Let’s face it: alone time often gets a bad rap. We’ve been conditioned to believe that if we’re not constantly socializing, networking, or posting about our “very exciting weekend plans” we must be doing something wrong. But let me let you in on a little secret: solitude can be magical—especially when you’ve got a hobby that makes you forget to check your phone every three minutes.

Whether you’re looking to recharge, discover a new passion, or simply fill your time with something more fulfilling than rewatching that one comfort show again (no judgment), solo hobbies are a game-changer. They help you connect with yourself, build new skills, and remind you that you’re pretty great company.

Here are five hobbies to try when you’re flying solo and loving it:

1. Journaling: because your brain needs a declutter too

You don’t have to be an #it-girl to enjoy journaling. Whether it’s stream-of-consciousness scribbles, gratitude lists, or full-blown essays on why your barista probably hates you (they don’t), putting pen to paper is deeply therapeutic.

It’s a chance to process your thoughts, check in with your emotions, and maybe even discover something about yourself you didn’t know. Bonus: journaling pairs perfectly with tea and background rain sounds. Very main-character energy.

2. Learning a new instrument (or dusting off that ukulele from 2014)

Sure, your neighbors might not be thrilled at first, but learning an instrument is one of the most rewarding solo hobbies out there. It gives your brain a workout, builds discipline, and makes you feel incredibly cool once you can play literally anything all the way through.

Sometimes my soul wants to scream—but I’d rather not have my neighbors calling the cops. So instead, I sing. Loudly. Off-key. With every ounce of pent-up feeling I’ve got. There’s something wildly therapeutic about letting it all out through song, even if I sound more like a dramatic seagull than Adele.

3. Getting into solo nature walks (yes, even in your local park)

You don’t need a mountain, a hiking buddy, or an Instagrammable outfit. Just yourself, some fresh-ish air, and maybe a playlist or a podcast (or just simply listening to the birds to connect to nature). Solo walks are like therapy without the co-pay.

They help you clear your mind, reconnect with your body, and remind you there’s a world beyond your inbox. Trust me: there’s something deeply peaceful about being outside and not talking to anyone for a while.

4. Creative hobbies: painting, knitting, doodling—you name it

There’s something sacred about making something just for the sake of it. No pressure, no deadlines, no performance—just you and your imagination. Whether it’s finger painting like a five-year-old or learning embroidery from a YouTube rabbit hole, creative hobbies are the ultimate mindfulness hack.

And yes, stick figures count. Your inner child is applauding. They don’t care if it’s gallery-worthy—they just want you to have fun, make a mess, and lose track of time for a little while. Let your creativity be imperfect, joyful, and entirely yours.

5. Cooking something gloriously unnecessary

Do you need to make a four-cheese lasagna from scratch on a random Tuesday night? No. But will it make you feel like the Italian grandmother you clearly were in a past life? Absolutely.

There’s something deeply healing about cooking just for you. Not because it’s quick, efficient, or nutritionally optimized—but because it feels good. Whether it’s homemade gnocchi, soup that simmers for hours, or toast that got the royal treatment, let it be a moment. Light a candle. Put on music. Stir with love.

Final thoughts

Being alone doesn’t mean being lonely—it can be an invitation to explore what lights you up from the inside. Solo hobbies are more than just time-fillers; they’re soul-nourishers, confidence-boosters, and little love letters to yourself.

So whether you’re journaling your thoughts, learning to play piano, or perfecting your banana bread recipe (hello, covid-times), remember: you don’t need an audience to enjoy your own life.

What’s one solo hobby you’d love to try (or get back into)? 💛