While most of us miss being able to get together with larger groups and take part in social activities, having some more time to yourself isn’t all bad. It provides the opportunity to pick up some solo hobbies that you might really take to. Here are eight suggestions to try if you are looking for something fun and new to pass the time.

Painting

If you’ve been itching to express your creative side, then why not try your hand at painting? Even if you’ve never done it before, anyone can pick up a paintbrush and get started. A good place to begin is with acrylic paints, primed canvas panels, and a synthetic-bristle paintbrush about an inch wide.

Cooking

Cooking is a valuable skill with a lot of perks. Not only will you likely save money by eating out less, but you will be able to treat your friends and family and even impress dates. If you have some extra time at home, why not use it to learn some new recipes and cooking techniques?

Gardening

Grow some fresh ingredients for your new cooking hobby by cultivating your own little garden. Whether you have a nice big outdoor space in which to plant or just a sunny window sill for a small herb garden, there is always something you can grow at home.

Photography

Photography is one of the easiest hobbies to get into because chances are that the camera on your smartphone is never too far from your hand. You can learn many photography basics and tricks with just your smartphone camera and upgrade your setup later if it is a hobby you really take a liking to.

Puzzles

Building puzzles has always been a popular pastime. Puzzles aren’t just entertaining–they can give you a cognitive boost as well by improving your visual-spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. Completing a puzzle can also feel very rewarding.

In addition to jigsaw puzzles, you might like other types of puzzles such as crosswords, sudoku, and nonograms.

Needlework

Needlework offers a great combination of technicality and creativity. Learning skills like sewing, weaving, knitting, and crocheting presents a fun challenge at the outset and limitless opportunities for making your own creations once you get the hang of it. You’ll be able to make handmade gifts for your friends and family as well.

Reading

Reading is the quintessential solo hobby, and most people usually say they’ve been meaning to read more. Well, here is your chance! Pick up that book you never got around to, ask your friends for recommendations, go browse an online or brick-and-mortar bookstore, or head to the library.

Music

Another hobby perfect for doing alone is learning how to play a musical instrument. Plus, no matter which instrument you are interested in playing, there are countless tutorials on YouTube that can help you get started, from videos that can teach you the basics to advanced instructionals that will take you to the next level.

Until you can get back to your more social hobbies, there are plenty of solo activities to try. They are a great option for passing some alone time, and you might also find them to be fulfilling and worthwhile pursuits in their own right.