National Hermit Day

National Hermit Day is observed annually on October 29. This day gives everyone permission to embrace a little solitude, reflect quietly, and appreciate the value of stepping back from the whirlwind of everyday life.

History of National Hermit Day

The exact origins of National Hermit Day are unclear, but the observance has been recorded on calendars for several decades. It is sometimes linked to the feast day of Saint Colman mac Duagh, an Irish hermit-saint who lived in solitude in the 6th century, which falls near this date—suggesting the day may have been chosen to honour the tradition of hermitage.
Over time the day has become less about literal hermits living in caves, and more about giving anyone the chance to unplug, retreat, recharge, and appreciate quiet solitude as a valuable practice in our busy world.

Why is National Hermit Day important?

In a world brimming with constant connection, notifications, and noise, National Hermit Day is a gentle reminder that stepping away can be just as meaningful as engaging. For me, it’s a chance to reflect on how solitude isn’t necessarily loneliness—it can be intentional, restorative, even transformative. Taking a day to be quiet, undisturbed, and introspective allows us to listen more deeply: to our thoughts, our surroundings, our inner state.
At the same time, it honours an often-undervalued human experience—that of stepping back from society, simplifying, and finding peace outside the usual rhythms. It prompts us to value the inner space between interactions, not just the moments of outward activity. Recognising that space means recognising ourselves as more than the sum of our outward engagements.

• It gives us permission to unplug, reflect, and rest without guilt
• It honours the tradition of solitude and its role in self-understanding
• It reminds us that being alone doesn’t mean being disconnected from meaning
• It highlights the value of quiet, internal clarity in a loud world
• It encourages us to treat time alone as an act of self-care, not avoidance

How to Celebrate National Hermit Day

Celebrating this day can be simple and deeply personal. Choose a spot where you feel detached from the buzz—maybe a quiet room, a secluded park bench, a nature trail. Turn off your phone or at least silence notifications. Let yourself do nothing for a while: read, sit, wander, write, or just look out the window. The aim isn’t productivity—it’s presence.
If you have social commitments, you might let one go or postpone it in favour of a few hours of solitude. Or transform your own space into a “hermit hideout” for the day: dim the lights, brew a warm drink, draw a blanket around you, and allow yourself to rest. Use the time to think, feel, or simply be. The key is intentional quiet—not escape.

• Spend at least one hour alone and undisturbed, without checking your phone
• Take a walk in nature without music or podcasts; just your thoughts and the air
• Read or write for pleasure rather than obligation, letting your mind wander
• Reflect on what you’ve achieved recently—not by doing, but by being
• At the end of the day, note one insight or feeling that emerged during your quiet time

National Hermit Day Dates Table