Metafilter, how do you spend your free time when you're alone at home?
October 16, 2015 2:07 PM Subscribe
General question - how do you pass your free time while you're home by yourself? Free time is supposed to be fun and relaxing, isn't it? I get so bored after a while of doing anything alone and feel like I'm not good enjoying my own company.
(gardening's not an option is the only thing I can think of that's relevant)
(gardening's not an option is the only thing I can think of that's relevant)
I have a bunch of time-intensive hobbies. I do art (3D modeling, for me). I noodle around on a musical instrument. I build small radio-control airplanes and helicopters. I read a lot. I call a friend and chat. I take walks around my neighborhood. Sometimes I play team-oriented computer games with friends.
posted by Alterscape at 2:11 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Alterscape at 2:11 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Read. (A lot)
Read the internet (A lot.)
Write.
Play computer games.
Watch movies.
Watch television.
Learn how to do weird tricks (like I taught myself the Tarot)
Do exercise videos.
Do relaxation yoga
Listen to audiobooks
Color in coloring books for grownups
Plan out all the new tattoos I want to get someday.
Rearrange my furniture and shop online for cool house stuff I can't afford.
Listen to podcasts
Listen to music.
Keep a diary.
Email and gchat, etc. with my friends.
Draw.
Try to discover if I have any secret hidden talents (like for a while I was recording myself reading monologues to discover if I was secretly a brilliant actor.)
Write hopefully useful comments on Ask Metafilter.
posted by pretentious illiterate at 2:14 PM on October 16, 2015 [37 favorites]
Read the internet (A lot.)
Write.
Play computer games.
Watch movies.
Watch television.
Learn how to do weird tricks (like I taught myself the Tarot)
Do exercise videos.
Do relaxation yoga
Listen to audiobooks
Color in coloring books for grownups
Plan out all the new tattoos I want to get someday.
Rearrange my furniture and shop online for cool house stuff I can't afford.
Listen to podcasts
Listen to music.
Keep a diary.
Email and gchat, etc. with my friends.
Draw.
Try to discover if I have any secret hidden talents (like for a while I was recording myself reading monologues to discover if I was secretly a brilliant actor.)
Write hopefully useful comments on Ask Metafilter.
posted by pretentious illiterate at 2:14 PM on October 16, 2015 [37 favorites]
Get into homebrewing and winemaking. Art, science and mmm, beer!
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:15 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:15 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
I read a lot. I watch tv, play with the cats (not sure if you're counting pets but I find them great company). But I live alone and love my own company - it really sounds like you don't. That's probably an introvert vs extrovert issue. For example, I love taking vacations alone (sightseeing ones especially). That horrifies lots of people.
posted by kitten magic at 2:16 PM on October 16, 2015 [14 favorites]
posted by kitten magic at 2:16 PM on October 16, 2015 [14 favorites]
One maybe more useful meta-tip is that I try to spend a fair amount of time searching out new, good culture to consume: lists of best books, movies, podcasts, music, etc. and interesting discussions of those things. So, even though I'm doing something basically passive (listening, watching, reading) it feels like part of a larger process of learning/discovering/experiencing something wider, instead of just zoning out.
posted by pretentious illiterate at 2:16 PM on October 16, 2015 [14 favorites]
posted by pretentious illiterate at 2:16 PM on October 16, 2015 [14 favorites]
Cooking, reading, listening to music, surfing, more reading, messaging with my kids, carpentry, moar cooking, writing a blog, working (actually; as in, reading research literature, playing music, translating, and writing). Looking through picture books for fun. Testing my new color pens. Reading Calvin and Hobbes for the umpteenth time. Cleaning that corner that irked me so long. Laundry. Cooking again (well, eating too). Buying wine and cheeses and olives and candles, having wine and cheeses and olives by candle light. Writing 500 words-a-day for nobody but me. Play with model trains. Go on.
"Boring" is an overrated (or at least over-studied) concept.
posted by Namlit at 2:17 PM on October 16, 2015 [4 favorites]
"Boring" is an overrated (or at least over-studied) concept.
posted by Namlit at 2:17 PM on October 16, 2015 [4 favorites]
I read, mostly. I've also been known to cook for fun and relaxation. Sometimes I play games on my phone but I hate it when I do that because I feel like I'm wasting good time.
I give myself manicures/pedicures. When I do that, I listen to audiobooks or music, or I watch a dvd.
posted by janey47 at 2:17 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
I give myself manicures/pedicures. When I do that, I listen to audiobooks or music, or I watch a dvd.
posted by janey47 at 2:17 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Try to think of things you can't easily do with other people around.
I like to read, watch movies nobody else wants to see, listen to music nobody else likes, and work on projects, because I hate when I'm trying to do something and there's someone looking over my shoulder asking me what I'm doing and giving me advice and stuff.
Honestly, I like to do most stuff alone, but I figure even if you're more of a social do-er, there's probably something you'd like to do that would bother other people. Some stinky food, offensive movie, or ridiculous music you want to listen to 40 times in a row or something.
posted by ernielundquist at 2:23 PM on October 16, 2015 [5 favorites]
I like to read, watch movies nobody else wants to see, listen to music nobody else likes, and work on projects, because I hate when I'm trying to do something and there's someone looking over my shoulder asking me what I'm doing and giving me advice and stuff.
Honestly, I like to do most stuff alone, but I figure even if you're more of a social do-er, there's probably something you'd like to do that would bother other people. Some stinky food, offensive movie, or ridiculous music you want to listen to 40 times in a row or something.
posted by ernielundquist at 2:23 PM on October 16, 2015 [5 favorites]
I read books.
I nap.
I make YouTube videos.
I watch YouTube videos.
I make beaded bracelets.
I write scripts.
I go over the theater stuff I need to do for the next few weeks.
I annoy the cat (this is lots of fun).
I eat quite a bit.
posted by xingcat at 2:24 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
I nap.
I make YouTube videos.
I watch YouTube videos.
I make beaded bracelets.
I write scripts.
I go over the theater stuff I need to do for the next few weeks.
I annoy the cat (this is lots of fun).
I eat quite a bit.
posted by xingcat at 2:24 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
Much of the above, plus play the geography quizzes on LizardPoint.
posted by mmiddle at 2:24 PM on October 16, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by mmiddle at 2:24 PM on October 16, 2015 [3 favorites]
Sleep. Yoga. Internet. Upsetting amounts of TV. Long walks, if the weather is good. Going out for coffee. Cleaning. Playing with my kitties. Writing shitty poetry.
But mostly sleep and Internet.
posted by a strong female character at 2:26 PM on October 16, 2015 [4 favorites]
But mostly sleep and Internet.
posted by a strong female character at 2:26 PM on October 16, 2015 [4 favorites]
If I'm not studying for a class I'm taking, I have a number of hobbies and interests that I tend to pursue in my free time:
- reading books on my Kindle
- reading/responding to email
- going through my Evernote and Pocket accounts to tag items for later searching
- binge watch on Netflix (currently working through the new Hawaii 5-0 series)
- if there's cleaning to be done in the kitchen or laundry room, I'll fire up Spotify and get to work
posted by Telpethoron at 2:27 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
- reading books on my Kindle
- reading/responding to email
- going through my Evernote and Pocket accounts to tag items for later searching
- binge watch on Netflix (currently working through the new Hawaii 5-0 series)
- if there's cleaning to be done in the kitchen or laundry room, I'll fire up Spotify and get to work
posted by Telpethoron at 2:27 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm alone most of the time...
Reading
Watching tv
Listening to music
Walking my dog
Playing with my dog
Cooking
Baking
Knitting
Drawing
Internetting
Taking a drive
Going to the movies
Taking classes through my town
posted by cecic at 2:29 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Reading
Watching tv
Listening to music
Walking my dog
Playing with my dog
Cooking
Baking
Knitting
Drawing
Internetting
Taking a drive
Going to the movies
Taking classes through my town
posted by cecic at 2:29 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
If I'm at work, or some other place where I would rather be doing other things, I sometimes make a list of everything I'd rather be doing.
Then, when I get home, if I need something to do, I just pick something off the list. I find it's a lot easier to think of these things when you need to think about something other than work. :]
posted by fiercecupcake at 2:30 PM on October 16, 2015 [6 favorites]
Then, when I get home, if I need something to do, I just pick something off the list. I find it's a lot easier to think of these things when you need to think about something other than work. :]
posted by fiercecupcake at 2:30 PM on October 16, 2015 [6 favorites]
Oh, since you asked for specific examples, here's some of mine from this week:
Crochet
Make some beaded bracelets
Clean the bathroom mirror
Water the plants
Cook dinner
Pack for a trip
Hang up everything in the "floordrobe"
Study my Tarot cards
Have dessert
Make a cocktail
Organize some craft supplies
Etc. There's usually a mix of pure fun, fun stuff that needs to get done, and chores in there.
posted by fiercecupcake at 2:32 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
Crochet
Make some beaded bracelets
Clean the bathroom mirror
Water the plants
Cook dinner
Pack for a trip
Hang up everything in the "floordrobe"
Study my Tarot cards
Have dessert
Make a cocktail
Organize some craft supplies
Etc. There's usually a mix of pure fun, fun stuff that needs to get done, and chores in there.
posted by fiercecupcake at 2:32 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
I am a world-class napper, which is a lovely way to spend time alone.
posted by mochapickle at 2:43 PM on October 16, 2015 [9 favorites]
posted by mochapickle at 2:43 PM on October 16, 2015 [9 favorites]
Organize all the things
Read
Write in my journal
Do patrols around my property to get to know local crows and wildlife
Watch birds at bird feeder
Badly sketch birds at bird feeders
Netflix
Hulu
Text friends
Rearrange furniture
Plan Dollar Tree and Goodwill trips for specific foundlings of treasures
Make the inevitable Pinterest fails
Cats, enough said
Think too much
Meditate
Cook
Try to remember family and friend birthdays and presents
Try to plan cultural events with people
Learn things online in my specialty and beyond
Invent things
posted by Punctual at 2:43 PM on October 16, 2015 [3 favorites]
Read
Write in my journal
Do patrols around my property to get to know local crows and wildlife
Watch birds at bird feeder
Badly sketch birds at bird feeders
Netflix
Hulu
Text friends
Rearrange furniture
Plan Dollar Tree and Goodwill trips for specific foundlings of treasures
Make the inevitable Pinterest fails
Cats, enough said
Think too much
Meditate
Cook
Try to remember family and friend birthdays and presents
Try to plan cultural events with people
Learn things online in my specialty and beyond
Invent things
posted by Punctual at 2:43 PM on October 16, 2015 [3 favorites]
You sound a lot like me. I'm bad at being home alone. I'm married and have my first kid on the way, so it happens much less than it used to. That said, a lot of times when I have home alone time I end up getting out of the house to go mountain biking or paddleboarding or hiking -- those are things I'm happy to do solo. I also whitewater kayak and climb, but those generally require groups.
If I'm stuck in the house, I'll play video games, watch a movie or a TV marathon, work out (I built a climbing wall in my basement, but that's not feasible for everybody). I read a lot, but I do that when my wife's around too. Organizing gear or planning trips are both very meditative for me, as is maintaining gear -- I enjoy standing outside and waxing snowboards, for example. Cooking too, though it can be hard to get motivated to cook for one person. I've been getting back into photography, so taking and editing photos takes a good chunk of alone time; ditto for gopro videos. Overall, try to cultivate hobbies that require significant amounts of introspective solo time or are conducive to solo activity; bonus points if they result in the creation of things you like.
posted by craven_morhead at 2:45 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
If I'm stuck in the house, I'll play video games, watch a movie or a TV marathon, work out (I built a climbing wall in my basement, but that's not feasible for everybody). I read a lot, but I do that when my wife's around too. Organizing gear or planning trips are both very meditative for me, as is maintaining gear -- I enjoy standing outside and waxing snowboards, for example. Cooking too, though it can be hard to get motivated to cook for one person. I've been getting back into photography, so taking and editing photos takes a good chunk of alone time; ditto for gopro videos. Overall, try to cultivate hobbies that require significant amounts of introspective solo time or are conducive to solo activity; bonus points if they result in the creation of things you like.
posted by craven_morhead at 2:45 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
I listen to a great deal of bossa nova music (the ultimate chill music, in my opinion), subscribe to interesting newsletters, and curl up in a blanket and absorb sunshine through the windows. I also enjoy reading self-help articles and making 'to-read' lists' in order to expand my introductory knowledge/expertise on a subject matter. I also enjoy the search for finding my perfect resource, and documenting what I enjoy so much about it - it makes the whole experience much more concrete and pleasurable. I also play a lot of immersive games like 80 Days, which can take two or more hours to complete in a run-through.
Reading novels also helps, but also sleeping while reading a novel is great too. (Not because it's boring, but because I find some of them to be extremely mentally taxing to read.)
posted by yueliang at 2:46 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Reading novels also helps, but also sleeping while reading a novel is great too. (Not because it's boring, but because I find some of them to be extremely mentally taxing to read.)
posted by yueliang at 2:46 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Mostly, I read, do stuff online (read, shop, research), clean, or take care of the pets. There's also some baking, sewing, painting/sculpting, window gardening, yoga-stuff, and home improvement projects. I will sit in front of the TV if I'm not feeling well. If I'm bored I'll usually go for a walk.
posted by zennie at 2:48 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by zennie at 2:48 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
I am either fixing something, working in the yard, building something, breaking something, hiding something, organizing something, or playing a game. I have very little downtime and practically nil for time with friends.
posted by Nanukthedog at 2:48 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Nanukthedog at 2:48 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
In my first months living alone, I spent a significant amount of time sitting on my couch just thinking about how nice it was not to be at work and not to have any roommates/shitty live-in boyfriends. Blissful, wonderful solitude.
I have also perfected my chicken taco and pad Thai recipes, made some cool costumes, learned all the words to Hamilton and rapped about the federalist papers to my cat, and played through Dragon Age Inquisition 3 times, if it helps.
posted by a hat out of hell at 2:50 PM on October 16, 2015 [12 favorites]
I have also perfected my chicken taco and pad Thai recipes, made some cool costumes, learned all the words to Hamilton and rapped about the federalist papers to my cat, and played through Dragon Age Inquisition 3 times, if it helps.
posted by a hat out of hell at 2:50 PM on October 16, 2015 [12 favorites]
Only just this year I got a little 7" tablet—I've never had anything like an Android device before, only dumb phones—and I absolutely love going for walks while listening to podcasts on it. I did have an old, crappy MP3 player in the past but it was a pain in the ass to download stuff to my PC and then upload it to the player, so I'd end up listening to repeats all the time.
My favorite two podcasts are ones MeFi has just introduced me to: The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps (1, 2, 3) and the (fictional) Twilight Histories.
Then I get news from Radio France International, the BBC, and Public Radio International.
I've been digging in to the Aristotle section of HOPWAG and then just today on Netflix watched Oliver Stone's Alexander about Alexander the Great, whose teacher was Aristotle for a few years. So great synergy there and I was pausing and looking things up during the film and making all kinds of connections, which made it an extremely enjoyable experience.
Much of the time I'm out walking late at night or before dawn in the morning so I've been learning the constellations as well, a fun thing to do while you're listening to Greek philosophy at the same time. I installed the Sky Map app on the tablet so it can mark the constellations for me.
One other suggestion: develop nacho making to a fine art. Try the best salsas you can find, make your own, maybe even make your own tortilla chips.
posted by XMLicious at 3:24 PM on October 16, 2015 [6 favorites]
My favorite two podcasts are ones MeFi has just introduced me to: The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps (1, 2, 3) and the (fictional) Twilight Histories.
Then I get news from Radio France International, the BBC, and Public Radio International.
I've been digging in to the Aristotle section of HOPWAG and then just today on Netflix watched Oliver Stone's Alexander about Alexander the Great, whose teacher was Aristotle for a few years. So great synergy there and I was pausing and looking things up during the film and making all kinds of connections, which made it an extremely enjoyable experience.
Much of the time I'm out walking late at night or before dawn in the morning so I've been learning the constellations as well, a fun thing to do while you're listening to Greek philosophy at the same time. I installed the Sky Map app on the tablet so it can mark the constellations for me.
One other suggestion: develop nacho making to a fine art. Try the best salsas you can find, make your own, maybe even make your own tortilla chips.
posted by XMLicious at 3:24 PM on October 16, 2015 [6 favorites]
I read, write, do work stuff (I like my job, so it's not stressful), play piano, brush up on my Spanish with duolingo or Spanish news, read more, play fantasy football, cook fancy meals, and watch really good TV.
One thing that's helped me is a habit-tracking app - I can while away a lot of hours on the random internet, which I don't actually enjoy that much and also has basically zero benefit. So now I track things like practicing piano, practicing Spanish, writing etc. - my "good" habits - and watching that little ticker turn green or red totally does get me to do those things.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 3:26 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
One thing that's helped me is a habit-tracking app - I can while away a lot of hours on the random internet, which I don't actually enjoy that much and also has basically zero benefit. So now I track things like practicing piano, practicing Spanish, writing etc. - my "good" habits - and watching that little ticker turn green or red totally does get me to do those things.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 3:26 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Internet, cooking, reading, working (I work from home), talking to the cats, movies.... I do get bored on occasion, and I'm quite an extrovert by nature. I meet my "people needs" by talking to a bunch of people when I'm out and about. I count the Post Office clerks as actual friends, there are stores where the miss me if I'm not there a couple of days in a row, etc. I'm hugely garrulous, but I live in the South in the US, so this isn't as bizarre as it might be in another part of the world. Oh, and I'll happily go to a restaurant by myself. Shameless!
posted by thebrokedown at 3:32 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by thebrokedown at 3:32 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Read
Watch movies or TV shows my husband would hate (e.g fluffy romantic comedies.)
Play a video game.
Organize my closet
Update Quicken and pay my bills
Knit
Teach the dog a new trick and cuddle with him.
Sleep. So nice to take a nice long nap.
Write long emails to people I owe notes to.
Read everything on the blue.
Do laundry
Leave and run errands.
Leave and go see a movie alone.
Leave and go for a run or walk.
posted by bearwife at 3:33 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Watch movies or TV shows my husband would hate (e.g fluffy romantic comedies.)
Play a video game.
Organize my closet
Update Quicken and pay my bills
Knit
Teach the dog a new trick and cuddle with him.
Sleep. So nice to take a nice long nap.
Write long emails to people I owe notes to.
Read everything on the blue.
Do laundry
Leave and run errands.
Leave and go see a movie alone.
Leave and go for a run or walk.
posted by bearwife at 3:33 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
I try to spend a fair amount of time searching out new, good culture to consume
This is a great point, now that I think about it I spend a lot of time researching new restaurants to try, bars to check out, concerts or festivals or events that are coming up so later I can bug my friends and see if they're interested.
posted by windbox at 3:35 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
This is a great point, now that I think about it I spend a lot of time researching new restaurants to try, bars to check out, concerts or festivals or events that are coming up so later I can bug my friends and see if they're interested.
posted by windbox at 3:35 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
1. Metafilter, doy.
2. Netflix or podcasts, often combined with either a mundane activity like housecleaning or video games.
3. Just video games, if it's an exciting enough video game.
4. Reading.
5. General facebooky buzzfeedy dicking around online.
6. Talking with a friend or family member on the phone.
7. Working on creative projects. (Right now it's a couple different writing projects and a podcast. It embarrasses me that this is the bottom of my list, so, ummm, let's pretend this is a totally random list.)
8. Cooking, baking, or crafting.
Frankly as much as I enjoy time spent with my boyfriend or other friends, I adore "entertaining myself".
posted by Sara C. at 3:38 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
2. Netflix or podcasts, often combined with either a mundane activity like housecleaning or video games.
3. Just video games, if it's an exciting enough video game.
4. Reading.
5. General facebooky buzzfeedy dicking around online.
6. Talking with a friend or family member on the phone.
7. Working on creative projects. (Right now it's a couple different writing projects and a podcast. It embarrasses me that this is the bottom of my list, so, ummm, let's pretend this is a totally random list.)
8. Cooking, baking, or crafting.
Frankly as much as I enjoy time spent with my boyfriend or other friends, I adore "entertaining myself".
posted by Sara C. at 3:38 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
In addition to the many activities already mentioned, in my downtime recently I have been working on an incredibly difficult, 2000-piece jigsaw puzzle of Van Gogh's "Starry Night". Very satisfying to make progress on, and by God does it make time fly.
posted by lovableiago at 4:17 PM on October 16, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by lovableiago at 4:17 PM on October 16, 2015 [4 favorites]
Painting, cooking, reading, TVs, Internet, looking at interior design blogs/eBay/homewares stores as I'm redecorating different rooms in the house.
posted by Jubey at 4:40 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Jubey at 4:40 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Well, when I'm doing what I like to do (which is not that much time, considering time at work plus 2.5 hours total commute per work day, home maintenance, family commitments, etc.) I do the following:
posted by forthright at 4:43 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
- About 35 minutes on an elliptical watching action movies, plus about 20 minutes with free weights, this has helped with my quality of life, plus lower health and life insurance rates.
- When the weather is nice I like sitting on our side patio and reading on my tablet and occasionally watching the clouds, birds & animals.
- I enjoy programming projects or automation projects (like currently I'm working on going paperless as much as possible)
- Although not "at home", but when I'm by myself during my long commute, I listen to Audible books.
- For me, at least, when possible I enjoy doing chores in my office where I can play favorite music on my stereo system.
- Lately I have gotten back into casual gaming (see my recent AskMeFi) on a PS4.
- And maybe it goes without saying that I enjoy browsing the Web and occasionally commenting.
posted by forthright at 4:43 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Eating, tv, smoking pot, catching up on blogs and Instagram, chatting/texting/talking to friends, cleaning, cooking/baking, sleeping.
posted by masquesoporfavor at 4:56 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by masquesoporfavor at 4:56 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Chat is French for cat. If you can get one, a good one, he or she will make your time at home _wonderful_.
posted by amtho at 5:05 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by amtho at 5:05 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Sure, it's always possible that you're an extrovert (perhaps you're a bit like my sister - she quickly tires of being alone and finds solace in going out with friends, or at least going out in public and being among crowds or passersby). I'm an introvert who adores her alone time, but boredom is definitely not a foreign concept to me when I'm sitting around at home.
Sometimes it's just a matter of making it into a "game" and finding a way to get excited about the things you already love.
So, I'll often try to come up with combinations of things to do that 'complement' each other, or at least work well in tandem:
- Listening to podcasts while prepping ingredients, cooking, or baking (yes, even if it's a meal for one)
- Savoring a glass of wine (one I haven't tried before, or an old favorite) while leafing through my favorite magazines
- Putting together a fresh "jazz music/classical music to read by" playlist, and then testing it out after finding a good book to curl up with
- Lifting free weights or doing bodyweight exercises while watching trashy TV
- Folding laundry while binge-watching YouTube "how to" videos about stuff I've been wanting to learn how to do (I use the Roku or Chromecast to put them on TV)
- Leaving the house and going for a walk in the neighborhood, bringing my camera along to snap photos of things that interest me - or a journal to take down notes, doodles and thoughts
- Perhaps the weirdest of all, but my personal favorite... putting headphones on with some good, ambient "driving" music, and exploring the world's roads using Globe Genie. It's passive, but it's fun and you see so many beautiful places!
posted by nightrecordings at 5:06 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
Sometimes it's just a matter of making it into a "game" and finding a way to get excited about the things you already love.
So, I'll often try to come up with combinations of things to do that 'complement' each other, or at least work well in tandem:
- Listening to podcasts while prepping ingredients, cooking, or baking (yes, even if it's a meal for one)
- Savoring a glass of wine (one I haven't tried before, or an old favorite) while leafing through my favorite magazines
- Putting together a fresh "jazz music/classical music to read by" playlist, and then testing it out after finding a good book to curl up with
- Lifting free weights or doing bodyweight exercises while watching trashy TV
- Folding laundry while binge-watching YouTube "how to" videos about stuff I've been wanting to learn how to do (I use the Roku or Chromecast to put them on TV)
- Leaving the house and going for a walk in the neighborhood, bringing my camera along to snap photos of things that interest me - or a journal to take down notes, doodles and thoughts
- Perhaps the weirdest of all, but my personal favorite... putting headphones on with some good, ambient "driving" music, and exploring the world's roads using Globe Genie. It's passive, but it's fun and you see so many beautiful places!
posted by nightrecordings at 5:06 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
binge on tv like The Walking Dead, The Affair, or Rescue Me
sometimes I drink wine and watch the Sopranos...
read about living somewhere else (NYC)
research careers on the internet
clean and sort my stuff in order to have a rummage sale
sand furniture to repaint....
posted by irish01 at 5:17 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
sometimes I drink wine and watch the Sopranos...
read about living somewhere else (NYC)
research careers on the internet
clean and sort my stuff in order to have a rummage sale
sand furniture to repaint....
posted by irish01 at 5:17 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Read.
Facebook
Research on the internet whatever topic I'm curious about at the time.
Nap
Watch or re-watch my favourite shows.
Cook--experiment with new recipes, especially vegan ones.
Try to organise my life (review my notes, gleaned from MeFi, on how to have better lunches at work, for example)
Listen to music
Hang out on Second Life (a virtual reality world with great DJs and lots of fun people to chat to)
Think: sort through problems, ponder life
Daydream
Organise my music: eliminate duplicates, label everything properly (artist name, title, album title, year released, genre)
De-clutter
posted by purplesludge at 6:18 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Research on the internet whatever topic I'm curious about at the time.
Nap
Watch or re-watch my favourite shows.
Cook--experiment with new recipes, especially vegan ones.
Try to organise my life (review my notes, gleaned from MeFi, on how to have better lunches at work, for example)
Listen to music
Hang out on Second Life (a virtual reality world with great DJs and lots of fun people to chat to)
Think: sort through problems, ponder life
Daydream
Organise my music: eliminate duplicates, label everything properly (artist name, title, album title, year released, genre)
De-clutter
posted by purplesludge at 6:18 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Read and comment on mefi
Watch/re-watch TV shows (but only specific tv shows that I really love, and on my laptop, not an actual TV)
Write (mostly fanfic, sometimes original stuff)
Walk dog
Play with dog
Read articles that I find on longform.org
Read other random internet stuff
Clean/reorganize my apartment
Organize stuff on my computer (music, files, photos, etc)
Research random topic
When watching TV (or listening to music or podcasts) I usually do one of the following:
Use Paper app on my iPad to doodle/color/etc
Cook
Bake
Crochet
Play games on my phone
(These things are roughly in order of time spent, starting from most time spent on activity and going to least.)
I used to have major problems with boredom, but since I joined mefi and started writing fanfic very actively and devoted myself to several favorite TV shows, I am pretty much never bored. If anything, I often wish I had more time to devote to things.
One other thing I've found helpful is to make sure I have several go to activities that fit various moods. For example, there are the activities for when I want more brain stimulation (like writing, reading in depth on a topic); activities for when my brain is tired (binge watch TV, read askmefi, read buzzfeed and crap like that); activities for when I need something more active (cooking, baking, cleaning, etc).
I'm also an only child who grew up spending a fair amount of time on my own, and I think I've always been pretty comfortable being by myself. I love traveling alone, too.
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:28 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
Watch/re-watch TV shows (but only specific tv shows that I really love, and on my laptop, not an actual TV)
Write (mostly fanfic, sometimes original stuff)
Walk dog
Play with dog
Read articles that I find on longform.org
Read other random internet stuff
Clean/reorganize my apartment
Organize stuff on my computer (music, files, photos, etc)
Research random topic
When watching TV (or listening to music or podcasts) I usually do one of the following:
Use Paper app on my iPad to doodle/color/etc
Cook
Bake
Crochet
Play games on my phone
(These things are roughly in order of time spent, starting from most time spent on activity and going to least.)
I used to have major problems with boredom, but since I joined mefi and started writing fanfic very actively and devoted myself to several favorite TV shows, I am pretty much never bored. If anything, I often wish I had more time to devote to things.
One other thing I've found helpful is to make sure I have several go to activities that fit various moods. For example, there are the activities for when I want more brain stimulation (like writing, reading in depth on a topic); activities for when my brain is tired (binge watch TV, read askmefi, read buzzfeed and crap like that); activities for when I need something more active (cooking, baking, cleaning, etc).
I'm also an only child who grew up spending a fair amount of time on my own, and I think I've always been pretty comfortable being by myself. I love traveling alone, too.
posted by litera scripta manet at 6:28 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
read books, read fanfic, clean the house, do 325 reverse curtsey lunges, overhead squat my neighbor's viszla, bake, take naps, take more naps.
posted by poffin boffin at 7:29 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 7:29 PM on October 16, 2015 [2 favorites]
You know, I'm a very solitary person but even then there are times where it's just hard to be at home by myself. That's when I head over to a place like a local Starbucks and proceed to surf the web, listen to music, read, etc. It doesn't have to be Starbucks, of course. It could be anywhere.
I also go to the library. Sometimes just a friendly librarian or suddenly encountering a book I'd wanna read makes me feel so much better.
When I at home, I go explore a lot of different music sites such as Spotify, last.fm to discover new musical content. This is how I do chores. I find new music, put it on my iPod, and then get excited that the chore allows me to naturally move and bop to the music.
A hula hoop is great while you're watching TV. There's just something about moving while "relaxing" that I enjoy.
Do you like to pamper yourself? I don't know if you're a girl (not being heteronormative here) but no matter what gender you are, everyone from time to time enjoys a good bath and grooming after a long time of being kind of unkempt. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm in a rut until I tweeze my eyebrows or do a at-home facial. Grooming and pampering yourself can take a good portion of the day and relaxes you enough that you're in a good mood.
I am the kind of person who has a list of films and tv shows and the like that I'd like to watch. You can use MUBI, myanimelist (if that's your kind of thing - they also have one for k and j-dramas), and even goodreads. Those sites make it so that I'm not just idly watching something or reading something. I get to make personal goals out of them.
Make sure you're getting some sunshine if you've been a shut-in. It can make a world of difference.
posted by thischarmingirl at 9:51 PM on October 16, 2015 [3 favorites]
I also go to the library. Sometimes just a friendly librarian or suddenly encountering a book I'd wanna read makes me feel so much better.
When I at home, I go explore a lot of different music sites such as Spotify, last.fm to discover new musical content. This is how I do chores. I find new music, put it on my iPod, and then get excited that the chore allows me to naturally move and bop to the music.
A hula hoop is great while you're watching TV. There's just something about moving while "relaxing" that I enjoy.
Do you like to pamper yourself? I don't know if you're a girl (not being heteronormative here) but no matter what gender you are, everyone from time to time enjoys a good bath and grooming after a long time of being kind of unkempt. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm in a rut until I tweeze my eyebrows or do a at-home facial. Grooming and pampering yourself can take a good portion of the day and relaxes you enough that you're in a good mood.
I am the kind of person who has a list of films and tv shows and the like that I'd like to watch. You can use MUBI, myanimelist (if that's your kind of thing - they also have one for k and j-dramas), and even goodreads. Those sites make it so that I'm not just idly watching something or reading something. I get to make personal goals out of them.
Make sure you're getting some sunshine if you've been a shut-in. It can make a world of difference.
posted by thischarmingirl at 9:51 PM on October 16, 2015 [3 favorites]
+ Pinterest! Dream house. Fashion. Recipes to try. Art that inspires me. Cool pottery
+ Painting my nails and figuring out what other color of nail polish to buy next
+ Coloring Books for adults, with nice colored pencils and markers
+ Reading Buzzfeed and watching buzzfeed videos
+ Browsing Spotify genre stations
+ Browsing Etsy for jewelry, furniture, salt cellars
+ Reading cooking / recipe blogs: Serious Eats, Simply Recipes, The Kitchn
+ Making coffee and drinking coffee. Trying new teas
+ Buying "I should be reading this" books on my kindle for my career
+ Spontaneously buying leisure books on my kindle
+ Figuring out what to make for Thanksgiving
+ Planning my next vacation
+ Journaling with a fancy schmancy fountain pen
+ Napping!
+ Watching Netflix / Downloading Google play movies
posted by ellerhodes at 10:04 PM on October 16, 2015
+ Painting my nails and figuring out what other color of nail polish to buy next
+ Coloring Books for adults, with nice colored pencils and markers
+ Reading Buzzfeed and watching buzzfeed videos
+ Browsing Spotify genre stations
+ Browsing Etsy for jewelry, furniture, salt cellars
+ Reading cooking / recipe blogs: Serious Eats, Simply Recipes, The Kitchn
+ Making coffee and drinking coffee. Trying new teas
+ Buying "I should be reading this" books on my kindle for my career
+ Spontaneously buying leisure books on my kindle
+ Figuring out what to make for Thanksgiving
+ Planning my next vacation
+ Journaling with a fancy schmancy fountain pen
+ Napping!
+ Watching Netflix / Downloading Google play movies
posted by ellerhodes at 10:04 PM on October 16, 2015
I don't have much alone time lately, but I really like to sew and to read about sewing. I spent four hours last weekend watching Call the Midwife and making myself a dress. It was tremendously satisfying.
posted by linettasky at 11:48 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by linettasky at 11:48 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
For me, being home alone is the perfect time to do activities that would make me self-conscious around my partner or family. So in an empty house, I relish the opportunity to sing out loud, to play my favorite music on speakers, to practice speaking in a foreign language, or to try new forms of exercise or arts and crafts projects, for example.
posted by datarose at 3:51 AM on October 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by datarose at 3:51 AM on October 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
A lot of people immerse themselves in long term projects and their hobbies and habits are the brickwork to get them there (rather than skills being learned and achieved for their own sake). Working on projects is a way of exploring yourself, your psychology and also just having fun. If you haven't read it, Think Like an Artist is a book to start to develop that side of yourself. Projects give a sense of purpose as opposed to undertaking hobbies to distract yourself from dying (to be morbid). Perhaps join a class where an 'end of class project' is required to set you in motion and then continue this on your own.
You say you are bored. Does this mean that you think there is something better out there but you don't know what it is? Boredom is being in a state of limbo. You are not relaxed and you are not immersed. Is there something wrong with doing nothing? Why can't I just do nothing? Where am I trying to 'get to'? What am I avoiding? These are good questions to ask.
It sort of sounds as if your question is actually 'why spend time alone?' And 'should I be doing things to fill that time?' Quentin Crisp spent his days doing nothing, thinking that hobbies were about running away/avoidance. It is all acceptable. What do you want?
Trying to enjoy your own company sounds like a lot of pressure and a burden. All I am saying is, look to discover and enjoy things rather than fill time. Filling time is a scary thing to want to do. Wanting to discover and enjoy something is better. You may have meant this but I detected a bit of 'fear of silence' from your post, correct me if i'm wrong. I hope you can find something you can enjoy from others' suggestions.
posted by ihaveyourfoot at 7:19 AM on October 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
You say you are bored. Does this mean that you think there is something better out there but you don't know what it is? Boredom is being in a state of limbo. You are not relaxed and you are not immersed. Is there something wrong with doing nothing? Why can't I just do nothing? Where am I trying to 'get to'? What am I avoiding? These are good questions to ask.
It sort of sounds as if your question is actually 'why spend time alone?' And 'should I be doing things to fill that time?' Quentin Crisp spent his days doing nothing, thinking that hobbies were about running away/avoidance. It is all acceptable. What do you want?
Trying to enjoy your own company sounds like a lot of pressure and a burden. All I am saying is, look to discover and enjoy things rather than fill time. Filling time is a scary thing to want to do. Wanting to discover and enjoy something is better. You may have meant this but I detected a bit of 'fear of silence' from your post, correct me if i'm wrong. I hope you can find something you can enjoy from others' suggestions.
posted by ihaveyourfoot at 7:19 AM on October 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Go through my closet and experiment with new outfits/clothing combinations
Re-read the Bible and look up different theological interpretations for each verse
Write To Do lists (for the week, the month, the year, etc)
Scroll through my Tumblr feed and reblog interesting art/content
Draft plays to complete at a later time
Challenge myself to be resourceful in my cooking
Deep clean the apartment
posted by tackypink at 10:42 AM on October 17, 2015
Re-read the Bible and look up different theological interpretations for each verse
Write To Do lists (for the week, the month, the year, etc)
Scroll through my Tumblr feed and reblog interesting art/content
Draft plays to complete at a later time
Challenge myself to be resourceful in my cooking
Deep clean the apartment
posted by tackypink at 10:42 AM on October 17, 2015
I don't stay home much because I like to go out and explore and take photos but when I do stay home I read, write poetry, research journals to submit poetry, submit poetry, and surf the Net. I also try to do the dishes and any kind of light picking up for at least ten to thirty minutes a day on the weekend. On Sunday if there's time I think through/ organize what I'm going to wear to work that week. I know, lame. But it saves me a lot of time and stress in the morning.
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 11:29 AM on October 17, 2015
posted by intrepid_simpleton at 11:29 AM on October 17, 2015
Nthing living alone. I spend almost all of my time at home alone. I read, watch movies, work on hobby projects, clean, cook.. normal stuff that I don't always get time to do when life gets busy. When I get bored I generally leave the house, go for a bike ride, go to a coffee shop, see if something is playing at the local art house theater, or if I'm feeling unmotivated at the moment, I plan something for later in the week and start spamming my friends in the area to see if anyone wants to join me.
posted by deathpanels at 11:35 AM on October 17, 2015
posted by deathpanels at 11:35 AM on October 17, 2015
I'm only adding this because I don't see anybody else saying it, and I did it just today:
Travel on Google Maps and use Street View to do some site-seeing.
I often start by imagining where I might like to live or visit.
Today it started with checking my MLS Realtor website for faves of affordable homes.
I'll also research the best locations for their demographics, recreation, job opportunities, etc.
This can take hours and spend a lot of time - but all good stuff to know!
I was surprised at some of the remote locations that I could actually visit - it's amazing!
Last year, I "walked" down a street in Shanghai, China - where my Dad's grandparents had had a British hotel in the early 1900's. I had to do some extra research to find the location for that one, as nothing remains the same - and street names have all changed. Very interesting stuff, when you have even the slightest connection to the history.
That being said, I also check out the library online - and play around with language learning apps, as well as a language website that I can access for free - using my library login. I figure, if I might want to visit, I'd better learn how to say, to understand, and to recognize some written words to move around freely.
Sooo much stuff to do!
All about imagining an alternate life (especially if you find the one you're in to be lacking in some way) - but then it doesn't have to be alternate, because you could one day decide to act upon all that you've learned and discovered! :)
Have fun. Safe and lovely virtual travels to you.
posted by itsflyable at 4:08 PM on October 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Travel on Google Maps and use Street View to do some site-seeing.
I often start by imagining where I might like to live or visit.
Today it started with checking my MLS Realtor website for faves of affordable homes.
I'll also research the best locations for their demographics, recreation, job opportunities, etc.
This can take hours and spend a lot of time - but all good stuff to know!
I was surprised at some of the remote locations that I could actually visit - it's amazing!
Last year, I "walked" down a street in Shanghai, China - where my Dad's grandparents had had a British hotel in the early 1900's. I had to do some extra research to find the location for that one, as nothing remains the same - and street names have all changed. Very interesting stuff, when you have even the slightest connection to the history.
That being said, I also check out the library online - and play around with language learning apps, as well as a language website that I can access for free - using my library login. I figure, if I might want to visit, I'd better learn how to say, to understand, and to recognize some written words to move around freely.
Sooo much stuff to do!
All about imagining an alternate life (especially if you find the one you're in to be lacking in some way) - but then it doesn't have to be alternate, because you could one day decide to act upon all that you've learned and discovered! :)
Have fun. Safe and lovely virtual travels to you.
posted by itsflyable at 4:08 PM on October 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Being at home on my own is the best (apologies to all family & friends reading this).
Here's how I like to spend that blissful, blissful time.
+ Reading & re-reading books. I like to either focus on something specific and read around that topic (currently 15th C Europe) or feed on as many different genres/topics as possible.
+ Playing computer games. Nothing beats a relaxing game of Civ IV, though I've been partial to RPGs in the past.
+ Making Stuff (and Improving Making Stuff skills). I specifically like making clothes so I don't buy too many things made in horrible working conditions.
+ Problem-solving. I can pass hours trying to figure out a practical problem in my head - I work writing knitting patterns, so I can spend lots of downtime trying to figure out maths solutions to fit problems.
+ Listening to podcasts whilst knitting.
+ Learning something new. Picking up a new language; learning geographical features of Africa (works well for pub quizzing); discovering stuff about Oceanic tribes; discovering how a medieval castle functioned. Currently I am enjoying the Rugby World Cup because it's new and interesting to me.
+ Napping. And something I combine all of the above with napping. It's awesome.
+ Blogging. I like writing about stuff that goes on in my head. I've been blogging since 2001.
+ Watching documentaries. I don't go much for TV dramas, but I adore docs. I like watching stuff that sounds outside my initial comfort zone.
+ YouTube BingeTrips. I am a Eurovision aficionado and I have a thing for NZ music. It's great when I have time to trip down those dark holes.
I only resort to housework in dark times.
posted by kariebookish at 6:35 AM on October 18, 2015
Here's how I like to spend that blissful, blissful time.
+ Reading & re-reading books. I like to either focus on something specific and read around that topic (currently 15th C Europe) or feed on as many different genres/topics as possible.
+ Playing computer games. Nothing beats a relaxing game of Civ IV, though I've been partial to RPGs in the past.
+ Making Stuff (and Improving Making Stuff skills). I specifically like making clothes so I don't buy too many things made in horrible working conditions.
+ Problem-solving. I can pass hours trying to figure out a practical problem in my head - I work writing knitting patterns, so I can spend lots of downtime trying to figure out maths solutions to fit problems.
+ Listening to podcasts whilst knitting.
+ Learning something new. Picking up a new language; learning geographical features of Africa (works well for pub quizzing); discovering stuff about Oceanic tribes; discovering how a medieval castle functioned. Currently I am enjoying the Rugby World Cup because it's new and interesting to me.
+ Napping. And something I combine all of the above with napping. It's awesome.
+ Blogging. I like writing about stuff that goes on in my head. I've been blogging since 2001.
+ Watching documentaries. I don't go much for TV dramas, but I adore docs. I like watching stuff that sounds outside my initial comfort zone.
+ YouTube BingeTrips. I am a Eurovision aficionado and I have a thing for NZ music. It's great when I have time to trip down those dark holes.
I only resort to housework in dark times.
posted by kariebookish at 6:35 AM on October 18, 2015
Yes, Yes, all of the above and this one takes up much of my evening time
Go to imgur.com , sign up, go to 'most viral sorted by popularity" lurk, learn, laugh, cry. It's a wonderful world in there!
posted by donaken at 3:32 PM on October 22, 2015
Go to imgur.com , sign up, go to 'most viral sorted by popularity" lurk, learn, laugh, cry. It's a wonderful world in there!
posted by donaken at 3:32 PM on October 22, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by atinna at 2:10 PM on October 16, 2015