Single people who live alone are among the loneliest during the lockdown. Some experience depression, some experience anxiety, some have the combo of both, and some simply experience boredom. 

But being alone doesn’t have to be boring and miserable. Here is a list of solo activities that can help you lighten up, regardless of the lockdown or any circumstances you may be facing.

Note: if you’re experiencing deep depression or anxiety (or both), you should see a professional. This post is aimed at people who get bored when they’re alone, not people who are deeply depressed, anxious, or suicidal. If you’re suicidal, dial 13 11 14 if you’re in Australia, or use google to find your own country’s number that you can reach when feeling suicidal. I’m not anti-suicide, I just think it’s not the right solution for most people.

Here is a list of tried and tested mood-boosting activities you can do by yourself:

1. Going for a Walk Outside

Do this every day for at least 20 minutes. By moving your body physically and getting some sun your mood improves. Walking barefoot in nature or the beach can boost your mood even more.

2. Bike riding

Bike riding is not only fun as you get to explore areas you never or rarely visit, but it’s also good for your health. As a low-impact exercise, it improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood.

3. Practicing Meditation

There are many types of meditation, e.g, mindfulness meditation, in which you just let your thoughts pass through your mind with no judgement. And then there’s spiritual meditation, similar to prayer, you seek a deeper connection with your God or Universe.

Whichever it is, pick one and give it a try. Ideally 20 minutes every day. But if you never meditated before, try 5 minutes and gradually increase from there.

Meditation has been scientifically proven to change electrical brain wave activity associated with wakeful, relaxed attention. It doesn’t just give a sense of calmness, but also promotes creativity.

4. Writing

Write anything. It can be as bad or as beautiful as you wish. Writing is therapeutic, especially when you journal your own feelings as described in the University of Rochester Medical Center page here.

If you’re not into journaling your own feelings, then you can write a letter, a poem, a story, an issue that’s been bothering you or simply something that you’re passionate about. Writing is not only for other people to read, but it’s for you to understand something better.

5. Reading

To boost your mood via reading, you can pick any funny comics or self-improvement books. There are heaps of great self-improvement books out there. Here are some of my favourites, not everyone’s favourite (I know), but I still think these books are awesome as they give new perspectives on improving ourselves: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Mastery by Robert Greene, Mastery by George Leonard,  The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, Everything is F*cked by Mark Manson. 

6. Playing a Musical Instrument

Scientifically speaking, playing a musical instrument can relieve stress. A study at the University of Kansas Medical Center shows that people who play a musical instrument perform better at several cognitive tests than those who have never studied any musical instruments. 

7. Learning a New Skill

Learning keeps your mind engaged. When your mind is engaged, your mood is likely improved. Therefore, learning is (almost) always good for you. I write ‘almost’ as some skills are potentially harmful. The other day I tried to learn how to catch a piece of peanut from the air using my mouth (hey it’s a skill!) and ended up accidentally swallowing it without chewing it. Now imagine if that was a piece of walnut. I may end up getting choked. On a side note, this is what you should do when you are choking and you’re by yourself.

8. Playing Video Games

This tip can be controversial, as many people say playing video games is bad for you. I personally think anything is bad for you if you have too much of it. Video games don’t just entertain us, but they also stimulate our brain to think and strategise. But don’t play too much as if your life depends on it. You need to be aware that playing video games can be addictive. Therefore, you need to set a limit on how long you play. Here is a post about whether playing video games is good or bad.

9. Watching a Movie

Some movies, especially the funny ones can boost your mood instantly. Or just watch any movies you’ve always liked without caring much about whether or not it will boost your mood. Just enjoy whatever you want to enjoy is enough to boost your mood eventually. 

10. Dancing

Dance like nobody’s watching. Because nobody is watching. Unless Jason Voorhees or Freddy Krueger is behind the window ready to ‘entertain’ you. Then you should run. Fast. Anyway, dancing to an upbeat song improves energy, buoyed mood and lowers stress in ways similar to aerobic exercise.

11. Cleaning and Tidying Up

Believe it or not, cleaning and tidying up can boost your mood, especially when you take a picture of ‘before’ and ‘after’ the cleaning. It may be a small, temporary achievement, but it still works wonders when it comes to boosting your mood, not only the satisfaction of seeing a cleaner place but also the fact that fewer clutters can reduce your stress. 

12. Long Bath

Bathing is not just about personal hygiene. These days a hot bath is associated with mental care. A study shows that soaking in a 40c bath for 30 minutes boosts the mood of the participants who have depression.