You Don’t Have to Socialize to Be Outside

When faced with the question of staying in or going out, you often associate them with the activity of socializing. Going out always seems to mean that you’ll be participating in social activities and that shouldn’t be the case. You don’t have to make social plans to go out, being alone is actually preferable to some and a refreshing change for those who are stuck in the going out = social time behavioral cycle.

The idea of being in a public space alone can seem intimidating, especially to an introvert or homebody, but there are numerous significant benefits to taking even a short trek outdoors. Especially when it’s sunny skies—the sunlight-to-skin contact incites vitamin D production and absorption, which leads to a proven impact on health, like fighting depression, heart disease, and even cancer.

The tips below will help with breaking down the fears and hesitations associated with venturing out on your own. Giving you the courage to go beyond your limitations and growing your confidence in making decisions that aren’t weighed down by what other people think.

When you’re on a solo outing the only thing that matters is what you want.

Make a Plan for the Outing

It always helps to make a plan if you’re ever doing anything new or unfamiliar. That way you leave your house with some knowledge of what to expect. Knowing something instead of nothing at all will always be better. Try to structure your day or the outing by asking and answering certain questions, like, where you’ll be going; whether it’s indoors or outside, and how long you’ll stay there.

Taking the time to plan your outing can also hype you up. You can imagine ahead of time what you’ll see and do. You open yourself up to activities that you love the most. Whether it’s taking a hike, hanging out at your favorite coffee shop or restaurant, or something else, you’re the one calling the shots. You don’t have to cater to anyone else’s preferences or needs, only yours.

The things you cherish can give you comfort no matter where you are.

Bring Things That Make You Happy

If you wonder about what you’ll do once you’re actually out and about, you can always turn to a book, sketch or draw, listen to music, or bring along a laptop and settle in wherever you’re going. You want to enjoy your time out and that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pair being out with doing “outside activities”.

You can do the things you normally do at home, just out in the world rather than indoors. Being in a new environment can refresh the activity, even if it’s a common pastime. You’ll also reap the scientific benefits of being outdoors. Like boosting energy, eyesight, and even your immune system.

If you’re hoping to get in a new mindset or are working on a creative project, being in a new space is known to inspire new ideas and ways of thinking. You detach mentally from repetitive ways of viewing things and free your mind to consider new possibilities. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself more productive and in a better mood, just by being outside.

Know that you have every right to treat yourself.

Choose the Right Spot for You

Just like you have likes and dislikes, the places you choose to spend time in should suit your preferences. When you’ve decided where to go on an outing, you want it to be somewhere you want to go. There are a lot of places that we feel compelled to go to, not to mention places we’re required to go to sustain a normal life in society; like to work and other duties like grocery shopping or a doctor’s appointment.

You want to make the most of your independent outing by not making it a required one. You decided to go out because it’s a choice you made for your happiness or enjoyment. Maybe it’s a place you’ve been hoping to go to, a bucket list destination, or just the mom and pop shop around the corner. Wherever it might be, you’ll feel like you made a choice for your benefit.

Letting go of critical thoughts will free your mind for kinder ones.

Restrain Any Feelings of Judgement

There’s often a lot of stigma around those who choose or prefer to be alone. It’s important to disregard pressure to be around others to be seen as “normal” or to feel accepted. If you feel hesitant to stay out for too long or to go out at all without a reason to socialize.

Don’t judge yourself for wanting to be out on your own. You can have a good time whether or not you go with others. Push aside any feelings of judgment you may have and open yourself up to fully enjoying your alone time. You should never feel ashamed for making that choice and practice reassuring and encouraging others to do the same if they want to.

Being present and not letting your mind wander will allow you to enjoy your time alone.

Relax and Be in the Moment

When you’re hanging out in a group or with others, your mind and body tend to be in a different state than when you’re alone. You’re engaged and reacting to social cues and conversing, you tend to move more and be in “on mode.” In contrast, when you’re alone, you don’t have an obligation to pay attention to anyone else but yourself.

Let yourself be in the moment and appreciate the time you have to be alone, it can be precious!


Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on the latest content for introverts.


The following two tabs change content below.

Hana Othman

Hana Othman is the founder of SimpleHermit.com and identifies as an INFJ. Most days you can find her typing away or reading a book. Beyond that, she keeps busy as a dog and cat mom.