Games That Make You Feel Less Lonely: Fun, Comfort, and Connection in Every Play
Wondering what to do when you feel lonely? These games for lonely people bring comfort, connection, and joy—perfect for solo moments.
Loneliness, much like boredom, is one of humanity’s quiet struggles. Not because being alone is bad—but because many of us have never learned how to be alone.
We’re so accustomed to the hum of company, the noise of conversation, and the safety of familiar faces, that the absence of it can feel unsettling. Without people around, we sometimes forget how to enjoy our own presence.
The truth is, learning to be alone is essential for emotional health. If we don’t, loneliness can chip away at our self-esteem, our confidence, and our mental wellbeing.
The question of what to do when you feel lonely shouldn’t be a source of anxiety—it should be an invitation. When we fill that space with activities we truly enjoy on our own, they transform from mere distractions into treasured rituals we look forward to.
15 Indoor Activities: Things to Do If You Feel Lonely
There are days when meeting up with people or heading out just doesn’t feel right. Maybe you’re tired, maybe you’re anxious, or maybe you just want to be home.
And that’s okay. The key is knowing how to use that time in ways that feed, rather than drain, your spirit.
When the quiet starts to feel heavy, try activities that fill the space with creativity, joy, or self-care. These moments can help you turn solitude into something soft, warm, and deeply restorative.
1.Play online card games
Solitaire with a story blends strategy, light narrative, and gentle character interactions to create a comforting sense of connection.
The steady challenge keeps the mind engaged, while in-game dialogue offers quiet companionship.
This mix of focus, purpose, and soft social cues makes it one of the best games for lonely people—turning solitude into something warm and shared, even virtually.
2. Start a puzzle
Engaging your mind with puzzles replaces background noise with rewarding problem-solving and keeps the brain sharp. Regular mental challenges like these boost focus, memory, and cognitive agility—essential for long-term brain health.
3. Bake something new
Your kitchen fills with warmth, aroma, and a sense of accomplishment.
4. Rearrange your room
Small changes can refresh both your environment and your mood, giving you a mental reset. Even tiny adjustments can spark new energy and boost creativity.
5. Write a letter to yourself
Reflect and encourage yourself like you would a friend.
6. Listen to a new podcast
Feel engaged with voices and ideas that spark curiosity, making even a short break feel enriching.
Listening to thought-provoking content keeps your brain active and can introduce fresh perspectives that re-energize your workday.
A great choice is The Daily Stoic podcast, which offers quick, insightful reflections perfect for re-centering your mindset in just a few minutes.
7. Create a vision board
Focus on future dreams and shift your perspective to possibility.
8. Watch a comfort movie
Let nostalgia wrap around you like a blanket, with comforting classics that feel like old friends.
Think The Princess Bride for whimsy, You’ve Got Mail for cozy romance, or Back to the Future for timeless fun.
These familiar worlds can lift your mood, soothe loneliness, and make even the quietest nights feel special.
9. Practice yoga or stretching
Take 30 minutes to reset and reconnect with your body and breath through a full-body beginner yoga flow.
This session begins with foundational breathing exercises and gradually transitions into mindful movements and gentle postures designed to improve flexibility, strength, and mental clarity.
It’s a slow, calming sequence perfect for creating a moment of calm and focus in your day.
10. Read a short story or poem
Bite-sized inspiration that can warm your heart and lift your mood. Read a short story from authors like Alice Munro or Raymond Carver, or savor a poem by Mary Oliver or Pablo Neruda. These small literary escapes offer quick bursts of beauty and reflection without demanding hours of your time.
11. Organize a small space
Gain control over something tangible and visible, like tidying a drawer or organizing your desk. Small, manageable actions can restore a sense of order.
12. Do a guided meditation
Take a mindful pause with a gentle guided meditation; perfect for resetting when the world feels heavy. This 10-minute session offers soothing narration and peaceful visuals that help ease tension and bring mental clarity.
13. Paint or draw
Express feelings beyond words by painting, sketching, or creating something tactile. Let colors, textures, and shapes speak where language falls short.
14. Learn a new skill online
Keep your brain active and growing by challenging it with something new every day. Learning a language sharpens memory and problem-solving, while picking up a skill like photography boosts creativity and observation.
You could also try coding for logical thinking or baking for precision and patience. Every new skill you explore strengthens mental agility and keeps life feeling fresh.
15. Sing or play music
Fill the room with sound and energy to lift your mood instantly. Try the Feel-Good Indie Rock playlist on Spotify for an upbeat, motivating vibe.
15 Outdoor Activities to Feel Less Lonely
1.Go for a mindful walk
Notice the small details around you—the pattern in the wood grain of your desk, the sound of rain against the window, or the way light shifts in the room.
These micro-observations pull your mind into the present moment, easing stress and sharpening awareness. It’s a simple practice that turns ordinary surroundings into sources of calm and focus.
2. Visit a café
Be surrounded by people without the pressure to interact—like working in a café, sitting in a library, or visiting a park.
The gentle hum of life around you can ease loneliness while letting you stay in your own bubble. It’s a quiet reminder that connection doesn’t always require conversation.
3. Explore a museum
Immerse yourself in art or history by visiting world-class museums—either in person or through virtual tours.
Lose yourself in the Louvre’s masterpieces, wander the corridors of the British Museum, or explore the vibrant exhibits at The Met. Many museums now offer interactive online experiences, letting you zoom in on artworks or take guided audio tours from your couch.
Whether you love ancient artifacts, modern installations, or natural history, these spaces offer perspective and inspiration. A few hours surrounded by culture can make loneliness fade and curiosity bloom.
4. Go to a bookstore
Lose yourself in a good book and let the pages transport you somewhere new. Try timeless classics like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, deeply moving reads like The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, or gripping thrillers like The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
If you’re after something uplifting, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is a warm, witty choice. Whether fiction or non-fiction, reading gives you a private escape while stimulating your mind and imagination.
5. Attend a workshop
Learn something new while connecting with people who share your interests—it’s a great way to grow your skills and expand your social circle.
6. Stroll through a park
Nature has a quiet companionship that can lift your spirits without a word. A 2019 study in Scientific Reports [1] found that spending at least 120 minutes a week in natural environments significantly boosts wellbeing and reduces stress.
Whether it’s a park stroll, a forest path, or a riverside walk, immersing yourself in greenery is a gentle, restorative way to feel less alone.
7. Volunteer locally
Give your time and feel purposeful by volunteering, mentoring, or helping someone in need—it not only supports others but boosts your own sense of connection.
8. See a matinee
Enjoy the cinema with fewer crowds and a calmer atmosphere, making it easier to immerse yourself in the story. Bonus—you often get the best seats in the house.
9. Try an outdoor class
Outdoor movement not only loosens muscles and lowers stress; it boosts mental clarity and emotional balance too. Studies [2] show that yoga elevates mood, reduces anxiety, and improves both physical flexibility and cognitive focus.
A perfect blend of grounding and movement can be found in this beautiful sunrise flow that guides you through breathing and gentle stretches—ideal for easing loneliness or simply resetting your day.
10. Go to a farmer’s market
Support local growers and enjoy fresh food—it’s a win for your health, the community, and the environment, all while savoring seasonal, nutrient-rich produce.
11. Join a community group
Find regular gatherings that share your interests—it’s a great way to connect with like-minded people, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships.
12. Take photos of your city
Discover beauty you usually overlook—whether it’s the way light filters through leaves, the texture of an old building, or the colors in a quiet street. These small details can shift your perspective, calm your mind, and make even the most ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
13. Attend a local performance
Theater, music, or comedy.
14. Go for a scenic drive
Change your view and clear your mind—sometimes a small shift in scenery is enough to refresh your thoughts and spark new ideas.
15. Visit an animal shelter
Spending time with animals is uplifting, offering comfort and companionship that can instantly lift your spirits. Whether it’s walking a dog, petting a cat, or even watching fish swim, the simple connection with another living being can ease loneliness and stress. It’s a gentle reminder that care, affection, and joy often come in fur, feathers, or fins.
What to Do When You Feel Lonely at Work
Working from home can be freeing, but it can also amplify feelings of isolation. If loneliness strikes, schedule quick virtual coffee chats with colleagues or check in via instant messages. Even five minutes of casual conversation can help.
Another tip is to break up the day with personal “connection” activities—like calling a friend on your lunch break, or working in a co-working space once a week. Changing your scenery and adding small doses of interaction keeps loneliness from taking root.
Feeling Lonely and Solo Dates
A solo date is the ultimate act of self-kindness. It’s a way to remind yourself that your own company is worth celebrating. Whether it’s cooking your favorite meal, visiting a museum, or having a movie night with candles and snacks, solo dates are a warm hug to your heart.
The more you invest in these moments, the more you shift your mindset from “I’m alone” to “I’m with someone who matters—me.” Over time, they become part of your personal joy toolkit.
If I Feel Lonely, I Play Card Games
Card games have a unique magic when it comes to loneliness. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology [3] found that engaging in mentally stimulating games can reduce perceived loneliness and improve mood.
Online games add a subtle layer of connection—seeing other players, interacting with characters, and participating in a shared virtual world.
My favorite? Solitaire Home Story, where Alice is the heart of the game. She’s not just a background figure—she’s your witty, determined companion, turning every round into a shared mission. Together, you restore her charming home, solve lighthearted challenges, and navigate her whimsical world.
It feels less like playing alone and more like catching up with a friend who happens to be great at card strategy. With Alice as your sidekick, the quiet moments are filled with banter, progress, and a sense of connection that makes loneliness feel far away.
References
[1] University of Barcelona. (2019, June 27). Brain structure determines individual differences regarding music sensitivity. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190613095227.htm?
[2] Hello My Yoga. (n.d.). Benefits of yoga. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.hellomyyoga.com/blog/yoga/benefits/?
[3] Nebel, S., & Ninaus, M. (2022, February 11). Does playing apart really bring us together? Investigating the link between perceived loneliness and the use of video games during a period of social distancing. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 683842. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.683842/full?