Being a single parent is a rewarding yet challenging journey. And it is also very common for single parents to struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, there's no need to feel this way when you think outside the square and try something new. Taking time for yourself is essential to recharge and rediscover your interests. Here are 100 things you can do on your own as a single parent to relax, have fun, and invest in yourself.
Self-Care and Relaxation
Go for a walk
Visit the gym
Take a bike ride
Start a new hobby
Learn a new language
Meditate
Get a massage
Watch a movie or binge-watch a TV series
Read a book
Take a relaxing bath
Practice yoga
Listen to your favorite music
Do a facial or skincare routine
Take a nap
Journal your thoughts and feelings
Make a list of things you're grateful for
Attend a meditation or mindfulness workshop
Get a manicure or pedicure
Try acupuncture or acupressure
Take a day off work just for yourself Home and Lifestyle
Declutter your home
Rearrange your furniture
Plant a garden
Try a new recipe
Do a cook-up for the week
Create a budget or financial plan
Organize your pantry or closet
Start a DIY project
Paint a room in your house
Do a home spa day
Bake homemade treats
Create a vision board
Plan a home movie night
Try a new hairstyle or makeup look
Write a letter to a friend or your future self
Start planning a holiday or a family getaway
Organize family photos, Print off photos from your phone and create family photo albums
Set up a cozy reading nook
Delete unused apps, subscriptions, and emails
Create a bucket list Learning and Personal Growth
Take a weekend class
Enroll in an online course
Attend a workshop or seminar
Listen to a podcast
Read a self-help or personal development book
Learn a musical instrument
Take a painting or art class
Explore a new genre of music or film
Attend a cultural event or festival
Write a short story or poem
Learn photography
Explore a new genre of literature
Attend a live theater or comedy show
Take a cooking class
Learn a new craft or DIY project
Attend a book club or discussion group
Explore a new career or side hustle
Volunteer for a cause you care about
Take a public speaking or communication class
Learn to build a website Outdoor and Adventure
Take a road trip or a long drive
Watch the sunset or sunrise
Go camping or hiking
Visit a local museum or art gallery
Visit a local park or nature reserve
Go fishing or boating
Take a scenic drive
Visit a beach or lake
Go bird-watching
Try geocaching or orienteering
Take a hot air balloon ride
Go stargazing
Visit a botanical garden or zoo
Explore a farmers' market
Go horseback riding Social and Community
Take yourself out on a date
Meet up with friends for coffee or lunch
Attend a meetup or social event
Join a club or group based on your interests
Host a dinner party or BBQ
Plan a weekend getaway with friends
Organize a playdate for your kids and their friends
Volunteer at your children's school or community event
Attend a networking event or conference
Participate in a community service project
Join a sports team or fitness group
Take a dance or fitness class
Attend a support group
Plan a girls' or guys' night out
Explore your city or town as a tourist Financial and Career
Create a career or business plan
Update your resume or LinkedIn profile
Research career development opportunities
Attend a career fair or job interview
Start a side hustle or freelance project
Put your skills to use and start exploring entrepreneurship in a field related to your passions and research ways to start a small business
Network with colleagues or industry professionals
Research investment opportunities or savings plans
Attend a webinar or online seminar on personal finance
Set financial goals and create a savings plan
With so many options and activities to choose from when you're on your own, there's no reason to ever feel lonely. Embracing these opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth can be incredibly fulfilling and empowering, allowing you to build a strong sense of independence and resilience as a single parent.
Taking time for yourself is essential for your mental and emotional well-being. It will also put you in a better headspace for when it comes time to meet someone new. Having a hobby or things that you can focus on by yourself is important when meeting someone new, so you're not overly dependent on another person.
The image below is picture of one of the many things I love to do on my own, my lone footprints on the beach enjoying an afternoon beach walk where I like to reflect, and focus on the things I can be grateful for.
Now, I'll leave you with a question to ponder: After going through this list of 100 things to do as a single parent, what is one thing you would like to do from this list to bring more joy and fulfillment into your life? Feel free to share your answers below in the comments section.
Leanne Hutchinson
Life After + 1
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