In today’s society, it seems like we are always thrust into a world of extroverts and expected to follow suit. However, every now and then it is good to take a step back and enjoy being alone. National Hermit Day allows you to finally take the steps you need to enjoy the quiet time you need to unwind and get in touch with yourself. However, if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to being a hermit, then you might not be able to maximize the time you have together. These tips will help you get started on your hermit lifestyle, so you can finally enjoy feeling refreshed on your own.

1. Sleep
If there is one thing that most people aren’t getting enough of, it is definitely sleeping. With some much-needed alone time, you should be able to catch up on some shut-eye without feeling obligated to get out of bed for others. Even if you don’t sleep as much as you like, stay in bed in hopes that you might nod off for a little longer. The extra sleep can help your body heal while also allowing you to get rid of some of your stress. Even though the activity might not seem like much, you’ll come out of your hermit day feeling rested and ready to take on a new day. This in itself will be a gift because you never know how much you can achieve when you feel rested and your body and mind are ready to get back to work.

2. Read a Book
Most people don’t have the opportunity to leisurely read due to work, household responsibilities and being too tired to concentrate. So, you might want to grab a book that you’ve been meaning to read for your hermit day. With no one else around, you might even be able to finish the book, depending on how long it is. This can help improve the way your brain functions while also allowing you to fully relax. You’ll find diving into a book can help reduce stress by allowing your brain to shut down the things that are bothering you so that you can engross yourself in the world the book creates for you. Doing this might even give you the power to approach the problems you’re facing in a whole new way. If not, it will at least allow you to enjoy something spectacular for a few hours, which might make you want to find more time to read.

3. Private Exercise
Exercise can be a bit daunting at times, especially since we always seem to have to do it in public places like the gym. On hermit day, you might skip out on working out in public places. This means no gym and no classes. Instead, focus on working out by yourself. This will allow you to connect physical exercise with your mental health too. You might consider trying to run with music, so you can shut out the world while connecting with your every movement. Another great option is yoga. This activity is actually designed to connect your physical, mental and spiritual health. Of course, there are so many solo exercises to try out so you can feel confident about the future of your health goals even when you can’t make time to hit the gym.

4. Evaluate Your Life
Since you have time to yourself, you might find it wise to sit down and evaluate what is going on with you. There won’t be outside forces to contend with so you will be able to act on your own instincts and desires. One thing to start thinking about is your career or study goals. This can be very important even if you are happy where you are in your life. Setting goals for your job or studies can help keep things fresh and exciting. You might also plan on picking up some new habits or ditching some old ones. Since New Year’s is on its way, you’ll be able to play out your resolution early. You might also consider making a few checklists to help you along the way. The reflective period might help you leave the holiday feeling empowered and ready to take on the world, which will only help you become even more successful.

5. Dance/Sing Like No One Is Watching
A lot of people have no problem belting out their favorite songs in public or even dancing to their favorite tune. For everyone else, National Hermit day is the perfect time to get in touch with your ability to do this. Since you’ll be alone, you can feel at ease dancing and singing without the fear of judgment. Try singing along to your favorite songs in order to finally blow off some steam while having a bit of fun. You might even come up with a few of your own songs to exercise your creativity. Apart from that, dancing can be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy life. You can even make up your own moves or try to learn a dance you’ve always wanted to without the worry of embarrassment.

6. Organize
One of the best things you can do during your time away from everyone is to simply organize your things. You might start with sensitive paperwork that you might not want other people to see. From there, you can work on things like clothing and possessions you no longer want. With no one else around, you might be surprised by how many items you’re considering getting rid of. Sometimes, outside forces make us think we have to keep items, especially if they were a gift. So, by taking some alone time to go through your things, you’ll find parting with them might be easier. Plus, the process can help reduce the stress in your life, which is very important. With everything organized, cleaning will be easier, and your home will feel like you can breathe easier in it.

7. Online Shopping
The gifting season is practically here, which means its time to get in some holiday shopping. Since hermit day is all about avoiding people and enjoying some time alone, you might try some online shopping. These days, you can find just about anything online so you might even be able to treat yourself to a little something special. You might even find some early bird deals on stocking stuffers and other cool things that will help you make the holiday season amazing. You don’t just have to shop for luxury items either. Many grocery stores now offer next day delivery or pick up, so you can easily grab your groceries the day after National Hermit Day without having to deal with long lines or people. This can help cut back on your stress while allowing you to find pleasure in the shopping experience again.

8. Write
If you feel like you have too much on your plate, then you might want to break down and write. You can write whatever you please too and the mere act of writing will help you find the peace you are looking for. One option is to start a journal or catch up on one you already have. Simply writing down how you feel will allow you to truly work out any problems you may be facing or at least reduce the dress you feel because of them. Another option is to dive into some creative writing. You can easily find yourself spinning stories of faraway worlds or tales that aren’t too different from the things you’ve experienced in your life. Of course, if writing isn’t really your thing then consider making lists, diagrams or anything else that helps you write down what you’re feeling and work through any possible issues.

9. Embrace the Silence
One of the best things about being alone is you finally have the opportunity to take in a little silence. Sure, listening to music, catching up on TV shows and playing instruments can help you relax. However, every now and then it is just good to take in the silence. The silence can help you truly relax your body and mind, which is very important in today’s fast-paced and loud world. With a little silence, you might be able to clear your head entirely while meditating. You may also find that you feel refreshed after just a few moments of taking in the quiet. This can truly benefit you and is highly recommended by scientists.

10. Eat Whatever You Want
Without a doubt, one of the perks of being by yourself is you get to eat whatever you choose to eat. This can be a real perk because often we do have to consider what others might want to eat. You might also feel ashamed to give in to some of your cravings. So, on Hermit Day, you might want to channel in your most recent cravings, no matter how wacky they are. If you aren’t feeling like cooking, then you can easily use the numerous food delivery services available. Most of them won’t even think twice if you leave a special message to just place the food on your doorstep and go. So, don’t let anything stand in the way of enjoying your best meal yet.

National Hermit Day can be a time of reflection and relaxation. It can also be a great way to get in touch with yourself so you can learn more about you and your own personal needs. So, this Hermit Day, make it a point to spend time with yourself. You don’t have to become a hermit on a daily basis. By taking a day to truly reunite with yourself before the holiday season begins, you will definitely feel more satisfied with life.