25 Ways to Fight Boredom Right Now
Are you on the hunt for things to do when you’re bored?
With everything going on in the world right now, it’s probably been at least a few months since any of us have been able to do some of our favorite activities. Is it fair to say that you’ve done all the baking, arts and crafts, and reading you are capable of?
If this sounds familiar, and you’ve done it all, even planted your own indoor veggie garden in egg cartons – it’s time for some new ideas! Here are 25 ways to keep you busy for the time being that you can start on right now!
25 Things to do When You’re Bored
1. Head out for a walk
While this doesn’t exactly scream “fun things to do when you’re bored,” going for a walk isn’t a bad daily routine to start. And you can absolutely make it fun! Add a podcast into the mix or an audiobook.
Strut to your favorite playlist or find something that works to make those walks exciting - it’s possible!
2. Learn a new language
The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. Since this isn’t entirely possible right now, you can alter it and do this at home. Use an app to get a basic grip on a language, then start watching movies in that language (we’re serious).
See how far you get! What will you be able to say when this pandemic is over?
3. Make your home into your new favorite spa
Order that face mask set. Go for that new scent of bubble bath. Clean and deck out your bathroom for a spa day, and go the whole nine yards by adding plants, an air diffuser, a bathtub shelf - whatever works to help you relax.
Pampering is what it’s all about!
4. Make a list of your favorite childhood movies, then watch them!
Staying inside got you down?
Find some comfort from your past and start by listing your favorite movies from your childhood. Check in with your family to see if you can remember all of them! Choose your favorites and go ahead, binge them. It’ll be a nice blast from your past and is a great way to pass the time!
5. Plan your future dream vacation – or even just a virtual one
With vacations on hold, for the time being, you can still semi-plan one. Look up cool hotels or unique Airbnb options. Do your research on the towns or cities, or countries you want to visit. You can even take this a step further and do a virtual vacation with your S.O. or your family!
Map out your virtual vacation, then create the recipes, do the activities, and watch the views all from the comfort of your own home.
6. Define your career path
Not happy in your current job? It’s time to make a game plan.
What’s your ideal career? What do you need to get there? Start working toward that! You likely have more time now than you ever will. Take the time to revamp your resume, cover letter, and Linkedin page - or look into taking a few online courses to beef up your experience.
7. Start journaling
If you’re feeling like the last couple of months have been a rollercoaster of emotions, you aren’t alone.
Consider taking this time to let it all out each day in your own journal. It really helps get out those pent-up feelings and might help you see themes you have been struggling with, so you can move forward.
8. Tour your own city - minus the actual tour
Depending on where you live and how much you can go outside, take a stroll in your town or city. Check out the outdoor sites (via walking) that you never get to see. Let Google be your guide and research each spot.
9. Get dressed up & do a photoshoot
Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve dressed up? Well, adding this to your list of things to do in isolation can be a lot of fun! It’s time to get dolled up, bring out your Sunday best, and make a big deal about that outfit you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Try a new hairstyle, throw on some makeup and those clothes you’ve shuffled to the back of your closet, and find a sweet spot to look your very best. Now, strike a pose!
10. Try stargazing
Most of us rarely do this. But staring up into that wide-open universe can definitely help you gain some perspective - not to mention the feelings of awe that will inevitably come when we admire the night sky.
You can even download some pretty cool apps that will show you what constellations you’re looking at.
11. Write a story or a poem
Get creative. What are you waiting for? There’s no better time than right now. Draft out that short story or use your words to create a rhythmic flow of words and phrases.
12. Learn origami
YouTube won’t let you down on this one.
Learning origami isn’t that hard. You only need a few hours to learn how to do it properly. You can’t deny that there is a serious level of satisfaction from making swans and other creatures from a simple piece of paper!
13. Take a class
Have you been putting off doing an online course? Again, now’s the time. Get to it! There are endless types of classes to choose from, including psychology, the Arts, computer science, how-tos, and more!
14. Catch up with old friends
Plan an online game night or just a group wine-drinking! It’s a great way to reconnect and spend a Friday night with your favorite people. You can use all kinds of apps to video chat and see those faces you miss, including Whatsapp, Zoom, and Skype.
15. Sing & dance
Pssst. No one’s watching! And this feels oh-so-good, especially if you live alone. Singing and dancing are empowering and just plain fun. Make your home karaoke playlist and get your groove on to your favorite beats to watch your mood soar.
16. Create a vision board
What do you want your life to look like? Take this time and design a vision board featuring your hopes and dreams.
17. Read a self-help book or two
Work on improving your faults - we’ve all got ‘em! A few self-help books can help you open your eyes to where you might be falling short. From there, you can work on being a better version of the already fabulous you.
18. Learn to meditate
A couple of minutes a day is all you need to learn to meditate - or at least, develop a habit of daily meditation. Meditating is hard, but it does get easier with practice. Try one of our free guided meditations now!
19. Declutter
Take a page out of Marie Kondo’s book. It’s time to clean out the house and home! A life of the organization and even minimalism can take a whole lot of stress off your shoulders. Less stuff can mean less to worry about.
20. Nail down that sleep routine
Start sticking to a proper sleep routine. It’ll feel good - trust us.
Read this next: 5 Sleepy Tips to Wind-Down Before Bed for Your Best Sleep Yet
21. Write a letter to your future self
This is a fun one - and something that’s not a bad idea to do every 5 or 10 years.
It can be pretty cool to see how far you’ve come in that timeframe. What do you want to say to yourself in 5 or 10 years from now? Write it down. It’s like writing a letter to your best friend (aka you!).
22. Change a bad habit
Do you bite your nails? Do you have a bad habit of snacking late at night? You’ve got the time and hopefully energy to focus here. Put post-it notes around your house for this one if you need to—set timers.
It’s the right time to say goodbye to bad habits and hello to new and improved ones!
23. Start a side hustle
With unemployment rates still high, starting another stream of income is one of the best ways you can spend your time right now. Like writing? Start freelancing! Do you enjoy painting? Try selling yours.
Find your “thing,” and make some extra money on the side.
24. Research everything & anything on your latest interest
Why not? It’s a great time to dive into a new theory you’ve heard about, an exercise regime, a musical genre, or the history of a city or country. Fully understanding a concept can give you much to ponder on, write about and bring up in conversation.
25. Just plain ol’ learn something new!
Take up any new hobby you’ve been putting off or branch out of your comfort zone. Consider this downtime a useful space to engage in the things you’ve been putting off or missing!
Fight That Boredom!
Don’t let yourself fall into a state of perpetual boredom.
Instead, fight it off by constantly finding things to do – like our list of these 25 things above. We’re all in this together, and everything is temporary, but finding new ways to challenge yourself and keep active – mentally, physically, and spiritually – can have a positive impact that can last your whole life!
Use this time to your advantage. Do the things you’ve been procrastinating about. You’ll feel that much better about yourself and the world when you do.
Want more ideas to tackle boredom? Check out these hobbies.
