If you’re anything like me, when first reading the title to this post you chuckled and thought “how hard could that really be?” Trust me, it’s hard. This past summer, Tucker started a new job that would require him to travel for several days each week. As you know, we live together and it was very weird to be home for so long by myself. Yes, I could watch Chrisley Knows Best for hours, but I can only stare at a screen for so long. Since summer is a very long season, I had to come up with different things to do in order to keep myself entertained. That’s what I’ll be sharing with you today – let’s get started!
Cook and/or Bake
If you follow me on Insta, then you know it’s no secret that I love to cook. This summer I filled up my time trying different recipes. I use the term ‘recipes’ loosely because I use recipes to gain inspiration and/or gauge my tastes, but I rarely follow them to a T, unless the dish is rather technical. For example, in the picture above I made at-home Mexican rice. I looked at different recipes and saw that it’s basically tomatoes, onion, rice and some spices, but I just winged it when I began cooking. However, yesterday, I made pierogis from scratch. I followed this recipe to an absolute T.
(More on the blog: Recipe: Simple Broccoli Rice Bowl)
Clean and Organize (+ listen to music or podcasts)
While cleaning doesn’t sound like most fun activity you could be filling your time with, once you’re done, you’re going to feel lighter. If you don’t know what I mean by lighter, the gist is that you feeling uplifted from the clutter that once permeated through your home. Sounds pretty fancy, doesn’t it? Our last apartment was not big enough for the two of us plus Jacey, so having a clean and organized space was very important to be in order to avoid feeling claustrophobic. In order to help make the time go by faster, I would either blast early 2000’s pop and country and sing at the top of my lungs (Jacey would even join in sometimes) or I would listen to podcasts. One of my coworkers got me hooked on podcasts and I have since discovered a few pretty entertaining and interesting ones. Here are my favorites: Jenna & Julien’s podcasts, The Hidden Brain, How Stuff Works and TED Radio Hour.
Treat Yourself
In case you are seeing Jacey for the first time, here he is pictured above. He was my partner in crime throughout the summer and I would bring him everywhere that allowed him. (Check out my post on benefits of having a dog here) One of our favorite places to go: the Starbucks drive through. Don’t worry, I took this picture while parked in the parking lot next to Starbucks. When you spend a lot of time by yourself, it might seem unnecessary to treat yourself because well, it can feel like you haven’t done anything. For me, I frequently was lonely and would head to Starbucks or a local restaurant for a pick-me-up. You don’t even necessarily need to spend money. Lately, I’ve been treating myself by reading before bed rather than perusing any of my social media on my phone. If you don’t have any books on your bookshelf that you want to read, head to the library and borrow one. If you’re in college like me, check if your school has free copies of popular newspapers (this gets better, I promise). When I’m having a long day, I like to pick up a paper and turn to the crossword puzzle. There’s something incredibly satisfying about having a half-finished New York Times crossword puzzle.
There you have it! Now I want to know, how do YOU keep yourself occupied when your roommates/significant other/friends/etc are out of town for extended periods of time?
When my husband goes out of town I always clean my house from top to bottom and enjoy it! My husband is so messy so it’s nice having a clean house.
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
I’m the same way! It’s nice that we spend all this time cleaning only for them to make it dirty all over again, ha 😉
When I’m lonely, I clean, organize, sort. I also like to bake and read.
I’m always wonderfully how surprised much time organizing seems to occupy!
My boyfriend is deployed right now, so I definitely understand this! I like to spend my time reading, blogging (of course) and watching Netflix. It’s nice to have some alone time. It’s just hard when you’re missing someone so much!
I can only imagine how much you must miss your boyfriend. Activities and staying busy *read as occupied* helps, for sure.
I love all of these! I definitely like to cook and bake when I’m by myself, it’s entertaining and (usually) has great results haha!
Yes!! I loved being able to “test run” recipes for when my boyfriend came home or when my family would come to visit.
I usually clean and work when I am alone. Occasionally binge a show my s/o wouldn’t care if he missed lol.
Rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com
SO true! Haha I think I finished 2 series over the summer on Netflix.
Yes girl, yes! This is so me. Thomas works nights, and has since we first got together, so things have always been kinda lonely for me. I had to adapt big time when he stopped playing college baseball, because he started working so much, and the total opposite schedule of me. I think all of your tips are totally some of the best! Cooking and finding new shows is my favorite way to pass the time!
Yes!!! At first, I tried doing one activity for hours, but then I needed variety… in TV shows, haha!
Cooking/baking is literally my solution to everything!! So therapeutic and obviously the results are great 😉
I’m sure the results are extra tasty!
I LOVE this!! I love alone time but I also like being with people too – when I’m alone I take full advantages of face masks, wine, loud music, baking and organizing! Haha! xoxo
Yes to the face masks! I love having at-home spa nights!
Oh, I would LOVE a few days where I’m not being pulled in a million different directions! I could finally catch up on my sleep, ha!
Haha, I can only imagine. Especially since y’all are in the process of redoing your home!
haha I love this!! I usually love some alone time to bake or go shopping— or watch a lifetime movie!! xo
That sounds like fun! Movies are great!
These are some great tips! I completely agree about baking. That is a great creative outlet to entertain yourself with. P.S. my dod is named Jaycee…too funny 🙂
I totally agree!! Haha, that’s so cool – it’s not a common name! Every time we go to get his nails clipped the woman working would also ask, “Jason?” Like no, lady.
Love these tips! My parents are currently on a week in the Bahamas and I have house duty. Gets lonely!
I’m sure! Good luck, haha!
I’m all about treating myself…don’t have to twist my arm there!
Right though!? haha!
LOL love this post! My boyfriend is out on business rn and it gets so lonely around the house!
That’s exactly how I get some times. Then, it’s time to get creative with keeping myself entertained!
What a great post! My boyfriend is actually going out of town this weekend so I’ll be alone in the apartment; which I actually enjoy! I usually clean A LOT and catch up on my favorite shows! Haha!
Both are great options! My boyfriend just went out of town for the day and (un)lucky me, I have a lot of reading for class to do.
Cleaning and organizing while listening to podcast is my favorite thing!
Shaguna | gold&hearts
Right? At first, you wouldn’t think it could be fun, but I love doing it.
I found myself in a similar position this summer! These are all great tips!
Kristin
The Blush Blonde
Thanks for reading!
I’m the same when I get the place to myself. I looooove to clean and organize!
Right?! There’s something very soothing about having a clean, organized space.