own affirmations or “rules for living”

What do you need to hear? Start there. Write your vision/mission for your life.

11. Make a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days

Keep it fun, silly, practical, but honest. This is my latest 101 in 1001 list.

12. Make an expansive bucket list

Write down anything that pulls at you, big or small. How will you know which dreams to fulfill if you don’t even know what they are!

13. Create a “dream dinner guest” list

Then build a menu you’d actually want to eat.

14. Shoot a self-portrait

No, not a quick, pouty selfie, but something intentional, styled, and story-worthy. To get your creative juices flowing, check out Helen’s self-portrait work. It’s beyond inspiring!

New Things to Learn/Try by Yourself

1. Take a free online class

Pick a topic that’s interesting to you, not necessarily something that you “should” learn.

2. Learn a few phrases in a new language

Just enough to play with sounds and feel a little different.

3. Watch a documentary or docuseries

Pick a topic you know nothing about.

4. Research your family tree

Start with what you know and go one step further. Ask your parents, your relatives. There is a deep value in preserving or at least knowing your history.

5. Practice a magic trick or party skill

A small trick is still a skill. Have fun with it.

6. Try a paint-by-numbers kit or printable

Creative energy without the pressure to start from scratch.

7. Start a commonplace book

Collect words, moments, or ideas that stick with you. Here’s a primer to get you started.

8. Learn one easy song on an instrument

I’ve always wanted to do this. Adding it to my “want to do” list.

9. Look through your “stuff to Google later” note

Finally find out how long cats remember people or why your phone camera makes the moon look weird.

10. Read a random Wikipedia page

Am I aging myself here by throwing a Wikipedia reference? Does anyone use it anymore?

11. Listen to music in a language you don’t speak

Pay attention to the rhythm and emotion, not the lyrics. And you don’t have to be right about the meaning. In the past, I have been hilariously wrong about this French song.

As you would have hopefully realized, spending time alone doesn’t have to mean scrolling endlessly or calling it a “quiet panic hour.” It can be peaceful, playful, or even just a useful pause. These ideas range from the light and silly to the quietly nourishing — something for whatever mood meets you at home.

Now it’s your turn: which idea do you keep coming back to? Or maybe one sparked an entirely new thought for you? Let me know in the comments below! I want to know what “home alone” looks like for you these days.