I like going out as much as the next girl, but — oh, wait. No, I don’t. Being home alone is the best. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve got friends and stuff, but having fun things to do when you're alone at home is arguably one of the most rewarding ways you can spend your time. For one, you get to experience and know yourself exactly how you are, without having to worry about the input and impressions of other people. For another, you get loads done without the distraction of constant communication. And, best of all, you get to do whatever you want, because — surprise! — no one’s opinion matters but your own (which is always true, but especially relevant during solo time).
That being said, I wasn’t always like this. As a kid, I needed someone else’s company 24/7, and it wasn’t until I got to college (and realized that I didn’t know who I was without placing myself inside the context of other people) that I really started to value my alone time. Some people think I went too far in the opposite direction, but I disagree. Grabbing a drink at the bar is fun every once in a while, but if I had to choose between having a headache or a newly-knitted scarf the next morning, you’d better believe I’m choosing the scarf. Put on your pajamas and silence your phone, because here’s a list of fun (and productive) ways to chill when you’ve got the house entirely to yourself.
Color A Picture, Adult Style
Serene And Tranquil Coloring, $13, Amazon
This is the first adult-coloring book I’ve invested in, and I have to tell you, I’m loving it. Serene And Tranquil Coloring has pages upon pages of beautifully intricate designs, and despite the fact that you just spent hours coloring in a psychedelic-looking turtle, you really do feel way calmer and more accomplished when you finish. The pages are ideal for gel pens or colored pencils, and whether you like leaves, animals, or mandalas, this one’s got something for everyone.
Pick Up A Few Thousand Good Books
Kindle 6” Reader, $56, Amazon
It’s been proven that people who read for pleasure have higher self-esteem and are significantly more empathetic, so why not use your alone time to dive into a good book? This Kindle gadget is light, matte for glare-free reading, and portable, but unlike a paperback, you’ve got countless title options at your fingertips. The battery life is incredible (lasting up to a month on one charge), and its built-in WiFi can download an entire book in under a minute. If you’re looking for something that’s simple, straightforward, and the closest you’ll get to a hardcover with an 'on' button, this is it.
Learn To Cook For Yourself
Serves One, $14, Amazon
Think cooking’s a waste unless you’ve got an audience? Think again. It turns out it’s a great way to learn and settle your mind because of its ritualistic nature, and because you know what’s going into your food, you can be as picky as you please. This innovative book, Serves One, teaches the beginner chef how to make impressive meals in small quantities, so you can spend your evening whipping up something good for your stomach and your soul. It’s got everything from single-serving ratatouille to personal pizzas, and because it’s just you, feel free to get creative — the pressure is entirely off.
Learn How To Knit With An All-In-One Kit
Learn To Knit Kit, $19, Amazon
My roommates in college taught me how to knit, and now, from September to March, people think those needles are extensions of my fingertips. The Learn To Knit Kit is a great way to spend any night at home because it comes with absolutely everything you need to get started. You’ll learn to make your very own scarf using the included needles, yarn, and how-to-booklet, and reviewers say that it’s thorough and easy to understand (aka, ideal for any beginner). Once you’ve got this skill under your belt, you’ll never again spend any of your time Christmas shopping.
Start That Great American Novel
Writer’s Block Journal, $12, Amazon
If you were looking for a good time to start that novel you’ve been turning over in your head since middle school, this would be it. This journal devoted to the craft is an awesome jumping-off point, as it’s got hundreds of entirely blank pages that’ll let your creativity run free. It’s been proven that writing by hand is significantly more effective than typing out your thoughts, as it prevents distractions, helps you learn the correct spellings of words, and it activates a part of the brain that’s associated with processing information. Best of all, if you run out of ideas, this thing will look adorable on your shelf.
Pick Up An Instrument, Even If You Don’t Have A Musical Bone In Your Body
Makala Shark Ukulele, $47, Amazon
I picked up the Ukulele when I was a music counselor at summer camp; it’s significantly easier than guitar, and because it’s small, it’s a great beginner’s instrument. If you’re looking for a place to start — one with four easy strings — this would be it. The Makala ukelele provides awesome quality for a relatively low price. It’s got a mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard, and it comes in an array of different colors to suit your style. Also included is a nylon carry bag for safe keeping, so you’re all set to binge watch how-to videos on YouTube and get started right away.
Throw A Spa Party For Yourself
Lizush Natural Spa Basket, $40, Amazon
Taking a bath is one of my favorite things in the world, and the Lizush Natural Spa Basket makes it easy to full-out pamper yourself during a night in. Everything included is 100 percent natural, and it comes with soap, body butter, a vanilla candle, lip balm, a face brush, a soap flower, and bath bombs, all in one adorable basket. Reviewers love it because it smells incredible and provides a massive makeover for both their skin and their mood. Frankly, all it’s missing is a bottle of white.
Throw Yourself A Private Screening Movie Night
Flylinktech Portable Projector, $47, Amazon
Nobody’s home. You’ve got that blank wall in the living room all to yourself, so plug in this portable projector, turn on The Green Mile, cry like nobody’s business, and make a movie night out of it. This little guy has multiple input options (HDMI/USB/SD/VGA/AV) and a built-in speaker, so you can have your own private showing right at home. It’s also got an LED bulb that’s both powerful and energy efficient, and a remote control so you can just sit back and relax.
Use The Silence To Get Comfy & Clear Your Mind
Round Cotton Meditation Cushion, $32, Amazon
Meditation has been my rock for about six years now, and it’s arguably one of the best home-alone activities (because the more people you add into the mix, the harder it gets). This round meditation cushion is a great way to settle your mind and reset your mood because it effortlessly lifts your butt up above your legs, straightening your spine and opening your lungs. It has a side zipper, so you can add or remove stuffing as you see fit (100 percent natural cotton, by the way), and the more you use this comfortable wad of happiness, the more your brain will associate it with a safe place to unwind — improving your meditation practice tenfold.
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