Let’s face it: in a world that seems to move at breakneck speed, some of us find a special kind of peace—and even joy—in doing things alone.
And if you’re one of those folks who not only tolerates but actually savors solo pursuits, there’s a good chance your emotional maturity runs deeper than most.
Why? Because enjoying time by yourself is often a sign you’re comfortable with your own thoughts, content in your own skin, and unafraid to take on the challenges that arise when no one else is around to help or distract you.
I’ve been around a while—had my fair share of hectic days raising kids, working an office job, and juggling life’s usual demands.
These days, I’ve found that I learn just as much about myself during a solo walk as I do in a bustling family gathering.
There’s something powerful about choosing to do an activity alone and finding genuine fulfillment in it, without fear of missing out or needing others to validate the experience.
Below, I’d like to share eight of the most common solo activities that, in my experience, reflect a strong sense of self-awareness and emotional maturity. Let’s dive in.
1. Going for long, reflective walks
Have you ever taken a walk without any particular destination, just wandering around the neighborhood or a local park with your thoughts?
I’m a big fan of doing exactly that—often in the company of my dog, Lottie, but sometimes just on my own.
Walking alone gives you that precious headspace to process emotions, plan the day, or simply decompress.
If you genuinely relish these quiet strolls, chances are you’re at peace with your own company.
After all, walking without the chatter of companions or the distraction of a podcast can bring up all sorts of reflections—memories, worries, little bursts of inspiration.
It takes emotional maturity to stay present with those thoughts and not hurry to distract yourself.
And hey, there’s some solid science backing this up.
Studies from the American Heart Association suggest that spending time in nature—particularly during solo walks—can lower stress levels, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall emotional well-being.
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That’s a pretty good reason to lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement or trail, isn’t it?
2. Reading to expand your mind
Avid readers often turn to books as a source of comfort, knowledge, and even entertainment when they’re alone.
I’ve spent countless afternoons curled up in a cozy chair with an old hardcover—sometimes history, sometimes personal development, and occasionally just a good mystery.
If you can immerse yourself in reading without feeling compelled to share every highlight or insight on social media, it’s likely you’re comfortable engaging with your own thoughts.
And here’s a fun tidbit: Winston Churchill was known for his love of reading and writing, and he famously said, “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.”
When you read alone, you’re quietly shaping your perspective—learning from great thinkers, challenging your own beliefs, and forming opinions that come from a deep, internal place rather than from external chatter.
As I covered in a previous post, reading isn’t just about knowledge; it’s also a chance to understand yourself better.
When we read, we’re effectively holding a mirror up to our own mindsets and biases, allowing room for growth and self-discovery.
And that’s a hallmark of emotional maturity: actively seeking to grow, even when no one is looking over your shoulder.
3. Enjoying a meal or coffee date with yourself
Have you ever gone to a café or restaurant alone without feeling awkward? Believe me, I used to think dining solo was something to avoid—it felt too strange or too quiet.
But over the years, I’ve learned that it can be delightfully liberating to savor a cup of coffee or a meal by yourself.
Why does this show emotional maturity? Because dining alone takes self-assurance.
You’re not constantly glancing at your phone to avoid eye contact, nor are you compelled to make small talk just to fill the silence. Instead, you’re content to watch the world go by, let your mind wander, or even strike up the occasional friendly chat with a passing stranger if you feel like it.
A little tip: if the idea of eating alone still makes you uneasy, try it in a relaxed environment first, like a quiet café or a familiar diner.
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Dip your toe in the water. You might be surprised how empowering it feels to confidently enjoy your own company over a latte and a good book—or simply your own thoughts.
4. Journaling or keeping a personal diary
On more than one occasion, I’ve leaned on a notebook to sort out what’s bouncing around in my head.
If you also love to journal, you’re probably aware of how therapeutic it can be.
Writing about your day, frustrations, goals, or random musings can act as a mental and emotional release valve.
Being willing to confront your innermost thoughts on paper—and do it consistently—takes courage.
It suggests you’re not afraid to face uncomfortable emotions or reflect on your actions.
You see, journaling forces you to reckon with whatever’s on your mind. You can’t escape yourself in those pages.
Instead, you’re choosing to be emotionally transparent—even if it’s only for your eyes.
As Brené Brown has noted, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.”
And, in many ways, journaling is a form of vulnerability you practice with yourself.
You’re honest about your day, your shortcomings, your hopes, and your fears.
That honesty, practiced regularly, indicates a level of self-awareness and maturity that helps you grow over time.
5. Spending time in creative expression
Whether it’s painting, knitting, woodworking, or even building elaborate models, creative hobbies that you do by yourself can be a real sign of emotional depth.
I know plenty of folks who take immense joy in activities like painting landscapes in their garage or practicing guitar riffs late at night, simply because it soothes their soul and sparks their imagination.
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Creating something from scratch—without the praise or feedback of others—shows an intrinsic drive.
It means your motivation isn’t solely dependent on how many “likes” you get or if someone applauds your efforts.
You’re doing it because you find fulfillment in the process, which is a strong indicator that you know how to seek joy independently.
In fact, the philosopher Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
When you engage in a creative solo pursuit, you’re channeling your thoughts into something tangible.
That focus and self-sufficiency often point to emotional resilience—you’re using your alone time to produce, reflect, and explore.
6. Traveling solo (even if it’s just a quick getaway)
I’ll admit, the first time I traveled alone—really alone—I was a bit nervous.
It was just a weekend trip to a nearby city, but there’s a certain vulnerability in navigating unfamiliar streets with no one else to lean on.
If you’ve felt that same flutter of excitement and still jumped in headfirst, you likely have a healthy level of self-trust.
Solo travel isn’t just about going off on grand adventures. It can be as simple as taking a day trip to a local museum or park, exploring at your own pace, and making decisions based solely on what you want to do.
This kind of autonomy—where you don’t need constant companionship or external validation—often indicates you’re comfortable in your own skin and open to learning from new experiences, even if there’s no friend or family member by your side.
According to a survey by the Global Wellness Institute, people who participate in solo travel often report higher levels of personal growth and self-discovery.
Facing challenges like figuring out directions or dealing with minor setbacks on your own can boost confidence and resilience—two traits that overlap nicely with emotional maturity.
7. Practicing mindfulness or meditation on your own
In this always-connected era, carving out time for silence can feel like a revolutionary act.
If you’ve found you actually enjoy sitting in stillness—whether through structured meditation or just a quiet moment to yourself—it’s a telling sign you’re at peace with who you are.
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I’m the first to admit I don’t know everything, but I do know that when I give myself a few minutes to breathe, close my eyes, and just observe my thoughts, I feel more grounded.
Meditation or mindfulness doesn’t have to be fancy, either.
It could be as simple as sitting in your living room and focusing on your breath for five minutes.
If you find that you look forward to these moments of solitude, you’re probably someone who values introspection.
You recognize that self-regulation and emotional balance often come from within, not from external sources.
And while meditation is scientifically linked to reduced stress and increased well-being, at heart it’s about building a better relationship with yourself.
8. Working on personal projects without anyone pushing you
Last but perhaps most importantly, do you have a personal project you’ve been quietly chipping away at?
Something you do just for you, without a boss or family member nudging you along?
If so, you might be more self-driven than the average person, and that’s a sure sign of emotional maturity.
Let’s say you’re learning a new language through online courses, or maybe you’re perfecting your bread-baking technique.
The key here is that you’re not waiting for external deadlines or gold stars.
You have an inner compass directing you—a curiosity or passion that motivates you to keep going.
That kind of self-starting attitude often stems from knowing yourself, setting your own goals, and valuing growth for its own sake.
Bill Gates once remarked, “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”
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This is especially true when you’re working on personal goals independently; small steps add up over time.
If you’re someone who embraces that process, you’re more likely to enjoy your own company and trust yourself enough to stay on track.
A brief wrap-up
Here at GE Editing, we’re big fans of anything that fosters personal growth and self-reflection—and it doesn’t get much more reflective than genuinely enjoying your own company.
If you gravitate toward these eight solo activities, chances are you’ve developed the kind of emotional maturity that others might still be working on.
But remember, emotional maturity isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong process.
Each time you choose to read a book instead of mindlessly scrolling your phone, take a stroll instead of hiding from your thoughts, or stick with a personal project rather than waiting for approval, you’re refining your ability to handle life’s inevitable ups and downs.
So my question for you is this: which of these activities resonates with you the most right now, and how can you dig even deeper into it?
You just might discover that the greatest conversations, the most profound insights, and the bravest decisions can happen when you’re your own best company.
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