Looking for things to do when bored? We’ve got 30 ideas to pass the time. This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Let’s face it, we all live extremely busy lives. But what happens on the rare occasion that you have some time to kill? While snacking and watching Netflix may come to mind, sometimes we need to do things that challenge us and our brains.
Whether it’s learning a new skill or doing something for your body and mind, you’ll find something that you can do here:
30 Things to Do When Bored
- Read a book – I can spend a good chunk of time on a good book. Find one that you can really get into and spend the day, or night, reading.
- Listen to music – 80s and 90s hits are my jam. Bonus points if you start busting a move and get some exercise.
- Watch a movie – With the number of streaming services available, you are bound to find a good show or movie to pass the time.
- Learn a new language – Maybe you won’t nail this one down in one afternoon, but it’s a start.
- Cook a new recipe – Make use of the endless recipes you’ve accumulated on Pinterest and whip up something delicious.
- Write in a journal – Journaling is a great daily habit. Here are a few journals with prompts when you don’t know what to write about.
- Draw or paint – You don’t have to be a Picasso to dig into your inner artist. Whip out the pencil and paper and create something new. And if you have kids, make use of their endless collection of crayons and markers.
- Take a walk – Walking is not only good for you but it’s a great way to pass the time. Find a scenic area in your city or town or head to a nearby park to take in the beauty of nature.
- Call a friend or family member – Catch up with friends and family who you may not talk to often. This is a great way to show someone you care.
- Try a new hobby – Check out MasterClass for a ton of online classes. Learn a new skill in an array of topics from music to business.
- Play a board game or card game – We’re taking it wayyyy back with this one, but how fun was it playing board games as a child? If you’re ready to upgrade from Candy Land, check out these adult-appropriate picks.
- Organize your closet or room – You know that closet under the stairs you’ve been wanting to tackle forever? Clearing it all out and organizing it will not only pass the time, but you’ll feel so accomplished and may even help with the anxiety that has been looming. Check out this book for organizational tips.
THINGS TO DO WHEN BORED
- Go for a run or exercise – It may not be easy to start, but you’ll definitely feel better after a good run. Get those endorphins firing with a run around the block.
- Start a puzzle or crossword – Exercise your brain with these fun crossword puzzles. You can even find topic-specific crossword puzzles to make it more interesting. We really like this one.
- Watch a documentary – Documentaries can really suck you in. I get really into crime documentaries and recently watched this one and was shocked.
- Learn to play a musical instrument – I don’t think I’ll pull out my trumpet from 6th grade, but we recently bought my daughter a ukelele that would be fun to learn.
- Practice meditation or yoga – At the beginning of 2023, I downloaded MWH for some pilates and yoga exercises which I really liked.
- Write a poem or short story – Take it back to the third grade and write a story. This is also a great idea for school-aged children. Give them a prompt or things to include in the story and watch them create.
- Go for a bike ride – I know not everyone has a bike at home these days, but there are a lot of cities that have bikes to rent and tour the city.
- Visit a museum or art gallery online – Get out there and explore your city. Visit your local museum to pass the time (in the AC) and get a little culture.
MORE THINGS TO DO WHEN BORED
- Start a blog – Do you love talking about something and want to share your thoughts with the world? Start a blog to house all your ideas and get creative with blogging. Check out our blogging page here.
- Take a bubble bath – Self-care is always a great idea when you’re bored. Listen to a podcast or grab a good book and soak it all in.
- Plan a future trip – Trips don’t have to be extravagant. Whether it’s a plane trip or an hour’s drive from the house, plan a trip to a new destination to see new things.
24. Play with a pet – Fido is sure to approve of this one. Bonus points for taking your pet to a local dog park. Being around high-energy dogs is a great way to pass the time and also connect with other pet lovers.
- Learn a new skill or take an online course – You’re never too old to learn a new trick. Take a look around at Masterclass.com and learn something that you’ll be able to apply to your everyday life or work life. Sometimes learning a new skill can allow you to make extra income.
- Volunteer for a cause – Pick an organization that is near and dear to your heart. You’ll always feel so much better when you’re volunteering your time. Find opportunities here.
27. Do some gardening – Gardening will also get you outdoors and in the sunshine. This is sure to boost your mood and you can finally get to growing those veggies you always wanted.
- Go for a hike – Get in some fresh air and exercise. Take the family with you to get in some nature and bonding time.
- Have a picnic or barbecue – Grab a few picnic essentials and head out to your nearest park. Eating outdoors is a great way to spend some time with loved ones.
- Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques – Don’t know how to get started? Start here.
What’s your favorite thing to do when bored? Let us know in the comments below to keep this list going.
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