Whether rising travel costs have got you penciling in a staycation this season or you just need some time to recharge and focus on a little bit of self-care, you can still catch plenty of warm and fuzzy vibes with our curated list of the absolute most fun things to do by yourself this winter.
When you turn solo time into a chance for taking care of yourself, it’s easy to realize coziness doesn’t always call for a crowd. Turns out, one doesn’t have to be the loneliest number after all; this season, make one the coziest number instead.
Snuggle Up with a Book
Let’s start simple. While a book on the beach can give it a run for its money, something about autumn and winter reading just feels right. Don your softest clothes, make yourself a nice nest, grab a warm mug, and settle in with the next page-turner on your reading list, or make it extra seasonal with cozy classics like The Lord of the Rings, Jane Austen tomes, Wuthering Heights, or Murder on the Orient Express. (For more reading recs, check out this article on the best ways to read while you partake.)
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Have a Mental Health Walk
If you’re lucky enough to live in a walkable area with those extra soothing frosty colors, all you need to do is walk out your door. Otherwise, take yourself to a low-key local trail, sculpture garden, park, or botanical garden. Just getting your weekly recommended dose of physical activity can decrease the risk of depression by 25%, according to the American Psychological Association.
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Take Yourself on a Date
Especially if you haven’t done it in a while, it’s easy to forget how much taking yourself out on a date rules. Going to a movie (there’s always a good slate this time of year) is straight-up one of the best things to do alone, and a solo season is the perfect excuse to pair a cinematic outing with a cheat meal at that new restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, or to treat yourself to comfort food at a local fave.
Cozy Up with Crafts
Whether it’s wood carving, putting paint on canvas, crocheting, cross stitching, a small building project, or anything in between, the slowed-down vibe and quietude of winter is the perfect time to hone in on your handiwork. No emails, no Teams meetings, just crafts.
Plant a Seed
Sometimes, dirty hands equal a clean mind. Pick a nice, crispy clear day and plant a bulb that’ll pay off with beautiful flowers in spring. You don’t have to be a green thumb with these guys — just go with varieties that grow in a wide swath of zones, like alliums, anemones, or peonies.
Marathon Your Faves…
Curate a selection of your favorite episodes from your go-to comfort show, movie series, or that indie flick you’ve been meaning to watch, and make the couch your home base for the day. Don’t forget to pair your personal cinematic experience with the seasonal snacks that make you feel the most warm inside (that huge popcorn tin with the butter, cheese, and caramel flavors, anyone?).
…or Settle in with a Looooong Game
Some video games are all about online competition or social experiences, but that single-player opus you’ve been waiting to have the time for all year is one of the most fun things to do by yourself, in any season. And winter is the perfect time to finally sink your teeth into a nice, long experience like an open-world adventure, a cozy farming sim, or an epic RPG. (We’ll be getting in another play-through of Stardew Valley before the 1.7 update and revisiting the forgotten corners of our island in Animal Crossing before we start a new one when the Switch 2 update releases.)
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Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Whether it’s zen meditation, body scanning, or transcendental, why not use the alone time to become one with yourself? If you’re new to meditation, there are library books, trusted websites, YouTube videos, and various apps to guide you along the way. Try pairing with a sound bath or aromatherapy for immaculate vibes.
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Try Solo Camping
You don’t need to go full 127 Hours or anything, but if the weather permits, solo camping can be one of the most peaceful and self-affirming things to do alone. Keep it simple and low-key if you’re not a grizzled outdoorsperson, choosing a nice campsite with decent amenities, so all you have to do is pop up a tent (or try car camping if you’ve got an SUV or hatchback!). Just let someone know where you’ll be before you head out.
It’s Spa Day!
‘Tis the season to treat yourself to a facial, mani-pedi, sauna, massage, body wrap, or whatever else strikes your fancy. If you’ve never had a spa day before, prepare to experience one of the most fun things to do by yourself, ever.
Retail Therapy
A touch of on-budget retail therapy, whether it’s online or in-person, is one guilty pleasure sort of way to get those dopamine receptors firing.
Watch Some Birds
There’s a reason bird watching has kind of blown up among people who aren’t even 70 yet. All you need are some simple binoculars, a porch or window, and a guidebook or (oftentimes free) birding app. It’s simply one of the most meditative, relaxing, and oddly satisfying things to do by yourself.
Do a Side Quest
You know that thing that’s been on your to-do list since, like, March? Not the busywork or the chores, but the little personal errand you never got around to, the cool spot that’s just a little too far to drive on a work day, or the fun house project you’ve been dying to finally do. That’s your side quest, and it’s time to finally check it off your list!
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Find a Farmer’s Market
Not only is an outdoor market a lovely browsing experience — one that often packs local crafts, ready-to-eat food, and attractions, too — but you can cook yourself an extra special dinner with farm-fresh ingredients afterward.
Take on a 5K
For those who thrive on physical activity, routine, and a goal on the horizon, spending some of your seasonal solo time training for a winter 5K or even a marathon (why not?!), might be just what the doctor ordered. Not only are you reaping the physical and mental benefits of exercise, but it’s way more pleasant to get those steps in when you’re not melting under the sun. In terms of things to do by yourself, few activities feel more satisfying.
Pairs with: With an energizing blend of sativa-like terpenes, Camino Wild Cherry ‘Excite’ makes for the perfect runner’s high. Literally.
Volunteer for a Cause
Ok, this may not be technically a solo activity, but it is worth including either way. Whether it’s cooking in bulk for a food kitchen, getting your hands dirty at a local clean-up, walking rescue dogs, distributing supplies to the unhoused, or anything else that fills your heart and lends a hand, try giving a little back this season. It’s worth it.
Just Rest
If you find yourself on your own this cozy season, don’t feel pressured to pack every waking moment with activities and itineraries. Especially if you’ve been given the priceless gift of genuine downtime, do partake in outings or comforting distractions when the mood strikes, but don’t hesitate to use the time to do something that we working humans so rarely get to do: nothing at all. And do it guilt-free, too.
When was the last time you truly had no agenda, no schedule, no to-dos looming over you? Make it today, and pair it with the only companion you’ll need for a cozy day in.
Dan is a freelance writer, small business owner and full-time creative living in Dallas, TX. In 15 years of writing, he’s been fortunate to collaborate with companies and publishers like Cannabis and Tech Today, Healthfully, Salon.com, ArtBase, The Seattle Times, USA Today, SF Gate and many more.
Sources
CBS News - The 2025 Holiday Season Could Break Travel Records Again. Here’s When to Book Your Plans.
American Psychological Association - Want to Boost Your Mental Health? Take a Walk
Apartment Therapy - 52 Cheap or Free Things to Do in the Fall (Beyond Just Apple Picking)
Martha Stewart - 15 Bulbs to Plan in Fall for a Beautiful Showing Next Spring
Good Housekeeping - 60 Best Fall Activities to Keep You Busy All Autumn Long
Oprah - How to Spend Christmas Alone and Still Make It Merry
