Feeling drained by all the people? I get it. Time for some alone time to get a much-needed energy boost. Here are 15 solo introvert activities to do in your spare time that will accomplish just that.
As a fellow introvert, I know what it feels like when you’ve reached your people limit. No, this doesn’t mean introverts are weird or anti-social. It just means you have to balance your energy needs.
When you’re all tapped out of social energy, you need to find ways to recharge. Here are some of the best ways my other quiet friends and I like to boost our energy when needed. No talking required.
But first, let’s look into why a list like this even makes sense for introverts.
Why Do Introverts Need Alone Time?
Introversion is simply a personality type whereby people use up their energy when interacting with other people. This is particularly true in large crowds, really busy places, or loud environments. Conversely, introverts replenish their energy with quiet, alone time.
If you are an extrovert reading this, I’m sure this sounds very confusing to you. Or, you may even know someone (an introvert) who never seems to match your excitement level when going to social events like parties.
That’s because extroverts are the opposite of introverts, not surprisingly. Extroverts are typically very energized by spending time with people, especially in larger groups. With too much alone time they feel drained, or at the very least extremely bored or restless.
Introverts, on the other hand, need quiet, alone time to be able to function at their best. Quiet types have better mental health, as well as physical and emotional health when they have alone time.
Furthermore, there are typically subtle indications when they haven’t had enough alone time. For me, these indicators often show up as higher levels of impatience and irritability. My stress and anxiety levels tend to increase as well.
Unfortunately, when I’m in this state, those closest to me are the ones that experience it the most. That’s another reason why prioritizing alone time is critical for introverts. It helps us maintain healthy relationships with those we care about.
It’s a common misconception that introverts can only successfully be friends with other introverts. I, as well as my other quiet friends, enjoy relationships with all kinds of people.
However, my close relationships are healthiest when I prioritize my needs – like quiet time – and when I maintain healthy boundaries around my time with others.
That being said, I want to acknowledge some people are extremely shy, highly sensitive, or suffer from social anxiety or depression.
These are all different situations that will elicit different responses to social interactions. These are people who may identify this way in addition to being an introvert. However, these conditions do not describe all introverts.
So if introverts value alone time so much, what other things do they enjoy?
What Do Introverts Enjoy Doing?
Introverts enjoy doing a variety of things. It’s all about having the right balance of energy boosters vs energy drainers. Energy boosters are activities that help introverts restore their energy (like the ones you’ll see in this article).
Energy drainers are activities that, although enjoyable, typically take a lot more energy and will probably leave us tired afterward.
Admittedly, we tend to avoid most energy drainers. Mostly because we anticipate the awkwardness and how much social energy it requires of us.
But there are times when introverts get excited about highly social events and activities … and the requisite nap that will follow. 😂
So, my extrovert friends are probably wondering ‘how can I get my [introvert] friend to be more fun?’ Which usually means, ‘how can I get them to be more extroverted?’ But, since this question comes up a lot, here are a few tips.
How Can Introverts Be More Fun?
The biggest way for introverts to be more fun is to respect their boundaries for social interactions. Know that if you are close friends with an introvert, you have been carefully selected. It’s worth it to consider ways they can show up as their whole self comfortably.
Here are just a few:
Do things with a lot of people or large crowds in small doses.
Respect their wishes to leave without making them feel bad. They are probably tired and have stayed engaged for as long as they can.
Look for ways to have more meaningful experiences with small groups – just the two of you, or one to two others at most.
Give plenty of space for them to engage in the way that feels most natural. Even in a group setting, they may feel more comfortable talking one-on-one.
And most introverts hate being the center of attention. Try to avoid catching them off-guard with anything that would put them in this position. For example, karaoke = introvert nightmare!
Allow for pauses in the conversation so we have a chance to talk too.
Pro tip: we may have plenty to say but it sometimes takes us a little longer to formulate our thoughts into words.
Introverts routinely sacrifice their energy and comfort to participate in extroverted social activities. Be open to trying a quieter activity they enjoy. Watch how excited they get to share it with you. 🤭
What Do Introverts Do in Their Spare Time?
Introverts do enjoy a wide range of activities. However, in their spare time, most look for opportunities to just be and enjoy quiet. Even if they do participate in a social activity, it’s usually with a small group of friends.
We live in a very loud world that is, quite honestly, designed for extroverts. When introverts know they have spare time coming up, they are usually excited about retreating to their comfort zone and not talking to anyone.
Unsurprisingly, introverts spend a lot of time in their heads. Think of an introvert’s mind like that image of a duck. It’s completely still on the surface of the water but its legs are going a mile a minute underneath.
Since introverted people are such deep thinkers, they tend to be very good at introspection and focused activities.
Examples of activities and hobbies that suit this are writing, reading, and project planning or organizing (believe it or not, some people enjoy doing this 🙋🏾♀️).
And a good Netflix binge isn’t out of the question.
Elements of an Introvert Comfort Zone
As I said, when introverts have spare time, they tend to retreat to their comfort zone first. For most, this is their home and an ideal place to recoup from a stressful day or week.
Trust me, an introvert’s home is a sacred space kept just the way they like. Another way of interpreting this: please do not show up unannounced! We need time to prepare for you to share our space (or think of an excuse for you not to).
An introvert’s comfort zone can take on different forms based on their personality (introversion is only one part of their personality). 😉 However, here are a few common elements of introvert comfort zones:
- A quiet place – no unnecessary sounds.
- Phone notifications off – if I want to know what’s happening on social media or if I received a text, I’ll just check when/if I’m ready.
- Predictability – remember what I said about not showing up unannounced?
- Creature comforts – not specific to introverts. Everyone has things that make them more comfortable or relaxed at home such as a favorite pillow or throw blanket, etc. Introverts are no different.
Here’s a list of solitary activities you can enjoy when you have free time and need an energy boost. Some are a perfect way to stay in your comfort zone, and there are a few different ways for venturing out but on your own.
Energizing Introvert Activities
1. Stay Night (or Day)
Just because you’re planning to stay in doesn’t mean you can’t have a plan. It can be as simple as creating a watch list of shows or movies. You can add in other things like baking or self-care activities such as a home pedicure.
This is not only limited to nights. A stay day can be very refreshing. Just pick a Saturday when you have nowhere to be (or nowhere you want to be).
2. Writing/Journaling
Writing is a great creative outlet. Writing for The Happy Wallflower brings me a lot of joy and is one of the ways that I can reset. It comes with the added benefit of being able to help others and create a space of connection for my people.
Even if you don’t want to do something to this level, just getting creative with short poems or stories could be fun as well.
Similarly, journaling is not only a creative outlet, it’s a great way to stop the wheels in our busy minds from turning for a while. Journaling allows you to get what’s in your head out on paper (or screen) to give your mind a break and allow yourself to recharge.
3. Reading a Good Book
Getting lost in a good book is another way to slow our minds down. When you read something interesting you’re more focused on the book than whatever hamster wheel your mind was on before.
Reading can be very relaxing and is a good way to relax your mind before falling asleep.
4. Enjoying Music and Nature
Some people find exercise relaxing or just need to expel some physical energy before they can settle down. Going for a hike while listening to some of your favorite relaxing music could be just the thing.
Doing so in a serene, natural environment like a trail or park gives the bonus of calming rejuvenation.
5. Going for a Bike Ride
Want to ramp up the exercise a bit? Try listening to music while riding a bike. Bike rides can be as long or short as you like. You can use your own or rent one at a nearby stand.
6. Taking a Long Walk
Want to tone down the exercise? Try music and a light walk instead. A local park or garden is great for this but you can also just walk around your neighborhood if you don’t want to go far (or you have crazy allergies like me).
7. Having a Solo Meal
This is one of my favorites. Extroverts never understand it. For them, going out to eat alone sounds like torture. But I’ve said it before and I stand by it for introverts especially – being alone does not mean you’re lonely.
We quiet types truly enjoy time with ourselves and can be quite content to eat alone, or with a good book or online article to read – like this one. 😉
8. Listening to Podcasts
Podcasts are great for learning new things, keeping up with current events and culture, or just being entertained. Plus, you can pop in your earbuds and listen while doing something else like cleaning, organizing, or going for a walk.
9. Mental Wanderlust
This activity is one I think only introverts will get. Our mind wanders to so many different things all day long. It’s easy to find yourself going down a mental rabbit hole.
This activity is permitting you to do so. Just lie down or prop your feet up and get comfy. Then let your mind wander to whatever thought trail or imaginary scene you’ve been trying to finish.
It’s ok. No one is around to judge you.
10. Solo Shopping
This one’s for you if you like shopping but don’t want to constantly have to validate someone else’s choices – ‘do you like this color or this color’? (in my loving but annoying best friend voice, lol)
Online shopping works too if you like shopping but don’t like crowds. Just be sure you don’t break your budget in doing so.
11. Praying or Meditating
My prayer life is very important to me and I suspect many others. It’s a great way to spend time with God and renew your strength at the same time.
Meditation is particularly appealing to introverts. We are naturally introspective and use our inner thoughts to navigate our daily lives. Meditation allows us to block out external stimulation so we can process things we need to, and shed things that aren’t serving us well.
12. Crafting or Exploring a Hobby
Immersing yourself in a craft or hobby, or learning a new one is an example of the type of focused work that helps introverts shut everything else out.
It allows your mind to rest by just focusing on one thing versus a million things. Some of the best hobbies can be done alone.
13. Enjoying a Hot Bath or Long Shower
The physical and mental relaxation that comes from heat and water on your body goes without saying. Level up your bath by making it more luxurious with bath salts or oils.
Incorporate some aromatherapy, candles, and a glass of wine. If you prefer showers, try a stress relief show steamer.
14. Movie Marathon
Nothing allows your brain to check out like binging your favorite shows or movies. They don’t call it “vegging out” for no reason so have at it. After all, that Netflix watch list isn’t going to watch itself. Moreover, watching from your couch beats sitting in a crowded theater any day.
15. Tabletop Activities
Some simple focused activities you can do while sitting up at a table or in bed with a lap tray include coloring (it’s an adult thing too now), drawing, or completing a puzzle.
Pro Tip: Schedule Your Next.
Introverts look forward to quiet, alone time like extroverts look forward to parties. There’s no shame in that! It can be a big mood booster to know when your next quiet, alone time will be.
Guess what! It doesn’t have to be a mystery. Go ahead and plan it, put it on your calendar, and heck even mark off the days if you want. And when your planned alone time comes and friends are calling you to go out, don’t hesitate to tell them you’re busy tonight. 😏
Energy Boosting Introvert Activities
There you go! 15 introvert activities for when you need an energy boost and a people break. I’ve enjoyed doing just about all of these so give them a try and see what works for you.
Knowing your energy limits and planning for them is the best way to keep yourself well, and maintain healthy relationships with others. These activities will help so feel free to try them and share ideas with others … quietly.
