Ever find yourself twiddling your thumbs, wondering how to make the most of those moments when boredom comes knocking? We’ve all been there. But guess what? This is an opportunity waiting to be seized! So, why not turn those lackluster moments into something productive and downright enjoyable? In this guide, we’re diving into a list of productive things to do when bored. Ready to ditch boredom and embrace your productivity era? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Personal Development
1. Learn Something New
Embarking on a journey to learn something new is like opening a door to endless possibilities. You don’t need to go back to school to learn something new. Online courses provide a structured and interactive way to acquire new skills, be it coding, photography, or a foreign language. Check out platforms like Udemy, Coursera or Khan Academy, where a world of knowledge is just a click away. The benefits? Not only do you expand your skill set, but you also boost your confidence and keep your mind sharp by embracing the joy of constant learning.
2. Read a Book
I love reading! It is a timeless adventure that opens doors to new worlds, perspectives, and ideas. Exploring different genres broadens your understanding of the human experience, transporting you to realms of fantasy, mystery, or knowledge. Set reading goals to challenge yourself, and immerse in the power of storytelling. I recommend creating a reading list with books you find interesting. You can even organize them by category. Then, when you are bored, go back to your list and choose a book. The benefits of reading are manifold—enhanced vocabulary, improved focus, and the sheer joy of escaping into the pages of a well-crafted narrative.
3. Journaling
Unleash the power of pen and paper by diving into the art of journaling. Beyond just documenting your day, journaling is a therapeutic practice that helps you untangle thoughts, process emotions, and gain valuable insights into your own life. Grab a notebook, find a quiet spot, and let your thoughts flow freely. I have been getting more seriously into journaling and I can confirm it really gives you more clarity of mind and it helps with stress reduction.
4. Listen to a Podcast
Elevate your downtime by tuning in to the immersive world of podcasts. Whether you’re into gripping true crime stories, expanding your knowledge on science, or enjoying a good laugh with comedy shows, podcasts offer a versatile learning experience. With platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, you will for sure find a podcast about a theme you are interested in. Listening to podcasts is a great way to stay informed, inspired, and make the most of your time by turning mundane activities into opportunities for learning and growth. These are some of my favorite podcasts, if you are interested in recommendations: Hubberman Lab (to learn about your body and mind and have a healthier lifestyle), Acquired (for those interested in business strategy, specially tech companies), and A Mindful Life (for short inspirational thoughts on mindfulness and personal development)
Creative Pursuits
5. Drawing and Painting
Unleash your inner artist and pick up a sketchpad or canvas. Expressing yourself through art is not only therapeutic but also a delightful journey of self-discovery. No need to be a professional; just let your creativity flow. A product I’m really enjoying are these paint by number kits, it’s a very relaxing activity for when you want to feel like an artist but not really put much thought into it.
6. DIY Projects
Spice up your living space with DIY home decor projects. From handmade wall art to upcycling old furniture, injecting a bit of your personality into your surroundings can be both satisfying and aesthetically pleasing.
Turn the ordinary into extraordinary by giving old items a new lease on life. Repurposing not only reduces waste but also sparks creativity as you discover unique uses for everyday objects. Check out this list with a bunch of home decor DIY ideas.
7.Make a New TikTok Account About Something You Love
If you have some free time, this could be your moment to launch your career as an influencer. Curate a visual story on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, showcasing your passions and interests. Whether it’s travel, cooking, or a niche hobby, sharing your enthusiasm not only connects you with like-minded individuals but also serves as a creative outlet for self-expression.
8.Make a Playlist for Different Occasion
Do you like having a playlist for every occasion in your life? Think of it like having the perfect soundtrack for the movie of your life. I think it’s a great way to romanticize your life. Use this free time to dive into the world of music curation by crafting playlists for various moods and occasions. Whether it’s a workout, a road trip, or a cozy night in, the act of selecting and arranging tunes is a creative process that enhances your music experience and sets the perfect ambiance.
9.Create a Capsule Wardrobe
Have fun with your clothes while getting creative and putting new outfits together by creating a capsule wardrobe. I’m not a fan of having a seasonal capsule wardrobe because I just need more variety in my life but I’m loving the 10×10 capsule wardrobe strategy. The idea is to select 10 pieces from your closet, make outfits with them which you will wear in the next 10 days. Then, you can build a new mini capsule wardrobe. After that you can repeat the process!
10. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
Explore the cultural scene by visiting a museum or art gallery in your city. Many institutions also offer online tours and exhibitions, allowing you to immerse yourself in art and history while expanding your cultural awareness.
Health and Well-being
11. Home Workouts
Break a sweat with effective home workouts. From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to bodyweight exercises, there are countless free and paid resources online that cater to various fitness levels and preferences.If you are looking for a quick and fun HIIT workout, I love emkfit on YouTube with her dance HIIT workouts – you need to check it out!
12. Outdoor Activities
Running on a treadmill can get boring, so go outside for a change. Connect with nature by going for a jog, or hike. Or just go to a park or the beach if you are lucky enough to live close to one and try doing your workout there. Outdoor activities not only promote physical well-being but also offer a breath of fresh air and a break from the monotony of indoor spaces. 12.
13. Stretching or Yoga
Use this free time to try some stretching or yoga to enhance flexibility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. With countless online classes and tutorials, you will easily find the perfect session that suits your level and time constraints.
14. Go for a Walk
Embrace the simplicity of a walk to clear your mind and boost your mood. Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood or a nature walk, the rhythmic motion provides a gentle form of exercise that benefits both physical and mental health.
15. Learn a Choreography
Do you ever watch dance videos and wish you could dance like that? Use your downtime to learn a choreography! Dancing not only serves as a fun and engaging workout but also improves coordination and rhythm. Pick a dance style you love and follow online tutorials to master a routine.
Cooking and Baking
16. Try New Recipes
Elevate your cooking skills by diving into a new recipe. Whether it’s a cuisine you’ve never tried or a TikTok recipe you have been wanting to try. Have fun experimenting in your kitchen and broaden your culinary horizons
17. Meal Prep
Something really productive you can do during this time is to prepare your meals for the week or for the next few days. This will save you time during the rest of the week and you can probably make healthier choices at this time, rather than just going for a pizza when you are hungry in the future but don’t have the time to cook.
18. Bake Cookies or a Dessert
Treat yourself and your loved ones by baking a batch of cookies or a delightful dessert. Whether it’s classic chocolate chip cookies, a decadent cake, or creative pastries, baking can be fun and it comes with a sweet reward.
If you live alone and don’t want to eat all the cookies by yourself, bring them to work the following day or share with your neighbors. You can have baking and strengthen your connections at the same time.
Mindfulness and Relaxation
19. Meditation
Meditation brings great benefits for our physical and mental health, but it is hard to find time for it during our busy days. So, use this free time you have right now and try a guided meditation. You can find guided meditations on YouTube or on apps like Headspace or Calm. If you are just starting to learn about meditation or you are kind of skeptical about it (I used to be), I recommend the book Changing the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza
20. Practice Gratitude
Start to cultivate a positive mindset by incorporating a daily gratitude practice. Take a moment to reflect on and write down things you’re thankful for. This simple act not only shifts your focus to the positive aspects of life but also enhances overall well-being.
21. Take a Bubble Bath
Go for the ultimate relaxation experience by taking a bubble bath. A bubble can feel really luxurious and it provides a sensory escape, soothing both the body and mind. Add your favorite scents, play soft music, get a glass of wine if you want, and let the warm water wash away the tensions of the day.
Organization
22. Decluttering
Use this time to declutter and create a more organized and harmonious living space. Choose one area of your house that you want to declutter and begin. It can be your closet, your cable drawer, your kitchen or even your documents drawer. Evaluate your possessions and keep only what truly adds value to your life.
23. Organize Your Mailbox
Streamline your digital life by organizing your email inbox. Create folders, unsubscribe from unnecessary subscriptions, and respond to lingering emails. A well-organized mailbox not only saves time but also reduces the mental clutter associated with a chaotic inbox.
24. Organize Your Desk
Transform your workspace into a productivity haven by decluttering and organizing your desk. Arrange essential items for easy access, and maybe even go shopping for new storage solutions. Future you will be thankful to have an organized workspace.
25. Organize your Pantry
Streamline your cooking routine by organizing your pantry. Group similar items, check expiration dates, and create a system for easy access. A well-organized pantry simplifies meal planning and ensures you have the essentials on hand.
26. Clean up Your Fridge
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I forget about items that I have in the fridge and they sadly expire before I get to them. Make sure to use your groceries during their shelf life by cleaning and organizing your refrigerator. Toss expired items, wipe down shelves, and organize your fridge to make finding ingredients a breeze. A clean and organized refrigerator not only promotes food safety but also inspires a clutter-free cooking experience.
27. Build a Kanban Board
This is something I recently implemented and I’m obsessed. Kanban is a tool from project management that helps you keep track of tasks you need to complete but you can also apply it to your personal life and projects. It’s pretty simple actually, the idea is to have a board with three sections: To Do, In Progress, Completed and just move the tasks from one section to the next one as you work on them. Whether it’s a physical board with sticky notes or a digital tool like Trello, the Kanban system helps you prioritize, track progress, and maintain a clear overview of your projects.
Planning
28. Goal Setting
Channel your energy by setting both short-term and long-term goals. Define clear objectives, milestones and make a list of actions you need to take towards each goal. Goal setting provides direction, purpose, and a roadmap for personal and professional growth.
29. Vision Board Creation
Get creative by assembling a vision board that visually represents your aspirations. Whether it’s career goals, travel plans, or personal development, a vision board serves as a daily reminder of your dreams, motivating you to stay focused and inspired. Pro tip: After you complete your vision board, make it visible by printing it by hanging it in your room or making it your desktop background.
30. Plan Your Week
Kickstart your week with a proactive approach by planning your goals and To Dos. Break down larger objectives into actionable tasks, allocate time slots, and create a weekly plan. Planning ahead not only enhances productivity but also provides a sense of control over your schedule.
31. Create a Bucket List
Compile a bucket list of experiences you’d like to have this year or this month. It doesn’t have to be a traditional life bucket list. You can focus on any theme you want. For example, write a bucket list of activities you want to do when you want to break your routine or write a list of ideas you want to try at work.
Social and Community Engagement
32. Volunteer Work
Explore volunteer opportunities in your community. Whether it’s supporting a local charity, participating in a cleanup initiative, or lending a helping hand at a nearby shelter, contributing to your community is a great way to spend your free time while fostering a sense of connection and purpose.
33. Connect with a friend or family member
Make the most out of this time by reconnecting with a friend or family you have not talked to in a while. A simple text can help you reconnect with that old friend and maybe start a longer conversation. If you live in the same area, you can even plan to get together in the future.
34. Join a Local Club
Immerse yourself in a community of shared interests by joining a local club or organization. Whether it’s a book club, hiking group, or a hobby enthusiasts’ gathering, participating in local clubs provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and build lasting connections. If you are looking for local clubs, try the Meetup app. You will find different groups focused on a variety of interests that meet regularly.
35. Grab Coffee with a Friend
If you are lucky enough to have those local friends that you can just text and they are always down to meet, call them and go get coffee. A face-to-face conversation over a cup of coffee creates an intimate setting to catch up, share experiences, and strengthen the friendship.
Career Development
36. Update Your Resume
When was the last time you updated your resume? Even if you are not actively looking for a job, it is important to keep up to date just in case. Take a moment to update it, showcasing your recent accomplishments and professional growth. If you are actively looking for a new job, consider customizing your resume for specific roles of interest.
37. List Your Recent Work Achievements
If you don’t have one already, create a list of your recent work achievements, both quantitative and qualitative. Whether it’s exceeding sales targets, completing projects ahead of schedule, or implementing innovative solutions, recognizing and articulating your successes boosts your confidence and demonstrates your value. Why do you need this list? When you want to update your resume or you are preparing to ask for a raise or promotion, you will wish you had this list. It will be harder to remember your accomplishments and details about them in the future, so write them down now that the ideas are fresh in your head.
38. Upgrade Your LinkedIn Profile
Elevate your professional brand on LinkedIn by optimizing your headline and summary. You even take the time to take a better and updated professional headshot. Clearly communicate your skills, expertise, and career aspirations, making it easy for others to understand your unique value proposition.
39. Look for a New Job
Explore the current job market and identify opportunities aligned with your career goals. Researching potential employers and industries keeps you informed about trends and helps you make informed decisions about your career path. Even if you are happy with your current job, there is no harm in browsing.
40. Networking
Participate in virtual networking events, webinars, and industry conferences. Networking is a powerful tool for career development, and the digital landscape offers numerous opportunities to connect with professionals in your field.
Another way to network virtually is to join relevant LinkedIn groups and participate in industry discussions. Engaging with professionals in your field not only expands your network but also positions you as an active and informed member of your industry community.
Final Thoughts
Whether you find solace in the quiet reflection of journaling, the rhythmic meditation of a guided meditation app, or the joyful chaos of experimenting with new recipes, the key lies in turning boredom into an opportunity for growth, connection, and self-discovery.
So, the next time ennui knocks on your door, greet it with a smile, armed with the knowledge that boredom is not the absence of purpose but an invitation to explore new dimensions of yourself and the world around you. Cheers to turning those idle moments into stepping stones of fulfillment and enrichment!