As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become used to spending my summer vacation alone: Oftentimes, my work schedule doesn’t match up with my friends, or I’m too tired to go out on my few days off. I’m guessing many of you can relate.
Of course, you may also run into this problem if you have to move back home for the summer (extra points if you live in a small town with nothing to do and no one to see)… but I digress.
When you’re spending your summer days alone, there’s a lot of loneliness and boredom to deal with. However, there are several ways to combat these feelings. Don’t rely on your summer job or internship for all the excitement in your summer — here are four productive and fun things to do instead!
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1. Focus on a passion project.
Whether this summer is for working on your first novel or for revitalizing your love for art, find something to focus on. This doesn’t necessarily have to be something you can make into a side hustle, but all the better if you can!
Don’t have anything you’re dying to focus on? That’s okay! You can spend your time looking into different classes or hobbies that you’ve always been curious about but have been too busy for. Just start researching online – you never know what you’ll get excited about. There are so many things you can create with your free time this summer, so get a head start now.
2. Take yourself on dates.
Even if you’re not single, taking yourself on dates is a wonderful practice to get into. It may sound uncomfortable, especially if you’re a social butterfly, but trust me, dates by yourself are wonderful.
First of all, you don’t have to compromise on where you go out to eat, what you go out to do, and how early/late you head home. It’s all up to you, and you don’t have to impress anyone besides yourself.
Second, it means that you don’t have to wait for anyone else. A new cafe opened down the street. The movie you’ve been waiting for is finally in theaters? Grab your phone and your wallet, and head out the door! No need to wait for anyone to get out of work or get stuck in the group chat limbo of plan-making. It’s a win-win.
3. Prepare for next semester and brush up on your organizational skills.
Maybe you’ve never got into the whole bullet journal thing, or maybe you’ve never been on top of updating your planner as regularly as you should. (Trust me, I could write a book about this.) Summer is the best time to get into that groove and make it a habit!
Even if you don’t have any plans for the week, take the time to write down what goals you want to accomplish for the week — or anything you feel is planner-worthy! Plus, with your passion projects and single-date plans, this is a great way to set yourself on a consistent schedule or figure out which days are the best to take time for yourself.
Also Read: 6 Productive Things to Do During Your Lunch Break
4. Focus on your wellness.
This can be anything: getting yourself on a self-care schedule or an exercise plan, a sleep routine, or a new way to start eating less junk food. As I noted above, summer is all about making new habits and making a new routine for yourself.
Take a moment to figure out what you need to work on, and then sit down and figure out your plan. To make it easy on yourself, maybe focus only on one area to work on at first and add more as time goes on.
5. Hike Somewhere Beautiful
Whether you visit a national park, a nature reserve, or even just a local trail, there are plenty of places to go and enjoy the outdoors. So if you’re looking for something to do this summer, why not try going on a hike? You’ll be amazed at what nature has to offer!
6. Go Thrifting
Get out of the house and explore your local thrift stores for unique finds. You never know what treasures you might find while scouring through clothing racks and shelves. Not only is thrifting a fun activity to do alone, but it can also be an inexpensive way to spruce up your wardrobe.
It’s a great way to give back by donating unwanted items and helping the environment, too! So grab your shopping bags and hit up your local thrift stores for some summer thrifting fun. Who knows what you might uncover?
7. Visit a Museum Exhibit
A museum is an excellent place to spend time alone during the summer. Visiting a museum exhibit provides the perfect opportunity to explore and learn something new. Whether you’re interested in history, art, science, or culture, there will surely be something interesting to discover at a museum.
From interactive exhibits with hands-on activities to multimedia displays and guided tours, there are plenty of things to do alone in the summer at a museum exhibit. Take some time to explore your local museums and see what they have to offer! You’ll be sure to find something interesting and make memories that will last a lifetime.
8. Read Books at The Beach
Visiting the beach is one of the most enjoyable things to do alone in the summer. Not only can you bask in the sun and take a dip in the water, but you can also spend some time reading your favorite books.
Curl up on a beach towel with a good book and relax while listening to the waves crashing against the shoreline. Whether you’re looking for a romantic novel, a thriller, or a classic story, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the beach. Pack your favorite book and head out for an afternoon of blissful reading!
9. Take Skill Classes
Finding a skill class is one of the best things to do alone in the summer. Whether you’re looking for extra classes to fill up your schedule or just something to keep yourself occupied and entertained, taking a skill class can be beneficial for both your body and mind.
There are plenty of options out there, from culinary classes that teach you how to whip up delicious meals to art classes that help you expand your creative horizons. You can even take language classes to learn a new language or coding classes to learn how to code.
Taking a skill class is a great way to make the most out of your summer, and it’s sure to be an enjoyable experience!
10. Go on a Road Trip
One of the best things to do alone in the summer is to go on a road trip. Have you ever wanted to hit the open road and explore new places? Going on a road trip is not only a great way to get away from your everyday routine, but it also allows you to discover some hidden gems along the way.
You can plan your route ahead of time, or you can just wing it and see where the journey takes you. Before heading out on your road trip, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, a map (or GPS), comfortable clothes, blankets and pillows for overnight stays, and some cash in case of emergencies.
Additionally, make sure that your vehicle is in good working condition to avoid any unnecessary delays.
11. Travel Alone
Summer is the time of year to explore, make memories, and take some time for yourself. Traveling alone is becoming more popular as people recognize the benefits it can offer.
12. Volunteer
The summer months are a great time to get involved with volunteering. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to help others, learn new skills, and make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most. Plus, it’s something that can be done alone or with friends. Here are some ways you can volunteer alone during the summer:
Help out at a local animal shelter. Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers to help care for their animals and provide companionship.
Sign up with an online tutor program. Many online tutoring programs offer the opportunity to volunteer your time to help children or adults in need of extra educational support.
Participate in a beach or park clean-up. Most cities and towns have groups dedicated to keeping their parks and recreation areas clean and maintained. Volunteering in one of these activities is an easy way to help out your local community while getting some fresh air and exercise.
Give blood at a local blood drive. Blood drives are always looking for volunteers to donate, and it’s a great way to give back to the community.
Don’t force yourself to do too much! After all, this is supposed to help you and fill your day. This is all about making you feel better, after all.
What do you think?
For more on this subject, be sure to see our guide to planning your summer ahead of time, to make the most of this time off from school.
What are your plans for this summer? Have a lot of alone time scheduled? What’s been on your mind lately, and how can CF help? Let us know in the comments!
If you like these tips on things to do alone during summer, you might want our summer tips below —