Looking for the best me time ideas? You’ve come to the right place!
In this list I will give you the best me time ideas at home, during summer, during winter, and most importantly for free!
Not all of these ideas are free, but most of them are extremely affordable.
I recommend combining a few things off this list, especially if you want to make a whole day or weekend out of your alone time.
So with that being said, let’s get straight into the best ideas for me time.
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101 Me Time Ideas (Budget-Friendly)
1. Put your phone away
2. Watch the sunrise/sunset
3. Do outdoor yoga
4. Take a walk
5. Go for a run
6. Meditate
7. Explore a new neighborhood
8. Explore roads you’ve never taken before
9. Journal
10. Write a poem/letter to yourself
11. Listen to music
12. Check out a new bookstore
13. Randomly walk around the city with nowhere to go
14. Volunteer
15. Declutter your space
16. Create a new playlist
17. Clean out your old playlists
18. Go bird watching
19. Feed animals
20. Walk around a store
21. Take a nap
22. Go to a local coffee shop and read a book
23. Draw chalk outside
24. Sketch
25. Catch up with a friend
26. Go to the park to read
27. Go on a hike
28. Get ice cream
29. Get boba tea
30. Try a new restaurant solo
31. Go solo camping
32. Pick up trash around your local city
33. Go thrift shopping
34. Go to a museum/art gallery
35. Go for a bike ride
36. Go rock climbing
37. Stargazing
38. Take pictures
39. Go to the farmer’s market
40. Pick fresh fruit at a local orchid
41. Take a solo road trip
42. Take a solo beach trip for a day or two
43. Explore a neighboring city
44. Go swimming
45. Go fishing
46. Make a summer vision board
47. Make a new summer dish for yourself
48. Go to a food festival
49. Go to a baseball game
50. People watch
51. Go rollerblading
52. Go to your local winter lights
53. Get hot chocolate
54. Cuddle up with yourself
55. Bake a new dessert
56. Do hot yoga
57. Have breakfast in bed
58. Watch one of your favorite movies
59. Watch one of your favorite shows
60. Make gingerbread houses
61. Make gingerbread men
62. Decorate your room for the holidays
63. Write love letters for you and/or your loved ones to give out for Christmas
64. Do a mental clean-up
65. Get a mani/pedi
66. Get a massage
67. Have a spa day
68. Go window shopping
69. Find a new coffee shop
70. Go to your local library
71. Do a solo movie date
72. Go shopping/online shopping
73. Try a new recipe that takes a really long time
74. Take a pottery class
75. Do a 1,000-piece puzzle
76. Make bread
77. Take a bath
78. Take a shower
79. Wash your hair
80. Declutter your closet
81. Paint
82. Sip and paint
83. Color with coloring books
84. Garden
85. Do any chore that you’ve been putting off
86. Do any home improvement projects you’ve been putting off
87. Make a new type of tea for yourself
88. Give yourself a facial
89. Do yoga
90. Organize your room
91. Knit
92. Crochet
93. Sew
94. Cook a nice meal
95. Waxing
96. Exfoliating
97. Brainstorm
98. Do a full skincare routine
99. Cut and file your nails yourself
100. Paint your nails
101. Take a course that will help you
Me Time Ideas For Free
1. Put your phone away. Sometimes putting your phone away is one of the best me time ideas because it’s a super simple solution to a major issue (your phone stealing your time and joy without you even realizing it).
2. Watch the sunrise or sunset. Watching the sunrise/sunset is always the perfect reset. Especially if you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, sunsets can help your body naturally wind down.
3. Do outdoor yoga
4. Take a walk. Clear your mind, get some fresh air and your daily dose of vitamin D. Bonus points if you walk with no music (to clear your head).
5. Go for a run. Get your heart rate up and get your exercise on.
6. Meditate. Meditating is one of the easiest me time ideas because you’re just sitting on the floor for a certain period of time (I recommend 5 minutes to start) and focusing on your breath.
7. Explore a new neighborhood. This is always super fun because you not only get to know your city but it’s also another great way to clear your head and even get inspired.
8. Explore roads you’ve never taken before
9. Journal. I don’t know if you’ve heard yet but Intelligent Change has the best journals I’ve ever used in my life. They’re environmentally friendly, top-tier quality, and have loads of options. I recommend The Notes To Mindfulness Journal, and if you use my link above you will get 10% off your first purchase!
10. Write a poem/letter to yourself. Write a letter to yourself about everything you love and appreciate about your past self, and then everything you appreciate about your present self.
11. Listen to music
12. Check out a new bookstore
13. Randomly walk around the city with nowhere to really go. If gas prices are too high to be riding around aimlessly, you could also walk around your city (in a safe area with pepper spray).
14. Volunteer. Volunteering is not only a good way to give back to others but it’s also a good way to give back to yourself because when you are kind to others it naturally makes you happier.
15. Declutter your space. Declutter your car, room, closet, bathroom, or anything that you’ve been putting off. It’ll make you feel better and can give you time to think or release old energy.
16. Create a new playlist. This is one of my personal favorite me time ideas for free.
17. Clean out your old playlists. I don’t know if you’re anything like me, but after a while, I fall out of love with a lot of songs on my playlist and constantly skip them instead of deleting them, so they pile up.
18. Go bird watching
19. Feed animals. Please only feed animals in areas where it’s allowed. If there’s a sign saying not to, there’s a reason for it.
20. Walk around a store. If you have enough self-control not to buy anything, if you’re on a budget, then walking around the store is another great way to have some alone time. Don’t knock it before you try it.
21. Take a nap
22. Go to a local coffee shop and read a book
23. Draw chalk outside. If you have chalk lying around, then go outside and get creative!
24. Sketch. Instead of doing chalk, you could sketch or doodle.
25. Catch up with a friend. This one may not be me time for some people, but for those of us who love to talk (me included), sometimes talking to someone you love is good me time. Me time doesn’t always have to be doing something alone.
Me Time Ideas For Summer
26. Go to the park to read. This is always super nice in the summer because allergy season is over (for most people) and you can find some shade and immerse yourself in a whole new world (your book).
27. Go for a hike. Make sure you stay hydrated and bring a good water bottle!
28. Get ice cream. This could be a really cute solo date idea.
29. Get boba tea. If you’re not in the mood for ice cream you could also get boba tea! Perfect for a hot summer day, and if you want to switch it up you could try a new boba tea place in your city.
30. Try a new restaurant. Speaking of trying a new place, you could also try a new restaurant and go on a solo date with that as well.
31. Go solo camping. While I’ve never gone camping before, I’ve heard that it’s a good way to connect with nature and get away. If you decide to do this solo, please do so where it’s super safe.
32. Pick up trash around your local city. I know this one is a bit odd but sometimes doing random mindless activities is a good way to spend time with yourself. Plus you’re doing something good for the Earth at the same time.
Just make sure you’re using a trash picker-upper and not your bare hands.
33. Go thrift shopping
34. Go to a museum or art gallery
35. Go for a bike ride. There’s really nothing like a good bike ride on a warm summer day.
36. Go rock climbing. You could do indoor rock climbing or get an adrenaline rush and go outdoor rock climbing.
37. Stargazing
38. Take pictures. You could take pictures of whatever sparks your interest. I don’t think taking photos for your Instagram counts though, because technically you’re doing it to post it online for others to see, meaning it’s not truly for you. That’s just my opinion though. Comment down below if you disagree, I would love to hear why!
39. Go to the farmer’s market. Get some fruits and veggies that are in season or just aimlessly walk around to get some steps in.
40. Pick fresh fruit at a local orchid. Or instead of going to the farmer’s market, you could go pick your own fresh fruit yourself! This is always super fun to do, especially because you get bags of fruit at the end!
41. Take a solo road trip. Road trips are always nice in the summer, especially when you’re bored with nothing to do.
42. Take a solo beach trip. If you have the funds for it, you could also turn your road trip into a mini beach trip. Drive down the beach, get a room for a night or two, and come back home like nothing happened.
43. Explore a neighboring city. If you don’t want to go too far you could also explore a city near you. You never know when this could come in handy.
44. Go swimming. You already knew this one was coming. Is it really even summer if you don’t swim at least once?
45. Go fishing. If you’re not a fan of swimming, you could also go fishing. This is another one of those me time ideas that you can do with someone else (who’s quiet or okay with being quiet) because usually when you’re fishing there’s a lot of waiting.
46. Make a summer vision board
47. Make a new summer dish for yourself
48. Go to any food festivals around. Walk around, maybe have a few drinks (responsibly), eat some good food, make some new friends, and/or listen to some good music.
49. Go to a baseball game. Again walk around, maybe have a few beers (responsibly), watch the game, eat a hot dog, and have a good time chilling.
50. People watching. Go to a coffee shop, a mall, or anywhere honestly, and just watch people (not in a weird way). You will not fail to be amused and intrigued by the conversations people have and the things people do, especially when they think no one is watching.
51. Go rollerblading. If you already know how to rollerblade, then this is definitely a great me time idea for the summer and if you don’t know how to rollerblade, then this is a great time to learn a new hobby!
Me Time Ideas For Winter
52. Go to your local winter lights. Most cities have a winter light show or somewhere to look at Christmas decorations. If your city doesn’t, then there’s probably another city close by that does. And if a neighboring city doesn’t, then drive around and look at people’s Christmas decorations.
53. Get hot chocolate. And while you’re there get you some hot chocolate. You could also just get hot chocolate and vibe around your own city too.
54. Cuddle up with yourself. Get yourself a nice heated blanket and cuddle up with yourself and read a book or watch your favorite movie.
55. Bake a new dessert. This is the perfect me time idea for winter because it’s something fun to do inside and you get dessert at the end!
56. Do hot yoga. Another good me time idea in the winter, for obvious reasons. You could also do this during the summer as well if you wanted.
57. Have breakfast in bed. Ask a loved one if they’ll make breakfast for you or make your own breakfast, set the mood, and have breakfast in bed on a slow morning.
58. Watch one of your favorite movies
59. Watch one of your favorite shows
60. Make gingerbread houses. This would not be the proper me time ideas for winter list without mentioning a gingerbread house!
61. Make gingerbread men. You could also make gingerbread men too.
62. Decorate your room for the holidays. This is one of my favorite things to do alone during the holidays because it always serves as a time to reset and bring some joy to my life.
I recommend putting on a good Christmas movie in the background while you do this, and I know this is random but I also always clean my fans when I put my decorations up. I recommend you do the same because it’s probably time for a good dusting.
63. Writing love letters for you and/or your loved ones to give out for Christmas
64. Do a mental cleanup. Create a cozy environment, take a step back, and write down what you really want for your life, and how you can change your behaviors in small ways to get there.
65. Get a mani/pedi
66. Get a massage
67. Have a spa day
68. Go window shopping. If you don’t like walking around grocery stores aimlessly, you could also do some window shopping at furniture, retail, and/or other stores.
69. Find a new coffee shop in town. Find something with really good reviews and try their seasonal drinks.
70. Go to your local library. If you don’t already have a book you’re reading, I recommend picking up the first book that calls you (or catches your attention) and reading it.
This is another one of my favorite pastimes, and every time I do it, it was something I really needed to hear or directly related to what I was dealing with at the time.
71. Do a solo movie date. Watch that new movie you’ve been wanting to see and treat yourself to some popcorn and M&Ms
72. Go shopping/online shopping. A little retail therapy is always a great way to recharge and spend time with yourself.
73. Try a new recipe that takes a really long time. The last time I did this, I had a lot of time to think to myself and come up with new creative ideas as I stood there caramelizing onions for two hours for a French onion soup (I didn’t do it right but it still came out delicious).
74. Take a pottery class. Or any hobby class you’ve been wanting to try for that matter.
75. Do a 1,000-piece puzzle. This is a great me time idea because you can just lock in with something relaxing and it’ll more than likely be something you can keep coming back to.
76. Make bread. If you’re in the mood to try something new, why not learn how to make some bread at home? You could do this with a bread maker or the old-fashioned way.
Me Time Ideas At Home
77. Take a bath. Get yourself some Epsom salt or organic bath bombs, and a candle, and take a good hot bath.
78. Take a shower. If baths aren’t your thing, then you could still get a good candle and some music and take a regular or full shower (shaving, exfoliating, hair washing, etc).
79. Wash your hair. Every time I wash my hair, I look at it as me time because I’m scrubbing away all the dirt from the week before and starting over fresh again. Get you a good shampoo, conditioner, scalp massager, and whatever else that makes your wash days magical.
80. Declutter your closet.
81. Organize your room. If you don’t feel like decluttering your closet, you could also organize your room. It’s also a good time to get that organizer you’ve been eyeing for a while.
82. Paint. Even if you’re not a painter, this could still be a great me time idea at home because you can let out some built up emotions creatively and constructively.
83. Sip and paint. If you want to spice it up, you could do a sip and paint at home or in a class!
84. Color. You could literally just doodle with crayons (like old times) or use coloring books. This is always a nice cheap way to unwind.
85. Garden
86. Do a chore you’ve been putting off. Any chore that you’ve been putting off + some music can serve as one of the best me time ideas at home.
87. Do a home improvement project. This could be a new home improvement project or one that you’ve been meaning to get to. It’s a great way to submerge yourself into an activity and cross something off your to-do list at the same time.
88. Make a new tea. If you’re a tea drinker, try switching it up and making a new type of tea for yourself.
89. Give yourself a facial
90. Do yoga
91. Knit. I don’t actually knit but it looks so relaxing and fun. You can learn something new, strengthen your motor skills, and get a cute hat at the end of it!
92. Crochet. If you don’t want to knit then you could crochet. It’s like knitting but instead of using two knitting needles, you use a single crochet hook.
Now past that, I don’t know the other differences, although, I’m sure there are more differences than that. If you know the difference, comment down below to let me know!
93. Sew. If you don’t want to knit or crochet, then sewing is also an option!
94. Cook a nice meal. Cooking yourself or your family a delicious meal can be a great way to have some alone time because cooking tends to take a minute, requires all of your focus, and you get something good at the end!
95. Waxing. If you prefer to wax (over shaving, Nair, or laser hair removal) then this could be another good me time idea for you.
96. Exfoliate
97. Do a full skincare routine
98. Brainstorm. Brainstorm new things you want to bring into your life, new creative ideas, or morning and evening routines that will push you closer to your goals
99. Cut and file your nails. Sometimes cutting and filing your own nails can be more therapeutic than going to the nail salon, especially if you’re on a tight budget!
100. Paint your nails. And while you’re cutting and filing your nails you could also paint them afterwards. If you can never do your dominant hand good, then paint your toenails instead.
101. Take a course. Taking a course that will help you in the long run is a great way to have some me time because you’re helping both your current and future self at the same time.
What Makes Me Time, Me Time?
Literally, anything you’re doing by yourself, where you’re either having loads of fun, recharging yourself, or both.
Me time can be just about anything you want it to be.
It doesn’t need to follow a mood board, and it doesn’t have to be the same as someone else’s idea of alone time.
It’s whatever brings you joy/recharges you. Sometimes, it can be a little hard to come up with me time ideas, so it’s just easier to get a few ideas from a list.
Why Me Time Is So Important?
Because everyone needs it!
We were not meant to be on go 24/7, constantly bending over backwards and tending to other people.
At some point, we need a break.
And not just a break from our job, but a break where you can relax your shoulders for real.
It doesn’t matter who you are. Everyone deserves a break.
Having me time can help rejuvenate you, bring back your spark, avoid burnout, and even bring you better results in the work that you do (not just at your job).
How To Have Me Time In A Relationship + Kids?
Having me time as a parent and a partner in a relationship is going to be a bit more tricky than someone who is single, but it’s not impossible.
You guys are going to have to come to an agreement about when you guys can set me time.
For example, I saw a suggestion where one couple switches off every Wednesday so that they have their me time.
They have set rules that they go by, such as texting/calling only when there’s an emergency, always picking up the phone when there is a call in case there is an emergency, and being home around a certain time to keep their routine intact.
If your partner isn’t willing to compromise on this, then see if there is another alternative that works better for your guys’ schedule.
And if they’re not willing to compromise at all, I hate to say this but, you might be dealing with someone who only has their best interest at heart. Which long-term, is not going to work.
You deserve me time just like everyone else, I don’t care what anyone tells you.
If you’re dealing with someone, who only has their best interest at heart, then my best suggestion to you is to also keep your best interest at heart and come up with a game plan to shed what’s not working for you anymore.
Me Time Ideas Essentials
I know this says “essentials” but they’re not actually essential. The true essential to me time is you. As long as you have you, then you can have me time however you need at the time.
These are just things I suggest because I personally love them and they help me out tremendously!
- Sony Headphones. These Sony headphones are literally the best thing ever. They’re very comfortable, the noise cancellation is better than my old Beats (and they’re cheaper than my Beats were – my Beats were about $400 and these were less than $175), and the battery life is 35 hours!
- Heated Blanket. If you don’t have a heated blanket then you’re really missing out! They’re really the best thing invented since sliced bread, especially in the wintertime.
If you’re like me, where you have a hard time warming back up once you’re cold, you need to get on this pronto. I’ve also heard people saving money on their electricity bill because of them not having to turn the heat up as much.
- Scented Candle. Scented candles really enhance whatever mood you’re trying to set + they make your room smell good.
- Yoga Mat. Alright so this one really is just my opinion, but I think as long as you have a yoga mat you can really recharge and unwind at any time anywhere because your yoga mat literally serves as your charging station. This is the one I have.
Stretching is also known to have many great benefits.
Conclusion On Me Time Ideas
The best me time ideas are the ones that best suit you.
Don’t just aimlessly follow some random YouTube video and start doing pilates because the random YouTuber said it was a good me time idea.
If funds are tight right now, or you just simply don’t like working out, then pilates isn’t going to be for you, and that’s okay (it’s not for me either!)
Do what feels right to you, my friend.
That’s the whole point of me time. Time for yourself, doing whatever it is that brings you joy, peace, and rejuvenation.
Comment down below to let me know which me time ideas were your favorite, or if I left any off the list!
I hope you enjoyed this read. Peace!
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