You should be doing something, you know you should. But you are too tired and too bored to even lift your finger. Everyone occasionally gets bored, especially when we are at home with nowhere to be and nothing exciting to do.
Your boredom doesn’t have to be a time-waster. It can be the perfect nudge to finally check off that thing you’ve been putting off forever.
So, put away your phone and try one of these productive activities instead.
1. Blog
You’ll think me immodest by having a blog as my first point. But think about it. Starting a blog is cool. It’s your corner of the internet where you get to say what you want, when you want.
You don’t need to be a grammar perfectionist or tech genius to start. Free platforms like WordPress and Substack make it super-friendly and easy for beginners to start.
If you don’t want to share your thoughts with the world, a journal is an excellent alternative.
2. Journal
I’m always recommending journaling as a self-care technique, even on the days that you’re very busy. It’s one of the few things that gives you space to check in with yourself when the rest of the day feels like noise.
What should you write? A few things about how you feel or what you are grateful for. Some days you’ll go deep, other days it will be “I ate way too many cookies today and I regret nothing.” Both are valid.
3. Read a Book
When was the last time you read a book? Not for school or work, but for you.
The goal of reading isn’t to be productive in the traditional sense. It’s to give your brain a break from the constant scrolling and remind yourself that you can still focus on one thing at a time.
You don’t have to commit to a 500-word classic novel, unless, of course, you want to. You can begin with a short story and slowly build from there.
4. Take an Online Class
It could be anything: art, music, cooking, digital marketing, anything. With platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and even TikTok, you’ve got tons of free and relatable content.
Nothing feels good like finishing a class and thinking, ‘Hey, I actually learned something.’
5. Listen to Music
Music has this weird way of shifting your mood instantly. One minute you may be bored out of your mind, and the next you are vibing and deep in your feelings.
Some of us take music so seriously that we have playlists for different moods. And it’s one of the best motivators for work.
Let the music play in the background while you clean or work. You’d be surprised at how much you’ll accomplish.
6. Go For a Stroll
At times, the cure for boredom when at home is to simply step outside. A walk, however short, can do wonders for your mood.
When you let your body move and mind breathe, you start noticing the little things you otherwise wouldn’t have. And some of your best ideas might hit you while walking aimlessly.
You don’t need a destination. Leave your phone and let your feet wander.
7. Stretch or Yoga
Some light stretching and a few simple yoga poses may be what you need to get out of your boredom. Stretching will help your body feel less stiff and your brain more awake.
Five minutes of rolling your shoulders and taking a few deep breaths can help shake off that feeling. There are tons of beginner-friendly videos online, so you don’t need to start from zero. It’s surprisingly calming.
8. Try a 30-Minute Home Workout
Why not break a little sweat? A quick home workout may be what you need to move your body and lift your mood.
It’s okay if you have no access to a gym. You can do bodyweight exercises like pushups, lunges, and squats. YouTube has workout videos for different vibes that can guide you out.
9. Grow a Plant
Growing a plant is one of the things you should do in life. There’s something surprisingly rewarding about nurturing a little green buddy. Perhaps, it’s the sense of purpose it comes with.
Every time you water the plant, you get a small but satisfying reminder that you made something thrive.
10. Clear Your Email
Email inboxes are like drawers; overwhelming, messy, and ripe for a cleanup. Maybe this is the best time to go through all those old newsletters you never read and unsubscribe in bulk.
Tackle what’s left; reply to quick notes and delete what’s irrelevant. I once did this and left really good knowing important messages aren’t buried under hundreds of promos.
11. Catch Up With Family and Friends
Boredom may be loneliness in disguise. And what better way to deal with this than catching up with family and friends?
Scroll through your phone and look for that friend or old college roommate who always makes your day. Shoot them a voice note or quick text. Even a 5-minute check can uplift your mood and remind you that you’ve got people who care.
12. Declutter
Certainly not what most of us want to hear, but decluttering certainly helps a lot. Clutter will drain your mental energy faster than you think.
Set a timer, put on some background music, and begin work. Toss out or recycle what you don’t need, wipe down surfaces, and organize your home workspace.
That little burst of tidying can make your space feel calmer and more inviting. Plus, it will inspire you to tackle bigger projects down the line.
13. Rearrange Your Furniture
You’ve had the same furniture setup since God knows when. It’s definitely time for a change. Revamping your space, even just a little, can make everything feel new again– something like a mini makeover.
Move your bed to a different wall and shift your desk closer to a window. No need to buy anything new, simply work with what you have. It will refresh your mind and give you a new perspective, literally.
14. Learn a New Recipe
The kitchen is a good place to kill your boredom. Trying a new recipe is fun, and you get to eat your results. Don’t worry about being perfect; part of the magic is in the mess.
While at it, you can meal prep for the coming week. It will save you the hassle of deciding what to eat.
15. DIY Project
If you are like me, you see things on Pinterest and think, ‘I could totally make that.’ Guess what, now’s the perfect chance. Use your boredom as a confidence booster to mix creativity and problem-solving.
It could be something as simple as upcycling an old jar or more complex, like building a wardrobe. With a bit of curiosity and YouTube to guide you through, anything is possible.
16. Watch a Movie or Documentary
When not getting your hands dirty, a good story will do an amazing job of snapping you out of boredom. Movies offer these escapes, regardless of your mood. There is something to make you laugh, cry, or completely blow your mind.
And if you are looking for something to feed your brain, try a documentary. It will teach and entertain you simultaneously. If you are solo, the better. You get full control of the remote and snacks.
17. Guided Meditation
Boredom can be the result of stress or restlessness. If it is, try guided meditation. It will calm the noise in your head and bring you back to the present. Even ten minutes of stillness and deep breathing can make a big difference in how you feel.
18. Prep Your Outfits
Boredom can be a great excuse to go through your closet and plan a few go-to outfits for the week. Go through your clothes and match pieces you haven’t worn in a while.
You may come up with new combos that make getting dressed feel exciting again. Plus, it’s one less thing to think about on busy mornings.
19. Schedule Health Checkups
Take care of the adult stuff you’ve been putting off, like a dental visit and booking your annual checkup. It takes a few minutes and gives you the feeling of being a responsible adult.
While you’re at it, consider donating blood. It’s one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to help others. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. It’s a small act with a huge ripple effect.
20. Volunteer
Kindness is the rent we pay for being on Earth. Take an afternoon to do good for the community. Volunteer at a children’s home or animal shelter. You could also do something small, like running errands for an elderly neighbor.
Volunteering does more than pass the time. It makes the time feel meaningful.
Opportunity in Disguise
Boredom doesn’t have to be the enemy. It can be a signal to wake up and try something different. The next time you find yourself bored, try something on this list. You’ll not just pass time, you’ll enjoy it. Or even better, you may create something with your hands.
