For anyone that knows me, you know that I’m extremely extraverted. I gain energy and excitement from being around people and prefer to spend time with others, not alone. This summer I’ve found myself with a little bit of extra alone time and I don’t know what to do with myself! This is a list of things that I’d like to try when I have some alone time.

1. Pick up a New Hobby

Each person has their own hobbies, many of which have been part of their life for years because they enjoy it so much. We so often stay in our own bubbles when it comes to activities, but why not try something new? You could find your newest passion or purpose in life, but you won’t know unless you try something new.

2. Go to a Park

Parks have so many options to pass some alone time. You can bring a picnic, take a walk or ride your bicycle. You can even just people and nature watch. Since it’s summer, bad weather won’t always keep you indoors so make the most of the warm weather.

3. Explore your Neighborhood

Do you really know the city or town you live in? Do you know what it has to offer? It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives without realizing that there are intriguing places right before our eyes. If you have a free hour, explore your neighborhood. You might be surprised at what you find.

4. Sit on a Porch or in the Yard

When you have some alone time, it isn’t a crime to just sit and relax. Take some time to enjoy nature and people-watch.

5. Do Puzzles

Have a favorite kind of puzzle? Do a couple for fun. Want to try a new puzzle? Go ahead. You can spend as little or as much time on a puzzle in one sitting so it’s perfect for even the shortest amounts of free time.

6. Write

I may be biased on this one because I love to write, but writing is a great way to express how you’re feeling. Writing is also a great way to escape into your own fantasy world. You can write whatever you want and it can’t be wrong.

7. Watch YouTube Videos

While the others on this list don’t require much technology, I do enjoy watching some funny YouTube videos from time to time. Sometimes all you need is a good laugh.

8. Stargaze

Stargazing is the nighttime version of porch sitting. Allow yourself to soak up some stress-free alone time and look up at the sky.

9. Road Trip

Taking a road trip can be intentional or completely random, but the idea is to get out of the house. Get into your car and just start driving without a plan of where you’ll end up. Drive for a set amount of time and when that time ends, do something you find at the location you stop. It could be fun and it could be a total dud – either way, you tried something new.

10. Go to the Library

Find new movies to watch and new books to read without worrying about buying something you won’t end up liking. You can try as many or as few movies and books as you desire.