22 Hobbies For People Who Really Love to Be Alone
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Introvert problems are a real thing, and while it's not that we dislike people, we just prefer (and need) our alone time. While we're totally happy to spend time with our friends, it's the things we do by ourselves that we really love. There are so many ways to benefit from solo hobbies, so we've rounded up some good ideas for single-person fun.
- Take up photography. Photography allows you to see the world from a different perspective, and while it can involve interacting with others if you choose, it can also be a form of expression that you can hone at a distance. These days, you don't even have to drop a ton of money on an expensive camera; you can develop great photography skills with just your smart phone.
- Listen to podcasts. Learn more about the world (or block the world out) by listening to educational and informational podcasts, or get in to other compelling broadcasts that are essentially digital page-turners, like Serial and others like it.
- Get artsy. It doesn't matter if you have true skills as an artist or if you just like to doodle because it calms your mind. Get ambitious and take a drawing, painting, calligraphy, or pottery class, or keep it simple and fill up adult colouring books that help calm anxiety and stress.
- Learn to play an instrument. If you already know how to play, then focus on getting even better, and if you've never picked up an instrument, it really is never too late to try. Playing music is a good way to constructively challenge yourself, and you can set your own personal goals as to how much you want to master the craft. If you don't want to work with an instructor, you can find online tutorials and books to help teach yourself.
- Write. Writing is a great hobby for introverts, because it allows you to express yourself on your own terms, in your own time. It also doesn't involve other people. Spend time writing down your thoughts in a blog, put together poems, or work on the next great American novel — whatever works for you.
- Cook or bake. Spend some time trying out different recipes and perfecting dishes by yourself, so that if you ever want to invite a (small) group of (close) friends over for dinner or dessert, you'll have the meal already planned.
- Create a YouTube channel. You can share tutorials, DIYs, music, or just your thoughts on any given subject. Like writing, running a YouTube channel is perfect for introverts because it allows them the platform and means to produce something creative while being able to take their time to get it just right.
- Take up a single-person athletic activity. Find a workout routine that you love, or engage in a sport that requires few or no people. You can bike, swim, play golf, run, dance, box, play tennis, or choose a workout class that doesn't involve a ton of engagement with others. It's so invigorating and rewarding to get inside your own head and work hard at something, so introverts can really benefit from this type of activity.
- Do puzzles. Puzzles are a perfect way to work your brain and challenge yourself, and you can take them at your own pace. You can do jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, online puzzles, or even a Rubik's cube.
- Take an online class. Pick a subject that interests you and spend some time learning more about it. If you're doing it for pleasure, you don't have to worry about grades — just enjoy expanding your knowledge!
- Travel alone. If you love to travel, plan some trips with just yourself. There are so many reasons to travel alone; you get to decide what sights to see and where you eat, your time is entirely your own, and you can really immerse yourself in other cultures.
- Learn to knit. Try your hand at knitting, sewing, weaving, crocheting — whatever interests you the most!
- Play games. The online gaming world is endless and many introverts love to immerse themselves in it, but even if that's not for you, then work at perfecting your solitaire game, teach yourself magic or card tricks, or play video games that don't require you to be online.
- Garden. Gardening allows you to stay close to home and cultivate something that is both beautiful and, depending on what you grow, can even be useful (and edible!) as well.
- Watch movies. Introverts definitely need a Netflix subscription, or something similar, because there is nothing quite as nice as settling down on the couch for a long movie or TV show marathon.
- Do outdoor activities. Get outside and spend some refreshing time in nature. Go hiking, fishing, bird watching, kayaking or canoeing, or just take a quiet walk through a beautiful area.
- Meditate. It's much more than hippie bullsh*t! There are countless mental and physical benefits to taking time by yourself each day to relax and de-stress.
- Get handy. Broken toilet? Learn to fix it. Car not working? Tinker around with it. Instead of hiring a handy person, make yourself into one with research and practice. You'll end up saving money on hiring an expert by becoming the expert yourself.
- Volunteer with animals. Animals are sometimes kind of better than people, especially to an introvert. Do good in the world without having to have too much interaction with humans — just some adorable cats and dogs.
- Learn a new language. There are great apps and computer programs, not to mention college and online classes, where you can learn a new language. Master one, and then take a trip to a country where that language is spoken.
- Build models. Like puzzles and art, model building — from planes and buildings to ships and cars — can stimulate the mind in positive way while calming stress.
- Read. Perhaps the greatest hobby introverts enjoy is reading for countless hours, wherever and whenever they can. It allows you to escape into another world, and the quiet calm of a cosy reading nook and good book is like nothing else in the world.