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Have you been left alone because your parents have gone to work and your siblings are out? Yay, you have the house to yourself! Nonetheless, being faced with an empty house and no one to have fun with can soon lead to boredom. Don't worry, you have plenty of activities to keep yourself entertained until someone comes home, from getting your creative juices flowing to pampering yourself and getting some exercise in.
Steps
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Create fun outfits. Don't think of it as "dress up." Think of it as creating new outfits that scream "you!" Play around with your clothing, trying out different items in ways you don't normally wear them. You can even put on some music and have a mini fashion show once you get some looks you like.
- Try some new accessories, or layer clothing you don't normally layer. Add scarves, and try tying them in creative ways. You can even tie large scarves into summer shirts!
- You could also try mixing and matching clothing with a sibling or a parent. Just make sure you're not doing it without their permission. Ask them before they leave the house.
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Make jewelry. If you've got beads and things to make jewelry, haul it all out. No one's around to tell you you're making a mess or in the way. Use the internet to come up with some new designs or stick to making your own amazing creations.
- If you don't have beads already, you can make your own from magazines. Simply cut strips into long triangles, then roll them over a toothpick, gluing as you go.
- Another way to make beads is to start with a round plastic bottle with no ridges. Cut off the top and bottom, and then slit it down the side. Cut 5-inch strips of plastic in horizontal lines from the top. The width you cut is the width of the bead.
- Color on the strip with permanent marker in whatever design you want. Use needle-nose pliers (pliers with a skinny tip) to grab one end of the strip, and then wrap the strip around itself, creating a bead shape. Trap the other end with the needle-nose pliers, and then heat up the bead with a hair dryer on hot, turning the bead to heat the whole thing.
- Be careful, the bead will be hot. You can use another pair of pliers to turn it or wait until it cools. Once the bead is sealed, it's done. [1] X Research source
- Just be sure to clean up the mess before your parents get home!
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Create crafts from paper. If you've got glue or tape, paper, markers, and scissors, you can create an unlimited number of crafty things. Try making a card for a friend, or creating a scrapbook page with printed out photos. You could also make bookmarks or try your hand at origami.
- To make a simple card, fold a piece of card stock or brightly colored paper in half. Decorate the front with drawings, or cut out shapes in other colors. Glue or tape them on to create a design.
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Create a basic science experiment. Science can be fun, especially when you use things you already have around your house. You can find any number of experiments on the internet to try at home, and you won't even realize you're learning something interesting about the world.
- For instance, try making a hoop glider. You'll need an index card or some other type of stiff paper, as well as a straight straw and some tape. Cut the card into 3 pieces. Each piece should be an inch long by 5 inches long. Curl the first strip into a loop, overlapping the edges. Tape it together. Make a larger loop with the other two pieces, by overlapping the edges and taping them together.
- Tape the small loop on one end the straw, with the straw inside the loop. Tape the other loop on the other end, once again with the straw inside the loop. Hold the straw at the bottom with the loops up, and toss it across the room like a paper airplane. [2] X Research source
- To get into the experimental mood, try other configurations. Will a stir stick work as well as a straw? What about different size loops? What if you move the hoops around on the straw? What happens?
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Write a story or poem. If you've never tried your hand at writing much, now's as good a time as any to try. If you don't know where to get started, think about some of your favorite stories. What do you like about them? Maybe the story has a great main character or the plot is really interesting and action-packed. If you know what kind of stories you like, it can help you when you start writing.
- For poems, try a descriptive poem. Think about a really good memory. What made it good? Use all your senses to describe the day. Also, don't be afraid to use similes or metaphors.
- Similes and metaphors are when you describe one thing by comparing it to something else that is seemingly different on the outside. Similes use "like" or "as," while metaphors don't. For instance, if you wanted to describe the sun, you could say, "The sun was like a giant yolk in the sky," which is a simile comparing the sun to an egg yolk. A metaphor would be "The sun was a giant yolk in the sky," since it doesn't use "like" or "as."
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Quiz
wikiHow Quiz: What Should I Do?
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Make a facial scrub. All you need for a facial scrub is some cooking oil, sugar, and a bit of salt. Olive oil is a good choice, but coconut oil would work fine if you melt it in the microwave a little. Sea salt is also better than regular salt. Mix a tablespoon or two with enough sugar and a dash or two of salt to make thick concoction.
- If you heat the coconut oil, make sure to test it first so you don't put hot oil on your face. Use a pinky to test it.
- To use the facial scrub, rub it on your face in gentle circles, avoiding your eyes.
- Don't rub for longer than a minute or two, as you don't want to take too much skin off. When you're done, simply wash it off.
- Making face masks can also be a fun thing to do!
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Give yourself a pedicure or manicure. You could also spend some time giving yourself a fun new color on your nails. You can do it up right by soaking your hands and feet first and cutting your nails, but you can also just skip to the painting. Pick out a fun color and go at it. You can also look up fun nail designs on the internet to try yourself. [3] X Research source
- Make sure you don't make a mess. Nail polish can be difficult to remove from surfaces, especially once it dries. Wipe up any spills right away.
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Take a long bath. Another way to pamper yourself is to take a long bath by yourself with some nice music on. You could also put on an audio book. The point is to choose something that you find relaxing and enjoyable, and then let yourself soak in the warmth. Pick a candle in a soothing scent like lavender or jasmine or even use bath salts in one of those scents. [4] X Research source You can also just pick a scent you enjoy.
- Add in some bubble bath for extra fun.
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Play with your hair. Spend some time trying some new tricks with your hair. Try a fun updo, or create some crazy curls with your curling iron. Messing around with your hair can be silly and fun, plus you may find a new hairdo that rocks your world. [5] X Research source
- Try a French braid if you've never done one. Gather a small portion of your hair at the top of your head. Divide it into 3 equal parts. Pull the right piece over the middle piece, making it the middle piece. Then pull the left one over the middle piece, making it the middle piece.
- Now, add a little bit of your loose hair to each of the sections. For instance, gather a bit of hair starting near you left ear, and pull it into the left section. Pull from the middle for the middle section, and the right for the right section. Make sure you're gathering hair evenly.
- Repeat the process, braiding and adding hair until you reach your neck, where you should add any remaining hair and continue braiding. Use a hair tie to hold it together.
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Have a solo dance party. When you're home alone, no one's around to be bothered by your music. Take the opportunity to turn it up loud (but not loud enough to disturb any neighbors), and dance your heart away. Try copying some of your favorite celebrity's dance moves or make up your own.
- You could also get out a video dance game since no one will be around to laugh at your moves.
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Try yoga. If you've never done yoga, try looking up a few moves to try on your own. You don't want to start with anything too complicated. Stick to some basic, so it'll be easy to learn and you won't hurt yourself. You can look up videos of how to do basic moves on the internet. [6] X Research source
- Try a standing forward fold. Place your feet about shoulder-width. Place your arms folded over the top of your head, with each hand grabbing the other arm near the elbow. Bend over at the waist, going as far forward as you feel comfortable doing. Hold the position for a minute or two before moving on to another one. You can bend your knees a little if it helps. [7] X Research source
- Move into downward-facing dog. You can easily move from a standing forward fold to downward-facing dog. All you need to do is put your hands flat on the ground in front of you. Your arms should end up straight. As you move into this position, move your feet back. Your legs should also be straight. You should basically make an "A" shape with your body. Hold this position for a minute or two. [8] X Research source
- Go into warrior I pose. From downward-facing dog, step forward with your right leg, bringing it between your arms. Turn your left leg in a bit as you lift your torso up until it is straight above your legs. Push your hands into the air above your head, reaching up. [9] X Research source
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Try learning a jump-rope routine. You may think jumping rope is just for kids, but it can be a lot of fun even for teenagers like yourself. You just have to make it a little harder for yourself then you did when you were a kid. Also, it will really get your heart pumping, and it's fun to jump in rhythm to an upbeat song.
- Once you get a rhythm going, trying jumping on just one foot, then switching to the other. You could also try alternating feet.
- Another option is criss-crossing. Cross your arms in front of yourself as you jump, still bringing the rope under you.
- You could also try double turning the rope. That is, jump higher, and try to get the rope under you twice.
- Make sure you have enough room when jumping, as you need a lot of space. Also, be careful, as whipping the rope around can cause hurt if it hits your skin.
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Challenge yourself to a plank contest. Planking is all the rage now. You've probably challenged your friends to planking contests. It can be just as fun to challenge yourself to a contest. Get into a plank, and time your plank. Next time around, try to beat your time by holding it for longer.
- To plank, lay flat on the floor, face-down. Raise your body above the floor, with your feet in a push-up position. Rest your upper body on your forearms.
- To do a proper plank, keep your body as straight as possible. Lifting your middle up makes it easier, but it's not a true plank. However, don't worry if you need to start with an easier position. You can always work into a harder plank later.
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Watch something fun. Pick out some of your favorite movies, and gather up some snacks. Get comfy on the couch, and settle in to watch your movies. As a bonus, no one's around to interrupt or ask you to turn them off. You can watch what you want, as long as you want.
- Another option is to try a new (to you) show. Streaming services like Amazon and Netflix have shows that teens loved in the 1980s and 1990s, and now you can view them anytime. While you may find them a little cheesy, you'll get a fun glimpse at another time. If your family has a subscription, all you have to do is pick a show and go. [10] X Research source
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Waste time on the internet or your phone. When your parents are home, they probably want you to limit your screen time. However, when you're home alone, you can do what you want. Of course, you still don't want to visit websites your parents wouldn't like, but watching music videos, taking silly quizzes, and browsing your favorite stores are all game. [11] X Research source
- For instance, play word games with your friends or try quizzes on sites like Buzzfeed. You could play games on the Cartoon Network's website ( http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/games/index.html ) or National Geographic's website ( http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/ ).
- You could also visit national sites where you could explore history and science, such as the Library of Congress' digital collections ( https://www.loc.gov/collections/ ), NASA's section for students ( http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/index.html ), or the Smithsonian's digital collections ( http://www.si.edu/Collections ).
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Curl up with a book. With the house empty, no one is around to make noise, which is the perfect opportunity to curl up with a good book. Pick something you love, and find a comfy corner. Grab your favorite soda or tea, and get started reading. [12] X Research source
- If you don't have anything in the house you want to read, try connecting to your local library online. Often, you can check out ebooks through your library with your library card, and then read them on your favorite device.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can you not feel lonely when you are home alone?Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.Being alone can be difficult but it can also be a really healing time. Finding something that you enjoy doing and that brings you happiness can make a world of difference between a lonely night at home or a relaxing time rejuvenating your inner self. Make sure to do diverse activities. Isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression all go hand-in-hand. It’s important to disrupt the cycle of negativity when thinking about being alone in order to appreciate the time you have to regroup. Make it a choice to be alone, something to look forward to. Create a list of the things that you enjoy doing and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. Incorporate the things that make you feel good (rated an 8-10 on your scale) into your alone time.
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QuestionWhat if something happens, and you don't have any numbers to call.Community AnswerIf it's an emergency, dial 911. Someone will help you with your problem. However, only call if it's a true emergency, such as you are in danger (from another person) or you cut yourself and you can't stop bleeding. Otherwise, try to find a number online or in the phone book where you could reach your parents. Where did your parents say they were going? If it's a store or restaurant, you can call the store and have them page your parents. If it's their workplace, try to find a number for where they work and ask for them if someone else picks up.
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QuestionWhat if someone tries to come into your house?Isabella ForemanCommunity AnswerCall 911. If it is a burglar, you need to stay quiet and find a hiding place until help comes.
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Tips
- Don't forget to clean up any mess you make before your parents get home.Thanks
- If you really want to impress your parents, try doing some chores before they get home.Thanks
- If you did something wrong, such as break a vase, when your mom comes home, tell her and apologize.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Text parents occasional updates on what you're up to and invite questions. The transparency helps them feel comfortable leaving you alone.
- Set a phone alarm reminding you when parents or siblings will return home. It's easy to lose track of time when you're having solo fun.
- Make sure to clean up any messes from your at-home fun before your parents come home. They'll appreciate you keeping things tidy.
- Ask permission before doing things like rearranging furniture or using supplies that don't belong to you. It shows consideration.
- Spend at least some of your alone time productively on responsibilities like homework. It makes the fun time feel more earned.
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Warnings
- Don't try anything too dangerous while home alone by yourself. If you've never cooked before, you probably shouldn't try while you're home by yourself.Thanks
- Be sure to keep the doors and windows locked. Also, don't open the door to someone you don't know.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy7HCTZiOLQ
- ↑ https://sciencebob.com/the-incredible-hoop-glider/
- ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/life/g1053/fun-things-to-do-in-the-summer/?slide=1
- ↑ http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/02/25/aromatherapy-9-best-essential-oils-for-anxiety-and-stress/
- ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/life/g1053/fun-things-to-do-in-the-summer/?slide=13
- ↑ http://www.safeteens.org/nutrition-exercise/exercise-fitness/
- ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/easy-yoga-workout
- ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/easy-yoga-workout#2
- ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/easy-yoga-workout#2
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Reader Success Stories
- "The yoga and dancing helped me the most because it helps me get fit and active while having fun. Normally, I don't dance in front of other people because I don't dance very well, but when I'm home alone, it is awesome. Thanks for this suggestion!" ..." more
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"The yoga and dancing helped me the most because it helps me get fit and active while having fun. Normally, I don't dance in front of other people because I don't dance very well, but when I'm home alone, it is awesome. Thanks for this suggestion!"
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"I really like paper craft and scrapbooking and other stuff. I had a lot of paper left and didn't know what to do with it, so I looked for things to do and came across the page. It's really helpful and cool. "
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"I liked the fact they described everything in detail. Writing a poem and trying out different clothes seems like a good idea."
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"Since I am the more creative person in our family, I like the creating part. Thanks!"
"I have 2 days home alone, and this was quite helpful."
