80 Productive (And Fun) Things to Do When You’re Bored

Are you feeling restless? Wondering what the best things to do are when you’re bored? I’ve got you covered!

In fact, I want to show you how being bored can be an opportunity!

A survey^{1 https://www.studyfinds.org/no-fun-americans-mired-boredom-131-days-year/} of 2,000 Americans found that the average adult spends more than a third of their year in boredom.

And if you’re like the average human, you first turn on the TV and binge on the latest show. But…

Boredom is an opportunity to learn and grow and maybe even get creative.

I want to show you tons of unique and productive things you can do to take advantage of your boredom streak!

But first, let’s see the top reasons why we get bored and the science behind boredom.

The Science of Boredom

Before 1766, there was no word^{2 https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/bored-to-death1.htm} for boredom in the English language. After that, we have found many reasons to be bored.

Do you ever wonder why you are so bored? It’s not a problem of motivation.

It’s a biological one.

Boredom stems from a lack of dopamine, or the “reward molecule,” in your brain.

You feel less excited or happy when your brain transmits too little dopamine.

But being bored is entirely normal. 

Here’s the problem: We treat boredom as a bad thing when, in reality, being bored is where the magic happens.

Being bored can actually spark productivity and creativity!

Psychologist Sandi Mann^{3 https://www.amazon.com/Upside-Downtime-Sandi-Mann/dp/1472135997} devised an experiment in which she devised one of the most boring activities she could think of, asking participants to spend 20 minutes writing down phone numbers from the phone book. Afterward, she asked the participants to devise as many different uses as possible for 2 paper cups.

The result? They came up with somewhat creative ideas, like turning the cups into pots for plants.

But here’s where it gets really interesting (and non-boring)…

Mann decided this experiment wasn’t boring enough. Instead of writing the numbers, she told the participants in a second group to read the numbers out loud from the phone book (ouch!). Unsurprisingly, this new group found this task even more boring than writing down numbers.And here’s the result: the second group created even more creative tasks than the first group, including using paper cups to make a bra!

“Boredom always precedes a period of great creativity.”

– Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Instead of wasting your potential, here are my top things to do when bored.

15 Things to Do at Home

Are you bored at home? You’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life in the comfort of your home. Here’s how to slay boredom with these fun ideas:

Create a vision board

A vision board, or dream board, collages of images, pictures, words, and affirmations. 

According to a survey^{4 https://www.forbes.com/sites/eilenezimmerman/2016/01/27/survey-shows-visualizing-success-works/#4e53d163760b} of more than 1,100 people and 500 small business owners, people who made vision boards had twice as much confidence as those who didn’t! And I can confirm this as well. Whenever I see my vision board, I feel more motivated and ready to tackle the world head-on!

Resource: Learn how to build a vision board of your own here.

Write a Learning Bucket List

One of the best ways to snap out of boredom AND optimize a slow time is to flip your brain into learning mode. In learning mode, you:

• Have “aha” moments
• Are open-minded
• Feel awe
• Get inspired

I highly recommend you start a learning bucket list. Sit down with a pen and paper (or extend your vision boarding) and answer these questions:

1. What is something you have always wanted to try?
2. What is something you wish you knew more about?
3. Is there a skill you always wanted to learn?

Make a HUGE list of big and small things, and then start completing them!

Find your A work

What is your “A” work? This is the type of work you do that you are the absolute best at! It makes time go by, you love doing it, and you can do it for hours without boredom. Not everyone is at their A-game. Which level are you performing at?

Resource: Check out this article to find your best work.

Find your maximum resonance point.

Are you using your optimal speaking tone? Here’s the deal: most people aren’t tapping into the full potential of their voice. Since your voice carries power behind your words, finding your ideal range is a great idea.

Resource: Watch my video on how to find your maximum resonance point below:

And here’s a great online keyboard to help you find your voice (make sure to turn on Letter Notes): Virtual Piano

Throw away everything

Well, okay, not everything.

But I recommend trying the KonMari cleaning method if you have a little clutter. This deep-cleaning method involves removing your physical possessions if they do not bring joy into your life.

Go through your closets, drawers, pantry, and even fridge. And toss anything that doesn’t spark joy!

Resource: 

• Learn the method: The Ultimate KonMari Guide and Checklist
• Marie Kondo’s course: Tidy Up Your Home: The KonMari Method

Here’s a video of Marie Kondo teaching how to clean up her office desk:

Learn some magic

…Not just to impress people but because magic can spark the novelty centers in our brains and bring us closer to believing in the impossible! At least, it’s the best skill to learn to become more like an actual Hogwarts wizard.

Resource: Watch the 52Kards^{5 https://www.youtube.com/user/DecksAndContests/videos} YouTube channel to learn some amazing card tricks!

Curate and create playlists

Are you a music fanatic like me? It turns out music can help you be better at:

• exercising harder
• improving your memory
• easing stress and anxiety
• …and even healing physical problems!

What tunes do you like for exercising, relaxing, and working? Create a playlist that matches your activity!

Resource: Read more on the science of music here.

Test your signature

Signatures might seem necessary, but they can reveal much about a person. Does your signature slant upwards or downwards? Does it contain embellishments? Is it big or small? Hard to read or clear? All these factors can tell much about someone else’s or even your personality.

Resource: See how your signature pairs up and examples of famous people.

Become a face reader.

Humans have seven basic emotions that can be seen through the face. Reading their facial microexpressions is an easy way to tell what emotions someone is displaying. And don’t worry! It’s easier than you think. And once you learn how to read people’s emotions… you’ll never look at them the same way again.

Resource: Learn to read the 7 microexpressions in our microexpressions guide.

Try an online experience.

Want to try a new experience but don’t want to leave the house? Airbnb recently released a new kind of activity called online experiences, which lets you take a tour, play with animals, or even join a cooking class in the comfort of your home!

Try these fun experiences:

• Guided Meditation with Sleepy Sheep^{6 https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1321334?source=p2}
• Follow a Plague Doctor Through Prague^{7 https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1658926?source=p2}
• Coffee Masterclass with National Judge^{8 https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1655017?source=p2}

Color a mandala

Did you know that drawing mandalas has been shown to reduce anxiety? It’s also a great way to get into the flow and find your meditative state.

Resource: Learn how to draw a mandala^{9 https://www.art-is-fun.com/how-to-draw-a-mandala} and grab inspiration from these mandala examples.

Here’s an easy-to-follow video tutorial:

Watch one of these ten videos to recharge your brain

Sometimes you need a quick fix. Boy, oh boy, do I have a great video list for you! If you need to shake up your brain, snap out of a funk, or recharge for a few minutes, sometimes videos can do the trick. Here are some options depending on how much time you have (or how deep your boredom is):

• 10 Videos to Recharge Your Brain
• 50 Incredible Streaming Documentaries Streaming on Netflix^{10 https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g23618769/best-documentaries-on-netflix/}
• My Top 10 Favorite TED Talks

Of course, you can always subscribe to my YouTube channel for the latest and greatest anti-boredom videos!

And here’s my own TED talk!

Brush up on your financial literacy

Do you know your assets from your liabilities? According to a 2015 study^{11 https://finhealthnetwork.org/research/consumer-financial-health-study/} of over 7,000 individuals, 57% of Americans were shown to be struggling financially.

Many Americans deal with debt, irregular income, and unwise spending habits. Learn to take control of your finances and take control of your life!

Resources: Get started with Khan Academy for finance videos and Investopedia for specific terms.

Read a thought-provoking book.

Don’t just read any book—read one that will provoke thought, change your behavior, or offer you a new perspective on life. There are a lot of amazing books out there—from business, social skills, and relationships. Here are a few outstanding books I’ve read recently below:

Resources:

• Do more and achieve your goals with The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure^{12 https://www.amazon.com/10X-Rule-Difference-Between-Success/dp/0470627603} by Grant Cardone
• The title is self-explanatory here: I Will Teach You to Be Rich^{13 https://www.amazon.com/Will-Teach-You-Rich-Second-ebook/dp/B07GNXPP4P/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ramit&qid=1591091885&s=digital-text&sr=1-1} by Ramit Sethi
• (My personal favorite, obviously) Have amazing conversations with my book! Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People
• When an introvert turns extrovert in Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes^{14 https://www.amazon.com/Sorry-Late-Didnt-Want-Come/dp/1449499236} by Jessica Pan
• Great for singles and couples alike: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work^{15 https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=marriage+book&qid=1591091213&sr=8-3} by John Gottman
• Get in the moment and live more fully with The Power of Now^{16 https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808} by Eckhart Tolle

Here’s Tim Ferriss’s amazing video on how to improve your reading by speed reading:

Try meditation

It might sound counter-productive, but the silence where you let your mind sit and stir is where the true magic happens. 

So why not relax into your boredom? You never know—you might find something profound or get inspired with a new creative spark!

Resource: Let your mind stir and focus better with this Meditation Guide.

15 Productive Things to Do When Bored

If you’re bored and want to focus on getting ahead, try out one of these tips.

Update your LinkedIn

Keeping your LinkedIn fresh and your online resume updated could open doors to new professional opportunities. Plus, it might boost your confidence and make your professional page sparkle.

Check out this article for some pro-LinkedIn tips.  

Research possible training and workshops

Go on a research binge! What are some areas of your skillset you’d like to cultivate? Make a list of all the training and courses that look awesome.

If upgrading your people skills is one area you want to focus on, this course might be up your alley!

Learn a language

Parlez-vous français?

Picking up a new language connects you to new cultures and perspectives. Plus, it could come in handy on your next vacation or give you a reason to visit a country.

Here are some of the best tips on picking up a new language.

Take on a home DIY project.

Taking on a home project can be a creative escape while upgrading your living space.

Any projects you’d like to try? Perhaps building a shelf, setting up new lighting, or redesigning the living room layout?

Brainstorm how to increase your income.

If you’d like to increase your income, there is a way to do it!

Can you think of 100 ideas that might boost your income?

It might take a while, but if you force yourself to come up with that many ideas, some will be quite out of the box, and one idea on your list might be your ticket to more bucks. 

If you’d like a few ideas to get started, check out this list.

Start a blog

Sharing your passions, insights, or stories on the internet can be incredibly fulfilling, and you never know who might find your words exactly when they need them.

Go to WordPress or Ghost to set up your blog.

Organize your desktop

A clean desktop is like a zen garden for your digital life. It can make you feel more calm and organized.

If you’re bored, now might be the perfect time to put some files in folders!

Here’s an article that gives some great tips on how to organize your desktop^{17 https://simplifyexperts.com/7-steps-to-cleaning-and-organizing-your-computer-desktop/} .

Organize your Google Drive

For many of us, the Google Drive is a graveyard of forgotten documents.

But going there, clearing the cobwebs, and putting things in their place might feel great.

Here’s an article with some excellent tips for organizing your Google Drive.^{18 https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/work-life/how-to-organize-your-google-drive-5-tips-and-tricks-to-know/}

Reflect on your friendships.

According to anthropologist Robin Dunbar, we can maintain a limited number of friendships. 

There are different takes on the theory, but one way of looking at it is that you have space for:

• 1-2 very deep relationships
• 5 close friends (which includes the prior 1-2). People you could call up to talk through your problems.  
• 15 good friends (which includes the prior 5). These are people who you’d trust enough to look after your kids.  
• 50 friends (which includes the prior 15). These are people you might invite to a massive party. 

Take a moment to write down how the relationships in your life fit into these categories.

Read up on your industry

Staying in the know keeps you sharp and could spark ideas that set you apart from the crowd.

Is there a blog, podcast, or journal you could check out?

Here’s an article that goes deeper into industry expertise and how to attain it yourself.

Write a letter to a friend.

In our digital age, a handwritten letter is rare. The level of intention and care can put a smile on someone’s face and make them feel cared about.

Who is someone in your life you love? How about writing a personal letter to them? 

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some prompts you could include:

• Something I appreciate about you is…
• Here are some strengths of yours that I perceive…
• Remember that one time we…

Brainstorm holiday gifts for family and friends.

At some point, December will roll around. For many of us, that means a last-minute scramble to get gifts, failing to find anything good, and desperately purchasing sub-par options to doll out to loved ones. 

But you can get ahead!

Write out everyone you think you might give a gift to next holiday season, and brainstorm a few for each.

For ideas, here are some unique and hilarious gifts for everyone on your list.

Inbox Zero

Inbox zero refers to an email inbox where every email has been taken care of. Each email has been read, responded to, and either deleted or organized. 

Inbox Zero can bring a sense of calm and accomplishment. Consider getting in the zone and chopping through that inbox.

Here is an article with some helpful tips on reaching inbox zero.

Organize your books

If you own a book collection, how about bringing some order to it?

Consider lining your books up with one of the following:

• Topic
• Color
• Size
• Author last name 

Upgrade your workspace

You probably spend so much time at your workspace, so why not make it an ergonomic paradise?

Do you need a new chair, keyboard, or mouse? Or perhaps you can upgrade the personal side of your workspace with new pictures or desk trinkets.

Here are 25 ideas for upgrading your home office.

15 Things to Do With Friends or Family

Tired of spending time alone? Want to connect with friends and spend your time forming closer relationships? Check out these 15 things to do:

Learn the love language of your partner

Science shows there are 5 “love languages” or different ways we prefer receiving love. Do you know which language you prefer? What about your partner? Find out more about love languages by reading about them!

Try the single best team-building exercise.

Have you tried the Stop, Start, Continue exercise with your team? This is my single favorite team-building exercise, and I find it greatly helps my team focus more and zero in on what’s working and what’s not!

Resource: Read more about the exercise here.

Take a personality test.

Get to know your friends and family better by getting them to take a personality test! Researchers have found that every single person has a specific personality made up of 5 traits:

• Openness
• Conscientiousness
• Extroversion
• Agreeableness
• Neuroticism

What personality traits do you have?

Resource: Get started by taking our Big 5 Personality Test.

Make a YouTube video.

Who says you have to be on the big screen to get your taste of stardom? Gather your friends, channel your inner Halle Barry or Brad Pitt, and put yourself out there! 

Resource: Get going with 101 YouTube video ideas.

Text your best friend this question.

Did you know there are 36 questions that can bring two people closer together? It’s not just a joke; it’s science. I welcome you to try out these unique questions and see how deep and meaningful your conversations can get between you and your close friends (mine sure did!).

Resource: See all 36 questions here.

Play a board game

I love gathering my friends together for a board game night! There’s a board game for everyone—into strategy? Settlers of Catan is my go-to. Want an educational game? Try Code Names. Harry Potter fan? Clue has a game, too.

Resource: Get started with a list of the Best Board Games for Adults.

Transform the difficult person in your life.

Relationships aren’t perfect. Did you know the 4 types of difficult people we can meet in our lives? They are:

• Downers always have something bad to say.
• Better Than love to impress and compare.
• Passives contribute very little to others.
• Tanks want their way and will do anything to get it.

Luckily, you don’t have to change them (that’s the worst advice). There’s actually a method for dealing with difficult people! Find out in my webinar here:

Join an escape roomAre board games not your thing? Try out an escape room! These rooms are designed to be filled with challenges and riddles to get your brain working—and challenge the strength of your friendships.

Resource: Get started by finding a local escape room near you.

Host a (productive) movie night. 

Movies don’t have to be just for entertainment. Did you know there are 2 ways you can watch a movie? Most people passively watch. Host a movie party and actively watch a movie (more on that in the video below)!

Try these meaningful movies.

Resource:

• Cloud Atlas
• Words and Pictures
• More meaningful movies with life lessons here

Start a side hustle with a friend

Steve Jobs and Bill Gates didn’t create Apple and Microsoft by themselves.

They had partners that helped them in their journey. Having an amazing cofounder in your business can give you a greater perspective, decrease your workload, and have someone to lean on during difficult times.

Find out who in your social circle is good to connect with, and brainstorm some ideas!

Resource: Check out a business idea generator^{19 https://howtostartanllc.com/business-ideas/business-ideas-tool} to get started.

Plan your next vacation.

If you’re bored because you’re stuck in a routine, try planning a way out of it. Everyone needs downtime, and a vacation is a great solution! And one with friends is even better.

Resource: How to plan a vacation trip in 7 steps^{20 https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/how-to-plan-a-vacation/}

Try a fun icebreaker

I LOVE icebreakers! They can boost productivity, loosen up the vibe, and are a great way to build relationships… but not if they’re boring! I’ve come up with a list of my favorite icebreakers, including ones you can do virtually and in person!

Resource: Get started with the best meeting icebreakers here:

Here’s a TED talk from Tom Wujec on one of my favorite icebreakers, The Marshmallow Game:

Host a crafts night

Have you ever seen those Pinterest DIY arts and crafts images? After saving a ton of them, I realized… why not actually do them? So, I recently hosted a crafts night with a small group of friends, and it was a blast!

Resource: Check out 47 Fun Pinterest Crafts That Aren’t Impossible and 10 Popular DIY Ideas From Pinterest.

Here’s a list of DIY crafts on Pinterest to get you started. You can get really creative—check out all these different ways you can turn a plastic bottle into something amazing!

Coloring book party

Besides crafts, coloring is also a great way to be creative and relax with others! Make sure to gather all the necessary supplies (or have your friends bring over their own!).

Resource: Here’s a mega list of free adult coloring books you can use.

Channel your inner fashionista

Beautiful. Strong. Personable.

How do you want to look to others? A 2013 study^{21 https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/13612021311305128/full/html} found that participants who wore a bespoke suit were rated more positively. Host a clothes party with your friends and see what new outfits you can come up with!

Dress it up! Learn how to dress appropriately fashionably for women here: A Beginners Guide For Women Who Want To Improve Their Personal Style^{22 https://www.letsgetyou.com/blog/2018/7/12/style-fundamentals-a-guide-for-women-who-want-to-develop-and-improve-their-personal-style} . Or check out the men’s guide: 16 Essential Style Tips For Guys.^{23 https://theessentialman.com/a-beginners-guide-16-essential-style-tips-for-guys-who-want-to-dress-better/}

Bonus: Perform a random act of kindness

I went to the streets of New York with one of my good friends, Michelle Poler from Hello Fears, to not only conquer our fears but make people happier (video below). One amazing thing to do to make the world a better place is to spread your kindness!

Resource: Read up more on how to be a nicer person: 62 Kindness Ideas.

Here’s my fear-conquering video with Michelle:

10 Things to Do Out Outside

Put on your shoes and get ready to go outdoors! Here are 10 great things to do out of the house that aren’t a waste of time:

Hike a new trail

Want to boost your creativity to the max? Stanford researchers^{24 https://news.stanford.edu/2014/04/24/walking-vs-sitting-042414/} found that walking boosts creative inspiration by an average of 60 percent! Take a walk in the fresh air of nature to get more creative and relax in the process. Or plan a weekend camping getaway if you’re feeling adventurous!

Resource: Visit AllTrails to find your next trail to walk.

Find a geocache

If you get bored hiking in the woods, turn it into a game by finding a geocache! Geocaches are little prizes that are hidden all around the world and can be found through other people’s hints and GPS locations. They definitely make you walk with purpose!

Resource: Join the hunt with the official Geocaching app.^{25 https://www.geocaching.com/play}

Join Toastmasters

In a study by Princeton University,^{26 https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/you-illuminated/201106/why-sharing-stories-brings-people-together} researchers found that people who listen to a well-crafted story actually have brain activity similar to that of the inside of the story!

In other words, if you tell someone a story about an amazing travel experience in the scorching Sahara desert, their brain will make them feel like they were actually there! This is an amazing way to compel people with your words and become more interesting!

Resource: Join a Toastmasters club near you to sharpen your storytelling skills.

Also, check out David JP Phillips’s amazing TED talk:

Attend a networking event.

How many networking events do you attend in a year? One study of 1,000 entrepreneurs even found that 78% of startups attributed networking to their success.

But it’s not just showing up that matters. Do you know where to stand? Or who to talk to? There’s a big distinction between doing networking the wrong way and doing it right. Check out the resource to find the best tips on networking.

Resource: Read our How to Network Guide.

Go on a walking tour.

Most cities have a walking tour available to get to know historical buildings and famous landmarks. If there isn’t one, try doing some research and hosting your own with some friends!

Resource: Find a walking tour near you.

Use your green thumb.

You don’t have to be a natural-born farmer to plant some veggies. Nor do you have to have a big old patch of dirt to plant them in. Try going green and planting your own veggies and fruits on whatever land you have (or even bring nature to you by planting indoors), and save money in the process! 

Resource: Brush up your green knowledge by reading Growing Plants 101^{27 https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/beginners/growing-plants-101/} , or try Growing Plants Indoors^{28 https://homesteadbrooklyn.com/all/2017/1/21/growing-plants-indoors-a-beginners-guide} .

Join an outdoor fitness class.

Are you struggling to get lean and mean for this upcoming summer? You don’t have to do it alone—you can do it in a group! From yoga in parks, morning beach swim classes, dance fitness classes, and even Zumba, you can change your fitness routine by going outdoors!

Resource: Check out 6 Outdoor Fitness Classes to Take This Summer^{29 https://urbanmatter.com/chicago/6-outdoor-exercise-classes-to-take-this-summer/} , 

Or try it on your own:

Challenge yourself to an obstacle course.

If you’ve been keeping up with your fitness, congrats! Time to take it to the next level. There are a wide variety of obstacle courses designed to test your mental fortitude and physical endurance, including the Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, and Rugged Maniac!

Resource: See the courses in The 12 Most Epic Mud Runs and Obstacle Courses in the World^{30 https://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/best-mud-runs/} .

…you could also set one up in your own backyard!

Learn the stars

Do you know your Big Dipper from the Little Dipper? Not only did our ancestors know about stars to help them navigate direction, but they’re also an amazing reminder that the universe is such a huge place.Resource: Read up on A Guide to Stargazing or check out Search Results Web Results 5 Constellations Everyone Can Find.

Journal in nature

Journaling is a daily task of mine— and it’s even better to do it in nature! I find that writing down my thoughts helps with emotional regulation. There’s a cognitive benefit, too: science has proven that journaling even boosts IQ^{31 https://journals.uvic.ca/index.php/WPLC/article/viewFile/5160/2132} !

Resource: 

• Learn all about journaling with the Ultimate Bullet Journal Guide.^{32 https://littlecoffeefox.com/ultimate-bullet-journal-cheat-sheet/}
• 99+ journal prompts^{33 https://diaryofajournalplanner.com/journal-prompts/} to get your momentum going.

And a journaling guide:

Learn How to NOT Be Boring Socially 

Not everyone’s born a social butterfly, and you don’t have to be! Social skills are called “skills” for a reason, and there’s a reason why workers who combine social and technical skills fare best^{34 https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/10/social-skills-increasingly-valuable-to-employers-harvard-economist-finds/} in the modern economy.

Your social skills determine how people view YOU!

Don’t be boring, inauthentic, or toxic in your relationships! Learn how to transform your skills in one of these courses:

Free courses: 

• How to be Likable Without Being Inauthentic^{35 https://app.monstercampaigns.com/c/acu1fnbc80nrqyhppgtc/}
• Amazing Conversation in 3 Steps
• More courses

Paid courses:

• How to Be a Human Lie Detector
• Creating Great First Impressions^{36 https://www.linkedin.com/learning/creating-great-first-impressions?trk=public_profile_course_view}

15 Creative Things to Do When You’re Bored

When you’re bored, it’s so easy to default to Instagram, Facebook, or another social media platform. Sometimes, that can be just what the doctor ordered. But other times, it might feel better to create something! Here are a few more considerations that won’t just cure your boredom but will also spark your creativity.

Make up your own alphabet and language.

J.R.R. made up two languages, Quenya and Sindarin, when he wrote The Lord of the Rings^{37 https://www.amazon.com/Fellowship-Ring-Being-First-Rings/dp/0547928211/ref=sr_1_9} . And you can make up your own language too!

Design the letters and make up the sounds. You can even go as far as to create your own grammar. 

Design a map of a fictional location.

Get your mapmaker on, and design your own fictional world. Create the shape of land masses and water, and name all the locations.

Here’s some inspiration!^{38 https://www.instagram.com/pengoart/reel/Cnq57QGBhBB/}

Go thrifting

Thrifting is like a treasure hunt where you never know what gems you’ll find. Plus, it’s a stylish way to be eco-friendly.

Check out maps to see if there is a GoodWill or Buffalo Clothing Exchange near you.

Make a nature mandala.

Gather rocks, leaves, and pinecones to make a symmetrical shape. Bonus points if you make it in a local park so others can enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Write a song

Ever tried your hand at writing lyrics? Give it a shot! It’s a personal way to express your feelings and share your stories. You might discover something new about yourself in the process.

If you’ve never tried to write a song, here’s a YouTube video that gives some solid tips to get started.

Karaoke apps

Karaoke is your chance to let loose, be a star, and maybe even surprise yourself with your own vocal chops. And it can be quite satisfying to belt out some of your favorite jams.

Try the app Simply Sing^{39 https://www.hellosimply.com/simply-sing} , which gives you lyrics and also shows you how accurately you hit the notes.

Write a short story

Diving into a short story is your chance to play “God” in your own literary universe. You can create characters and design the adventures they go on.

Your short story need not be daunting—you could write just a single page.

If you want to plan out your story methodically, you can go through this short-story checklist^{40 https://writers.com/how-to-write-a-short-story} .

But if you just want to sit down and put pen to paper without overthinking it, try using one of these writing prompts^{41 https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/creative-writing-prompts-for-writers} as a jump-off point.

Write a script for a movie scene

This is similar to story writing but just focuses on the dialogue.

You can make up a scene from scratch or re-write the ending of a favorite movie. This activity can also boost your empathy muscles.

Make a painting

If you’ve never tried painting, you might enjoy it! It’s a satisfying way to use color and texture to express your inner world.

Here’s one YouTube channel that shows how to make simple abstract paintings. 

Go to a figure drawing class.

Figuring drawing is a way to see the beauty and complexity of the human form through an artist’s eyes.

Google if there are any figure-drawing classes in your area where you can bring a sketchbook and draw models in interesting poses. Often, local colleges will offer adult classes.

As another option, this website allows you to create your own digital figure drawing session where you can pick model type, whether they’re clothed or nude, and in-action or still.

Pick up an instrument.

Learning an instrument is like unlocking a new language of soul and sound. It can be deeply gratifying to pick up even some basic skills in an instrument.

Is there an instrument that you always wished you might be able to play, but it always felt out of reach? Try it out! There are countless YouTube tutorials to help you.

If you’d like ideas, here are a few interesting instruments to consider:

• Handpan drum: This is a convex steel drum with multiple notes that you play with your thumbs. It’s known for its soothing and melodic sounds.
• Harmonica: A classic, portable instrument that you can use in a wide range of musical genres.
• Cajón (drum box): This is a box-shaped percussion instrument that you sit on while you play. It’s originally from Peru.
• Kalimba (thumb piano): This African instrument is made of a wooden board with attached staggered metal tines, which you pluck with your thumb. The instrument creates a peaceful and almost magical atmosphere.

Go to a dance class

If you’re bored, dance can be a great way to spark some life back into you.

It puts you in your body and is a workout that will make you sweat.

Solo dance classes (like ballet or hip hop) will focus more on body control and choreography, whereas partner dance classes (like salsa or swing) will focus more on the connection between your body and your partner’s.  

Try a brand-new recipe.

Cooking a new recipe is a delicious adventure; it forces you to try something new and expand the menu you can cook.

See if any of these recipes appeal to you!

Create your own new recipe.

If following others’ recipes isn’t your thing, try making up your own dishes.

If you’re not sure where to start, try this Reddit group, 52 Weeks of Cooking, where you’ll get a weekly challenge (ingredient, cuisine, or inspiration) for you to cook and post.

Photography scavenger hunt

A photography scavenger hunt is where you get a list of items or inspirations that you need to take pictures of. 

It can be a phenomenal way to see the world through a lens of creativity and wonder.

Here are some photo scavenger hunt lists to try out! All you need is a camera.

10 Fun Things to Do When Bored

Maybe you’re bored, and you don’t want to learn or grow; you just want to have some fun! Then look no further. Here are some amazingly fun activities to try.

Go to an arcade

Is there an arcade near you? Arcades are a blast from the past. You can get lost in nostalgic video games Skeeball and Guitar Hero. 

Minigolf

If you have a friend to call upon, minigolf is a whimsical way to challenge yourself. It can be a great way to share friendly competition with a friend.  

Bouldering

Most cities have a bouldering gym you can check out. It’s a fun way to use your muscles and your mind. Each climb you complete gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment.  

Go-kart racing

Super Mario isn’t the only one who enjoys go-karting! Go-karts can be an awesome way to get into a flow state and feel some thrill.  

Check out a museum

Walking through a museum is like time-traveling through other people’s imaginations. You’re bound to come up with new ideas and inspirations when you stare at the gallery wall full of art.

Go to the zoo

The zoo isn’t just for kids; it can be a chance to marvel at the animal kingdom up close and reignite your sense of wonder.

Consider if you want to look at the lions, check out the chimps, and gaze at some gazelles.

Browse a bookstore

There’s magic in the aisles of a bookstore. Each book is a doorway to another world just waiting to be opened.

Try going to a bookstore and let your curiosity guide you.

Go to an open mic

Even if you don’t perform, it can be enjoyable and inspiring to watch others express their creativity.  

You might leave with some inspiration for your own creative endeavors.

Laser tag

Laser tag is a high-energy escape into a world of strategy and teamwork, all while dodging beams of light.

It’s super fun to enjoy laser tag with a friend. But if you don’t have anyone to call on, you can go by yourself as well and get placed on a team with other participants.

Ziplining

Ziplining is like flying without wings, a thrilling ride with a view that’s hard to beat.

Search Google to see if there are any ziplining grounds near you that give you an adrenaline rush and an appreciation of the beauty of the natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Things to Do When Bored

Takeaways on Things to Do When Bored

I hope you found a way to take advantage of your boredom with these tips!

If you’re still not sure, here are a few ideas to put on the burner:

• Make a vision board
• Take a personality test
• Learn the stars and constellations
• Update your LinkedIn
• Write a letter to a friend or family member
• Go ziplining

Best of luck with your boredom! If you’d like to do more than just conquer boredom on a single occasion but to pick up a new hobby, then you might appreciate these 50 hobbies for adults.