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For most of us, there are times when we like being around others, and times when it’s nice to be alone. The problem is, no matter how much we may need some ‘me-time’, we might not always know how to spend it.
But, there are all kinds of interesting hobbies you can do by yourself – and many activities that are far more enjoyable to do solo.
To get you inspired, here are 14 fulfilling hobbies that you can do by yourself.
1. Writing
Writing can be incredibly rewarding, and it’s never too late to start. Whether you’ve always enjoyed it and dream of publishing a book, or you’d just like to get creative and see what you’re capable of.
You could try writing a novel, a short story, or a non-fiction book. Alternatively, you might like to try your hand at blogging or journaling. To find out more about how to get started with writing, head over to our books, literature, and writing section. Here, you’ll also find our Writers Corner space, where you can share your writing with other readers.
While sitting down and staring at an empty page can be daunting, it’s important to remember that, for most people, getting started is the trickiest part. Once you find your flow, you’ll probably wonder where the time has gone.
If you’re looking for support and inspiration, you might like to join the Journaling and Creative Writing group over on Rest Less Events.
2. Chess
Chess might be a game for two, but it can also be played solo, which offers a host of benefits. Not only does it allow you to practise your tactics, but it can also boost cognitive skills and creativity.
Two-player chess is all about anticipating your opponent’s moves, which requires focus, strategy, and patience. Solo chess is the same but arguably trickier; after all, who can predict your next move better than you?
To play solo chess, you, of course, need to play as both competitors, so the only requirement is learning how not to favour one side over the other, and to keep an unbiased viewpoint. This doesn’t mean all your games will end up in a draw, however, as, inevitably, you’ll make a mistake that will give your ‘opponent’ the upper hand.
You can play the game using a traditional chess board or online, on a solo server. The beauty of solo chess is that it’s designed to be played slowly, and games can take days or weeks to finish.
3. Foraging
If you like being outdoors and cooking from scratch, foraging might be up your street. Foraging involves collecting food from nature – anything from mushrooms and berries to herbs and plants.
Not only does foraging allow you to connect with nature and enjoy some quiet time in the Great Outdoors, but it also means you’ll feel more connected to the meals you cook – and be eating more healthily and sustainably. Plus, you’ll save money on food shopping!
However, it’s important to know exactly what ingredients you’re looking for and to be aware that some UK plants and fungi are toxic. To brush up on your knowledge, check out this foraging guide from BBC Good Food. And for cooking inspiration, have a read of our article: 11 foraged food recipes.
4. Photography
Another great creative pursuit is photography. There are various types of this art form, so you can experiment to find your niche.
If you have a passion for food, why not try food photography? Or, if you like snapping pictures of daily life, street photography could be for you. Like being in nature? Why not try landscape photography? Given the calibre of smartphones these days, you won’t need to fork out for an expensive camera either.
To learn more, have a read of our beginner’s guide to photography, and articles How to take better photos with your phone, and 8 fun photography projects that you can start today.
5. Birdwatching
Another great solo pursuit for people who enjoy connecting with nature is birdwatching. One of the best things about birdwatching is that you can do it anywhere – even from the comfort of your home.
Simply looking out the window and seeing what birds you can spot can be fascinating – and often surprising! Many people also enjoy the meditative and mindful aspects of birdwatching, as it can help you focus on the present.
Once you’ve started to observe the habits and behaviours of the birds around you, you might be amazed at how quickly you develop a passion for it. And there are all kinds of exciting bird events to watch out for – such as migratory birds passing through or chicks hatching.
To find out more, have a read of our beginner’s guide to birdwatching.
6. Needlework
If you’re looking for a hobby you can do indoors, why not consider needlework?
There are all kinds of needlework to try. For example, if you like the idea of making clothes, knitting or crocheting might be for you. Or, if you’d prefer to craft pretty designs, cross-stitch could be your thing.
Whatever form of needlework you decide to try, you’ll get plenty of benefits from it. Needlework has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and even boost cognitive skills. Plus, you’ll end up with hand-made treasures that make perfect gifts.
You don’t need any special skills to become a knitting or sewing whizz – you’ll just need some patience.
For more needlework ideas, head over to our art section. Or, why not join the crochet and chat group on Rest Less Events?
7. Gardening
Gardening can be a fulfilling way to spend time. It also offers many health benefits, and can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and boost mood and self-esteem. Plus, gardening outdoors is great exercise and gives you some fresh air.
It can also help you feel connected to nature, and growing living things and seeing them flourish is hugely satisfying. You don’t need lots of space to get growing either. Have a read of our article, 9 tips for gardening in small spaces, to find out more.
Plus, if you enjoy cooking, you could grow your own vegetables and herbs. Again, you don’t need a garden or even a balcony for this, as many small plants and herbs grow happily on window sills.
For more information, head over to our gardening section.
8. Exercise
Many exercises are perfect for doing solo. If you’re looking to work on strength, balance, and flexibility – and also reduce stress and anxiety – why not try yoga or Pilates? Or, if you’d like to get your heart pumping, why not try running or cycling, or combat sports?
Alternatively, walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise and can be fit easily into your day. Even better is that you can enjoy a podcast or audiobook while you do it.
For further inspiration, head over to our fitness and exercise section. Or, why not sign up for a virtual exercise class over on Rest Less Events?
9. Whittling
If you’ve always been intrigued by the act of turning a plain piece of wood into something beautiful or useful, why not have a go at whittling?
Whittling is an ancient form of wood carving that doesn’t require any special skills to get going. You don’t even need any specific tools – just a knife and some wood.
You can carve objects like bowls and spoons or more intricate items, such as sculptures, chess pieces, or figurines. Having to concentrate intently on what you’re doing means that whittling is another mindful activity, and it’s been proven to reduce stress and help you focus on the present.
To give it a go, check out our beginner’s guide to whittling. Or, you might like to read our beginner’s guide to carpentry.
10. Learning a language
Learning a language can be an enriching experience that allows you to discover new cultures and connect with different people. Plus, learning a language offers various health perks. It can boost cognitive skills like listening, multitasking, and problem-solving; enhance your job prospects; and improve self-esteem.
An easy way to get started is to try apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone, where you can spend as little or as much time as you like practising listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
We also currently have various Spanish classes and discussion groups available on Rest Less Events.
For more inspiration, check out our articles: 6 languages that are easier for English speakers to learn and 7 tips for immersing yourself in foreign languages.
11. Painting
If you have an untapped artistic streak, why not give painting a go? Like other creative activities, painting has powerful health benefits: it can improve memory, boost focus, sharpen motor skills, relieve stress and anxiety, and foster emotional growth.
Another perk of painting is that anyone can do it – you just need plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. You could try painting a portrait, a landscape, a still-life, or experiment with colour and brushwork as freely as you like…after all, the best thing about art is there are no rules! Painting isn’t just a fun way to spend time; it also gives you an outlet to express yourself.
To find out more, have a read of our painting guide.
12. Calligraphy
The ancient art of calligraphy has been practised since 600 BC and remains popular today.
Learning how to write letters and symbols in beautiful and elaborate ways is both relaxing and satisfying – and you don’t need to be good at writing or drawing to have a flair for calligraphy. You just need to be patient and give yourself time to master the specific strokes.
Picking up a pen and taking the time to create something beautiful can be rewarding and meditative. Plus, once you’ve mastered the art of calligraphy, you’ll be able to make personalised cards for loved ones.
For more information, have a read of our introduction to calligraphy.
13. Playing a musical instrument
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument, why not spend some time making those dreams a reality?
There are countless benefits of learning to play an instrument: it’s fun, can boost your mood, distract you from negative thoughts, improve your memory, and reduce stress.
Plus, while learning an instrument is a hobby best practised solo, once you’ve learned the basics, you could join a music group. So if you’re looking to expand your social circle and meet new people, it’s an excellent choice.
Many people think that if they never learned to play an instrument as a child, they’ll struggle as an adult – but this isn’t true. It’s never too late to acquire new skills, and music is no different. That said, some instruments are easier to pick up than others, so have a read of our article, 7 of the easiest musical instruments for adults to learn, to find out more.
14. Cooking and baking
One of the most immediately rewarding solo hobbies is cooking/baking because you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour straight away!
If you’d like to improve your culinary skills, why not have a look at some food blogs and websites? Or check out some online cooking tutorials, like Skillshare’s knife skills class or the secrets of slow cooking tutorial.
Alternatively, head over to our food and drink section for more inspiration. Here, you’ll find articles like 12 tips to make cooking for one easier and 10 nostalgic baking recipes.
Final thoughts…
Spending time by yourself is important for many reasons. It’s a chance for self-reflection, discovery, and relaxation – and finding a new hobby can be the perfect way to enjoy it. Whether it’s heading out for a walk or a run, finding a quiet corner to paint in, or losing yourself in music, the importance of carving out time for yourself should never be minimised.
On the flip side, some of us may spend more time alone than we’d like, and if that’s the case, we hope the activities in this list have inspired you.
If none of these ideas have jumped out, you might like to head over to our hobbies and activities section for more ideas.
Do you enjoy spending time by yourself? Are you interested in any of these hobbies? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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