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Things to Do When You're Bored
Easy things to try when you're bored, from a walk to an online class, roughly from quick to bigger.
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The Odyssey's list of 50 starts with a walk, a book and a phone call to your parents. Easy stuff. Your couch can wait. The other sources open differently: JoAnna E leads with cooking or baking, and her tip for decluttering is to start with one small area for a few minutes a day. Below are ideas from walks to online classes, roughly ordered from quick to bigger. It skips ideas that only made sense during lockdowns.
Why these items are on the list
- Go for a walk. The Odyssey says it clears your head and gets you some exercise.
- Read a book. Put the phone down and get lost in your own imagination.
- Call your parents. The Odyssey figures your parents could talk for hours. Tell them you miss them.
- Just dance. Turn the music up and just move. You've earned it.
- Clean out your closet. Bag up what you don't wear and send it on. JoAnna E. sent the bags to ThredUp.
- Get some rest. Rest counts as a plan. JoAnna E. learned that home can be a place to recharge too.
- Listen to a podcast. Two of the lists have it, so it's a safe pick when nothing else appeals.
- Write letters. Say what you really feel, then toss them if you like. Nobody has to read them.
- Start a journal. JoAnna E says journaling helped her through a creative block and feeling overwhelmed.
- Cook or bake something new. Try one of those saved recipes. JoAnna E's meals mostly take under an hour.
- Join a virtual karaoke party. AO Wanders says a Facebook group hosts one every Saturday.
- Work out at home. JoAnna E says regular workouts helped her sleep better and relieve stress.
- Learn to code for free. AO Wanders points to Codecademy for learning to code for free.
- Hang out with friends. Call an old friend. Can't meet up? Text, call or video chat.
- Play a board game. AO Wanders played classic games at a virtual dinner party with friends on three continents.
- Declutter one small area. Start with a few minutes a day. JoAnna E says it can ease stress.
- Try pottery. A bigger project. Learning to blow glass is on the same list.
- Redecorate your space. JoAnna E saves decorating ideas on a Pinterest board and added plants to her space.
- Learn a new language. AO Wanders points to a free way to do it, and The Odyssey lists it too.
- Take an online course. JoAnna E names Coursera, edX, Teachable and LinkedIn as places to find courses.
- Volunteer or help a neighbour. Two lists suggest giving your time, from volunteering to helping a neighbour.
- Plan a neighbourhood scavenger hunt. AO Wanders says it's a good way to learn your community.
- Start a garden. AO Wanders lists starting a garden. The Odyssey's list has planting a tree.
Open it on your phone when the couch is winning, tick one off, and see how you feel. Show a friend and swap picks.
When to use it
Pull it up on a slow weekend, a rainy afternoon or any time you've run out of ideas.