Lets take a moment to talk about the best things to do when bored.
Of course, theres a lot of scope there, so this could take a while.
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Have you ever been bored?
I mean, have you ever been BORED.
Table of Contents
First, What Does It Mean to be Bored?
We live in an age where being trapped at home has become the standard.
As a result, our homes have become not only our castles but, for many, our prisons.
The simple answer is no.
There may be many of you reading this out of curiosity wondering, how can you be bored?
Life is too hectic to be bored.
Well, that is very true.
At home, in public, in the workplace, etc.
People talk a lot about focus and motivation and other positivity-inducing points.
However, not enough time is spent discussing the effects of boredom on the soul.
That may sound deep, but dont worry, this will not be some internal evaluation of our minds.
No recollection of childhood trauma is required to read this post.
All I mean to say is that boredom is not just something that is there.
That simple shock to the system can be enough to beat back the lurking shadow of boredom.
Then, of course, you could always take it one step further and change up your regular viewing.
If youre ahorror lover, why not take a chance on a rom-com or a period drama.
You could even be one of those people who just doesnt really like TV.
Whatever the case, if youre bored at home, why notpick up a book?
Taking a walk is a fantastic way to stave off boredom.
It also gets you out in the fresh air.
There are immeasurable health benefits to getting up from behind your desk and taking a walk.
Come rain or shine, there is always somewhere to wander and something to see while doing it.
Walking is also a great way to clear your mind and work through your problems.
It is amazing how simple the world can seem after a good walk.
But, of course, youre also getting in some of those 10,000 steps each day too.
Sounds like a win-win to me.
It doesnt even have to make sense.
Just clear your mind and let the pen move over the paper.
Before you know it, you could have pages of notes and a semblance of a story.
On the other hand, you might just screw it up and throw it away.
Note that I say use a pen and paper rather than a laptop.
If fiction isnt your thing, how about just writing out a to-do list or starting a mindfulness journal.
Anything that gets keeps your mind occupied is a near-guaranteed way to stave off boredom.
The great thing about hitting the gym is the knock-on effects that it can have.
Getting in shape helps you look better, feel better, and generally be better.
This means youre less likely to feel bored during the times when youre not working out.
The days of a gym membership breaking the bank are also behind us.
They might not be the best, but its a great place to start.
After all, there is comfort in familiarity.
If flowers arent your thing, maybe growing some of your own fruits or vegetables holds some appeal.
If youre truly as bored as your mind is telling you, this could be exactly what you need.
Its also an educational experience to plant, grow, and later eat your own home-grown food.
I have a friend who lives in the middle of the city, in a small flat.
Whether you decide to go through your wardrobe and get rid of everything youve been hoarding all those years.
All of this can be tidied up, decluttered, and either discarded or donated to a worthy cause.
It reduces stress and can help you feel motivated and ready to start something new.
Its not so much the act of napping that works.
Not is it a case of saying, Im sleeping, so dont know Im bored.
Its really about the refreshing impact of the nap itself.
Rather, its a case of us lacking the enthusiasm or motivation to do these things.
That feeling of accomplishment and the knowledge that youve done it, you made the improvement.
Its has a powerful, almost intoxicating effect on the mind.
However, that could not be further from the truth.
It is perfectly possible to be surrounded by people but be bored out of your mind.
I know this from experience!
You could argue that being bored with friends is even worse.
At least when you are on your own, you just need to find something to keep you entertained.
That would be more than a little harsh and possibly result in some hurt feelings.
No, I dont mean that sort of group activity!
Lets not forget about the health benefits of getting up and active in the fresh air.
Its time to embrace your inner dungeon master and get a game going.
There is more to playing a dice-based game than many people may think.
Start yourself a podcast.
I mean, you’re able to do it for free.
You dont even need to besubject matter experts.
Just sit down together, shoot the shit, record it and see what happens.
If you record once a week, thats already one day less to be bored on.
Then you factor in pre-time and editing.
you could easily find yourself entertained for days on end just recording a single show each week.
Its ideal for a group too because everybody can play a part, both on-air and behind the scenes.
Nerf Gun
Who doesnt remember the fun of being a kid and getting a brandnew NERF gun?
Of, if you were like me, the dollar store equivalent.
You had a gun that fired foam darts at people.
Now, as adults, you and your friends can take your NERF game to the next level.
Right that wrong with a NERF gun battle ASAP.
You and your friends will have the time of your lives.
Let Your Inner Child Loose With a Blanket Fort
Ok, this one might be a little out there.
Life is serious enough.
Dont let it win!
Its the perfect way to spend arainy afternoon.
This is also a fantastic thing to do when bored with your kids and with all youre kids.
Be it on a PC, a Switch, or everything via cross-play.
The great thing aboutvideo gamesis there is so much scope.
Youve got everything from online MMOs to couch co-ops and old-fashioned controller swapping beat-em-ups and fighters.
So youre not just stuck with one option.
Then, of course, you might go retro.
The hours my friends and I have spent playing that game beggars belief.
In fact, I dont want to even think about it.
Explore Your Town
How many of us can really say we know out town or city?
Well, being bored and with friends, what better thing to do than go exploring.
I dont mean urban exploration and crawling through the sewers like Andy Dufrane.
I mean, just go to a part of town you dont know and take a look around.
Browse some shops,grab a coffee at a local caferather than some multi-national chain.
Sit down in a park and just listen to the world as it moves around you.
Heck, find a pub youve never been in and enjoy a couple of cold ones with your buddies.
It doesnt matter what you do.
Its the fact that you are out there doing something.
Why not browse a few second-hand stores and see what things have been donated.
Maybe you have been doing some spring cleaning and have some things to drop off.
You could see what sort of donations they accept and make a note to return with your goods.
Ive lost count of the number of books Ive picked up from thrift stores and the like.
These can be great places to meet people and learn even more about where you live.
You dont need to be a bore or a history buff to take an interest in your hometown.
Starting a book club is one of the best things to do when bored.
Try something new, chat about it with your friends and see what there is to be discovered.
Remember, A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.
The man who never reads lives only one.
However, that is often a road that leads to boredom.
As a result, weisolate ourselvesfurther than necessary.
Ok, thats unlikely, but you never know.
Im not going to start discussing the pros and cons of social isolation.
At least before, if you were bored, you could get out of the house and do something.
But what about when we are locked up?
Read on to see our list of the top ten things to do when bored and stuck in quarantine.
An excellent way to get rid of boredom is to be creative.
Nothing is more creative or delicious than spending time in the kitchen.
But why stop there?
Why replay the same artist or the same set of tracks on your seven-year-old playlist?
Theres a wealth of musical talent out there just waiting for you to find them.
Moreover, take yourself out of your comfort zone and listen to a different musical genre each day too.
You might just find a few new names whose music you like.
The worst that happens is you spend your time listening to music and having a bit of fun.
However, I can guarantee you; time is moving fast.
Boredom is a great motivator to reach out and right those social wrongs while you still have the time.
Its very easy to sink into a pool of self-obsession, especially when bored.
But, the truth is, we are all going through largely the same experience in this world.
So reaching out might also be what is needed to cure someone else of their crippling boredom too.
There are services online that can connect you with people in other parts of the world.
A creative and rewarding pursuit on top of being a cracking way to hammer boredom into submission.
Take an Online Course
Have you always wished you could learn some new skill?
Well, if youre bored and alone, why not make the most of that time?
There are plenty of online resources out there offering courses or education opportunities.
Even YouTube can be a valuable repository for learning opportunities.
With places like Udemy and Masterclass, there is no end to viable and valuable self-educating opportunities.
Perhaps you have just always wanted to learn how to bake or write jokes.
Whatever youre interested in, there is an online training resource out there.
The benefit of these online courses is that they move at your own pace.
Meaning you never need to feel left behind or out of the loop.
All of this makes online courses a great way to beat home-alone boredom.
Try Out Some Home Workouts
Weve already covered a regular gym-going routines physical and mental health-boosting properties.
Just because you are forced to quarantine it doesnt mean you cant keep that routine going.
There is no shortage of home workout systems and options for you to try.
Yes, thats a yoga workout from Diamond Dallas Page.
Its a little pricey, but it worked.
I was in the best shape of my life, and my mind was alert and boredom-free.
Even if you are not a fan of home-workouts, they can be great for a short period.
After all, quarantine isnt a life sentence.
Start Journaling or Blogging
Boredom often rears its ugly head when the mind is stagnant.
Ill cover them both together because, well, ultimately, they are variations of the same theme.
Creative outlets with a platform to be read by those that found me.
If you might get into the habit of writing regularly, you will find your confidence begins to grow.
This is not just in terms of your writing but confidence in general.
Either way, a trip cannot just be made without thought and consideration.
(Ask me how I know!)
So if youre stuck at home, and cant venture beyond your front door, turn to Google.
Research counties and places youve always wanted to go.
Map out a route, maybe look into hotels and excursions you could do.
Price it all up and set yourself a target of working towards that dream holiday.
As a result, there are now several museums that offer virtual admission.
If you were so inclined, you could even organize to take a trip with your family or friends.
All log on together, maybe jump on a discord call, and make a day of it.
You could even make it a home learning experience if you have children.
Nowadays, its podcasts.
Theyre fantastic because they are often far more frequently produced than a magazine and theyre free!
They are also fantastic to have on in the background while doing other things.
10. revamp your Resume / Tidy Up Your Digital Footprint
The internet is like an elephant.
The more you Google, the more sites you join and accounts you make so grows your digital footprint.
Unlike the photos in your grandmas attic, you cant just hide away the reminders of your digital youth.
Well, you might, but it takes a little bit of effort.
Just Google your name and see what comes up.
You might be surprised by some of the results.
See where were going with this?
Theres never a better time than now to tidy up your online resume.
Sure, in this list, we have looked at some creative and inventive things to do when bored.
However, when I get bored, I sometimes like to lay back and enjoy being bored.
Killer ideas for stories can come from nowhere.
You might just surprise yourself.
Final Thoughts on the Different Things to do When Bored
There you have it.
A long list of things to do when bored, under a range of circumstances.
The irony of that sort of post is not lost on me.
What are your go-to things to do when bored at home or with friends?
Were always open to adding things to the list and love to hear about your experiences in life.
