I’ve always prided myself on being independent – being able to manage things on my own and make sure everything I need to do gets done is one of my better qualities. But even though I love being independent, I absolutely hate being alone for long periods of time! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good rot for a couple of hours in my bed, but I never know what to do with myself when none of my friends are able to hang out!Â
As someone who goes to college out-of-state, I’ve gotten used to spending weekends alone here in Amherst when all my friends are able to go home for long weekends. I think I’ve perfected the ultimate list of things to do by yourself, but don’t make you necessarily feel alone. Here are some of my favorite things to do by myself as someone who loves to be independent but hates being alone!
- Get outside!
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As the weather gets warmer, there’s nothing I love more than spending time outdoors in the fresh air. One of my favorite things to do alone on a weekend is spending a couple hours (or however long I can until the pollen allergies hit) on a walk outside. Whether it’s around campus or driving to a rail trail or mountain, I love getting in all the fresh air I miss out on during the week. Usually I’ll pop on my headphones and play my favorite songs and just enjoy the weather. This is one of the best solo activities, especially because there’s going to be so many other people doing the same thing as you!Â
- Have a solo date!
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Sometimes you just need to treat yourself! Taking myself out on a solo date is not only the best way to pass time, but you can also treat yourself as a reward for getting through the week. I love to go downtown and wander into all the shops and pick up a slice from Antonio’s, or sometimes I’ll head to Target and Marshall’s and just wander the aisles for any good finds. I find that these little solo-dates are perfect to get me out of the house and make sure I don’t spend all my time locked inside!
- Make work fun!
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Solo weekends seem to line up with when I have the most school work to do, which makes it easier to lock myself into the library or my room for hours on end. Instead, I try to go off-campus somewhere fun to make the time more enjoyable! Whether I go to Barnes & Noble or Panera, or even the Montague Book Mill, I love surrounding myself with others to make the time go faster while I work. Plus, there’s the added bonus of getting a little coffee and sweet treat as motivation to get your work done!Â
- Workout Classes!
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In my opinion, workout classes are a great alternative to doing a solo walk. The UMass Rec Center offers a wide range of group fitness classes, allowing everyone to find at least one thing they enjoy doing there! Whether it’s yoga, pilates, or spin, I love taking workout classes on the weekends because they leave me feeling good both physically and mentally! These hour-long classes are the perfect time to focus on yourself in a room full of others doing the same thing, all while feeling good about it after!
- Self-care night in
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Sometimes a self-care night is the perfect thing to do to cap off some alone time! I love to order whatever takeout I’m craving these nights, pop on a binge-worthy show or movie, and curl up in bed wearing a good sweatset. These nights make me feel so much more relaxed, especially on a Sunday night before the upcoming school week!
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