How to Have Fun Alone as a Girl

Co-authored by Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP

Last Updated: December 27, 2022 References

Sometimes when you're an introvert, or you are home alone, it's hard to find something fun to do. There many options available, whether you stay in your house, go outside, or go out on the town. While fun is subjective, there are some things to do which cross all boundaries, and are exciting and interesting no matter who you are.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Having Fun Inside the House

1
Watch your favorite show or movie. One of the easiest ways to have fun is to simply turn on the television, go on streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, etc., or watch a DVD. Catch up on a series you have been meaning to watch, or watch your favorite movie again and again.
- Television can be great for watching shows that vary from cooking, to sports, to drama, and even to music. Use your remote control to find the station you usually watch, or simply can the stations to find something interesting and engaging.
- Check out streaming sites online such as Netflix, Hulu, etc. Each of these sites usually charges a monthly fee. These are great places to catch up on old or new shows that have recently been on television.
- Watch a movie on DVD or Blu-Ray. If you have the disk already, you simply have to put it into the disk player. If not, go to your nearest store, and find something that you think will be fun to watch. For example, watching horror movies by yourself can add to the level of engagement, and magnify the frightening parts.
2
Use the internet. The internet can be a great tool to pass the time and have fun. Browse, see what friends are up to, or learn something new.
- Check your social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) on the internet to keep in touch with your friends.
- Scan news sites to find interesting stories. The New York Times, Washington Post, and other newspapers are all online. You can also check out online news programming such as The Young Turks, a channel on Youtube.
- Go on music sharing sites and find a good tune to listen to. Or, you can always type something into a search engine to learn about something new that you did not know before.
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3
Cook or eat your favorite meal. Comfort food is always great to eat, especially when you are by yourself. Eating and cooking can be a fun way to pass the time, as well as taste great.^{[1]
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- Get out a frying pan and cook a grilled cheese, or eggs (something simple). Perhaps make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or use leftover meat and cheese to make a nice sub. Experiment, by mixing together ingredients you normally would not use, such as cooking a stir-fry with different vegetable or meat combinations.
- Teach yourself how to cook. This could be a great time to use some of the pots and pans which never get used. Find new and interesting spices or seasonings in your cupboard. Find videos online that show how to make comfort foods with new and exciting recipes. Look for a cookbook around the house, and try the recipe yourself.
- Ordering food can also be a great option. Chinese food, sushi, or pizza can be filling, and comforting. Look for a phonebook to find the nearest delivery number, or call them up on speed dial. Or you can always just pick up some snacks around the house like chips, pretzels, soda, and chocolate.
4
Take a bath/shower. Often times people take very little time to pamper and take care of themselves. Use this free time to relax in a nice bubble bath, and let your muscles get a break.
- Turn on the bath to warm water (generally all the way to the right). Make sure the water is not scalding. Push the tab on the spigot down so that water comes out of it instead of the shower head. As the water is coming out, add a small amount of your preferred bubble bath/soap mixture.
- Get in the tub and relax. Sit in the tub for a while, washing yourself, or just enjoying the warm water. This can also be a great time to read a book.^{[2]
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- If you prefer showers, turn the handle all the way to the right (if you prefer hot showers) and pull the tab on the spigot up. As the water pours out, adjust the handle to your preference of temperature. Get in the shower, and wash yourself using soap and shampoo. Or just stand there and enjoy the water releasing the strain in your muscles.
5
Paint your fingernails and/or toenails. Your chipped, broken, or worn down nails can always use a boost. Spend this time by yourself cleaning your nails, clipping them, and painting them exciting colors.^{[3]
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- If you want to paint your fingernails, first clean off any old nail polish. This can be done by either using a scrape, nail polish remover, or by using one of your other fingernails. After the paint has been removed, you will want to clip them using nail clippers (biting them can result in pain and unevenness). Afterwards, use a nail file to smooth the rough edges of your fingernails. Finally, use a smooth, clean cloth to wipe off any excess fingernail filings.
- Get out your favorite nail polish or go buy something new from the store. Spread the hand you are painting, and place it flat on a table. Using a small amount of nail polish, gently use small strokes of the brush to add the paint to your nails. Feel free to go back and do a second layer, or add designs using smaller brushes. Between coats of paint, leave your hand on the table for a few minutes so the paint can dry.
- You can also do the same thing with your toenails. Get rid of the old nail polish, clip your nails, file them down, and wipe them clean with a cloth. Instead of spreading your toes (nearly impossible) try using foam separators available at most stores. Then add the nail polish of your choice and give them a chance to dry.
6
Learn/participate in a hobby you enjoy. When you are by yourself, this can be a great time to practice a musical instrument, dance to your favorite music, braid your hair, or even sew. Not only is there quiet in the house, but you can also open up and be yourself creatively.
- Play your favorite musical instrument. Use music you already have, or find some interesting music selections online. Because no one else is around, you won't feel embarrassed by your mistakes. Feel free to become creative, and maybe even write your own notes.
- Dancing can be fun, creative, and exciting. Find some of your favorite songs online, or on CD's, and blast them loud. Practice those dance moves you want to use sometime in the future at a club, or just let loose.
- Sewing and braiding hair can also be great skills to practice, learn, and have fun with. Create cross stitched pictures for your bedroom, or find a new hairstyle that fits you best. You can check Braid Your Own Hair and Cross Stitch for further instruction on both hobbies.
- In general, have fun! While this is a short list, do what you love to do for a hobby. Open up, experiment, and be yourself.
7
Relax and enjoy the quiet time. Too often people are bogged down throughout the day, so fun to many is having a quiet, relaxing evening. Find a good book to read, listen to soothing music, or simply take a well deserved nap.
- Find music online that is soothing and calming. Some examples of these types of music are classical (Mozart, Beethoven, etc.), easy listening, and smooth jazz. Sit back on your bed, in a chair, or on the couch. Rest your neck on a pillow, and close your eyes. Get lost in the music, and stop thinking about your worries.
- Read a nice book. Unless they are your thing, dense history or biology books probably are not good here. Find a good romance, short fantasy fiction, or crime detective novel. Look on your shelves for a book, or go to your local library. Dim the light so as not to distract yourself, turn off the television, and get lost in the story.
8
Take a nice long nap. Rest is hard to come by in this busy day in age. Shut off all your lights and your television. Close your eyes, and let your mind finally get a well deserved rest.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Having Fun Outside the House

1
Play a sport. Not only are sports a great form of exercise, but they can be great fun as well. This can be a great time to calm your mind, teach yourself a new skill, and even build some muscle strength.
- One sport that is great to do on your own is basketball. Find an available basketball and hoop, and take some shots. Start real close to the hoop, and gradually move your body backwards, continuously attempting shots. Each time you make or miss a shot, run towards the ball and retrieve it. Not only will your skills as a basketball player improve, but your lung capacity will as well.
- Tennis, believe it or not, can also be done by yourself. Find a tennis racket, a set of tennis balls, and a court to play at. First you can try and serve. Throw the ball up in the air, bend your needs, move your racket over your shoulder, and hit the ball towards your desired spot. You can also dribble the ball on the racket, which can be a very fun game: see how many times you can bounce the ball without it falling.
- Running can also be a great form of stress relief, and can be fun in the process. Find a nice pair of running shoes, and make sure to wear appropriate attire (t-shirt, gym shorts). If you are a first time runner, pick a near by location to run to and back. First jog, then gradually pick up your speed. If you are a long time runner, try running to a desired location and back, beating a previous time, or simply take it easy as well.
2
Do yoga positions/moves. Yoga can be great for both physical and spiritual health.
- Find a mat, and get into appropriate attire (workout clothes).
- Try some of the different and unique body positions. A good first, simple yoga pose is done by simply crossing your legs, holding your hands slightly in the air, closing your eyes, and slowly breathing in and out.
- What accompanies yoga is also a program of meditation, related to Buddhism and Hinduism. For more check out Do Yoga.^{[5]
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3
Try out some Zumba moves. This is a Latin based dance routine that can get you in shape, while also being creative and exciting. Often there are Zumba classes offered at local colleges or community centers. However, you can do the moves by yourself, as there are numerous online, instructional videos.
4
Meditate with mindful breathing. This can be fun, relaxing, and done almost anywhere.
- Simply sit in a chair or seat that allows you to be upright. Make sure your back is straight, your feet are about a foot apart(do not cross them). Rest your hands on your lap or a table in front of you.
- Close your eyes, and for a minute or two, breathe in and out slowly. Find a noise in the room or surrounding environment, and allow your breathing to follow the sound.
- There have been numerous studies that have shown mindful breathing can clear the mind and relax the body. Make sure to use this throughout the day, and for multiple days to get the full effect.^{[6]
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5
Visit a beach. This can be a very fun experience that allows you to enjoy the outdoors. Drive down to the ocean for the day and relax by the water, or go in the ocean and have a nice swim.
- Visiting a beach requires prep work, and planning. You will want to make sure you have the following items packed: sunscreen, bathing suit, umbrella, beach towel, sunglasses, water, and food.
- Plan on finding a remote beach, or find a location when you get there that is away from other people. Stick your umbrella in the ground, put on a healthy coating of sunscreen, and lay on your towel as you enjoy the sound of the ocean breeze.
- Lay on your towel, and get a nice tan. Or, you can always hop in the water, and go for a swim.
6
Go fishing. This can be a very relaxing experience that allows you to enjoy nature in quiet contemplation. Use a GPS system to find a local river/pond, or go to the one you always do.
- Fishing is best done in a quiet place. Make sure that where you are headed, that there are no people around to create a lot of noise.
- Bring your fishing pole, bait, a nice towel to sit/stand on, some water, snacks, and plenty of time. Cast your rod, and catch a fish to eat. Or just throw the fish back, and fish all day long.
- If fishing is a new experience for you, and is something you would like to try, you can find more information here Fish.
7
Walk to your local park, either by a fountain, or near a body of water. Spend time walking the trails in the park, ride your bike, or just sit on a park bench. Look at the people that walk by, observe cloud formations, or close your eyes and relax.
- A local creek or river can be a fun and exhilarating experience. Look for one that you already know of, or go searching on your own. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes like hiking shoes or tennis shoes. Wear a healthy coating of bug spray. Sit by the creek/river and enjoy the quietness, or watch the fish swim by.
8
Take photographs. Photography can be a fun, engaging, and creative experience. There is also almost no learning curve when it comes to this activity. Unless you are planning on becoming a professional, photography can be easy to do.
- First you will need to find the right camera if you plan to take pictures. Simple film cameras or digital cameras do not give you enough variety or pixels to play around with. Some smartphones have greater and greater abilities to take better pictures, but you will have to check the specifics of your phone. In general, you will want a higher quality camera; one that is large, has a detachable lens, adjusting ring, mode switch, shutter release, and aperture.
- Find what you want to take a picture of. Spend time thinking critically about the lighting of the particular picture, the shadows, the color (black and white vs. natural), the perspective, the distance, and the angle. If the object or scene is outdoors, make sure that the sun is providing enough light, without being overbearing.
- Adjust the camera for your particular circumstance. Sometimes moving the lens in or out is better. Tilting the camera sideways, or at an angle can create unique viewpoints. Changing the setting to black and white instead of color can also make for an interesting, artistic perspective.
9
Paint a picture. Art, like photography, does not have a steep learning curve. If you are not planning on becoming a professional, painting can be a great way to let loose, have fun, and get to know yourself and your surroundings.
- First you will need a standard canvas, 12X16 or 18X24. Make sure the canvas is large enough so that you have room to experiment.^{[8]
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  Research source} Next, pick out oil/watercolor paints in at least the three primary colors (red, blue, yellow). Finally, buy at least three different sizes of brushes: small, medium, and large.
- Next, set up the canvas in a stable position. Make sure that what you are painting, a house, tree, etc. is not so far away that you cannot see it from where you are sitting. Determine from what you see what colors you will have to use. You can always mix colors together in order to get the right value, hue, and saturation levels.
- Finally, paint your picture. Of course you can do this any way you want. Try your best at making an exact copy of what you see, or maybe take on a more abstract approach. This is a great way to explore and have fun.
- You can always add materials to your painting like glitter or beads. Feel free to expand beyond painting, creating various arts and crafts projects.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Having Fun in Your Car or On the Town

1
Take a car ride. A great way to have fun is to take a nice long trip in your car. Whether it be down a long country road, or down a city street, car rides can provide relaxation, and excitement.
- Get in your car and just drive to random places. Explore roads you have never been down before. Type into your GPS a new location you want to visit. Enjoy the scenery, whether trees, or skyscrapers.
- Blast music as you are driving down the road. Sing to the songs, or just listen and enjoy the notes. This can be a great time to explore different stations on the radio. Simply turn the dial, and find something new/interesting.
- Turn your windows down, and let your hair, blow with the wind. Or keep your air conditioning on and keep cool on a hot summer day.
2
Go shopping. While shopping is technically "around other people," you do not have to go with someone you know to do it. This can be a great way to try on clothes you would not normally try on in front of someone you know.
- Find that store you have always wanted to go into. Look around, try some of the clothes on. Be creative, and try new outfit combinations. It is just you by yourself so let loose and have fun.
- You can go shopping for other things as well. Go look for a nice bottle of wine at a nearby liquor store. Pick up a new/used book, or maybe go look for a new piece of furniture you need for your living room. The possibilities are endless. Just make sure to bring plenty of money, and time.^{[9]
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3
Go to the movies. While sitting at home to watch a movie can be fine, watching one on the big screen is even better. You get to capture all of the sounds, emotion, and drama of the movie on a larger screen.
- Make sure that the movie is not sold out. Check online ticket retailers to find a movie theater near you. See whether your movie is playing, and check the times they are playing.
- When you get there, buy some popcorn, and a nice big soda. Really live it up, as you sit back in the dark theater, enjoying your movie of choice.
4
Take an evening/college class. If you have always wanted to learn something new, or teach yourself a new skill, college/tech school classes can be a great option. Not only can they be fun and exhilarating, but you will have new skills/knowledge to use in the future.
- First check whether there is a community college near where you live. Also look for trade skills if you are interested in something like carpentry, welding, or roofing. Large public or private institutions are most likely too expensive to simply take one class at. Yet, sometimes public colleges have cheaper online options available.
- Look at the college's online website; check for "Online Classes" on a tab on the website. However, you can also check out specific programs like "Nursing" or "Firefighting" which the college might have.
- Often times, college websites have lists of the classes that they offer. Look for a phone number at the bottom of the website page to call up and ask if you can take one, or a few classes at a time.
5
Go out to eat at a restaurant. While eating in the house can be relaxing, having a nice dinner made for you on the spot can be great and fun as well. Find a new place to eat that you have never been before, or go to that one place where they serve the best food.
- First, call the restaurant up to make a reservation. Some restaurants do not require reservations, but a quick call can prevent an uncomfortable situation.
- Drive to the restaurant, and take a seat. Pick out your typical favorite, or try something you have never tried before. Get a nice bottle of wine, and relax.
- Sitting at a bar can also be a more relaxing, enjoyable experience if you are there alone. You can get a drink, eat some good food, and maybe meet someone new.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can you not feel lonely when you are home alone?

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor
Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP

Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor

Expert Answer

Being alone can be difficult but it can also be a really healing time. Finding something that you enjoy doing and that brings you happiness can make a world of difference between a lonely night at home or a relaxing time rejuvenating your inner self. Make sure to do diverse activities. Isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression all go hand-in-hand. It’s important to disrupt the cycle of negativity when thinking about being alone in order to appreciate the time you have to regroup. Make it a choice to be alone, something to look forward to. Create a list of the things that you enjoy doing and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. Incorporate the things that make you feel good (rated an 8-10 on your scale) into your alone time.
Question

What are the best ways to cool down quick?

Sarrah Souza

Community Answer

You can splash cold water on your face and then sit in front of a fan or you can take a cold bath, but don't make it too cold.
Question

How can I have fun when there are no electronics?

Community Answer

You don't need electronics to have fun. There are other things to do like draw, take a nice walk outside, read a book, do a sport, or if you are a girl a make-over would be fun.