It’s inevitable that at one point or another, we get bored. You might get bored at home, bored at work, or on a commute. With nothing to do, we might find ourselves wandering around the house mindlessly, sitting around, and, in general, wasting our time.
We check the same apps over and over, hoping for some big news or anything remotely interesting to be in the news or social media.
Instead of succumbing to boredom, engage in something, anything. It doesn’t have to be productive, but being bored just kinda….sucks, right? Below are a ton of ideas you can use to get yourself less bored and maybe even a little bit more productive. Here are 50+ things to do when bored:
Color
It’s not just for kids! You can find plenty of adult coloring books; grab your favorite colored pencils, crayons, markers, or whatever, and get creative.
Related: Frugal Weekend Plans: Make the Most of Your Weekend
Draw
You don’t even have to be good. Consider it practice. Find some inspiration and do your best.
Build a Fort
Also, not just for kids! Now that you’re an adult, you can probably make the best forts in the world. Use all the blankets and pillows you can find, and have family fun all around!
Build With Legos
If you have little ones, you have Legos for sure. They are certainly a family-friendly distraction that will help you beat boredom.
Scrapbook
This is a bit of a lost art but can be a great way to commemorate any occasion. We take more pictures now than ever, print some out, and have a physical copy to reminisce with.
Make a Movie
Our smartphones can let even the more un-tech-savvy people make works of art. Recreate a favorite scene or make up your own using the great tech right in your pocket.
Make Slime With Kids
Kids love slime, and it’s easy to do.
Read
Read a book, a news article, or I don’t know, maybe a blog? I’ve heard it’s good mental stimulation.
Walk
Go outside, get some fresh air and take a stroll around the neighborhood.
Hike
If you want a bit more intensity, find a good hiking trail near you and give it a go.
Run
If you really want to get your heart pumping, a good run can be a great way to kill time and get you in shape.
Bike
Biking can also be an excellent workout and a great way to kill some time when bored.
Workout
Ok, really, any workout, in general, is a good use of time. Go to the gym, do weights at home, or do any other kind of exercise.
Go to a Park
Play frisbee, throw a ball to your dog if you have one, fly a drone, do whatever you want, but a park is good for a lot of activities.
Go to a Playground
This one does require kids. Going on your own could be, well…..creepy. If you have kids, grab some water, a few snacks, and head out to the best playground around, everybody loves playgrounds!
Play a Sport
Get a crew together or go to a local gym to find someone new to play with. Football, baseball, basketball, tennis, racquetball, soccer, you can find a group for any sport.
Learn New Dance Moves
Not up to date on the latest dance moves? Find some videos on youtube and learn a few you can bust out at your next party.
Do a Puzzle
Puzzles can take days to complete, and you won’t be bored when putting 1000 pieces together.
Learn a Language
There are lots of different apps and websites that will let you learn a new language. Find one that works for you and see where it goes.
Write in a Journal
Writing down your thoughts can be therapeutic and help you organize your thoughts better.
Knit
Not many people know how to knit, but you can learn. Start simple and make a hat, gloves, sweater, scarf, or any other garment someone you know might need.
Make T-shirts
Design something online, get iron-on decals, or even make a classic tie-dye t-shirt. There are plenty of ways to make one unique to you.
Play Board Game
There are plenty of games that only need two people. Grab a family member or friend and play a few board games to pass the time.
Play a Video Game
There are an endless number of games to play these days. Pick up a new game or replay one of your favorites.
Play a Card Game
No one else around? No problem, there are lots of solo card games for your amusement. If you have a few others to play with, play a favorite card game or learn a new one.
Organize Your House
Everyone’s house eventually falls into a state of disarray. Take the time to get organized, and even it’s just one room, you gotta start somewhere.
Clean Your House
Maybe your house isn’t cluttered but could use a good dusting. Get down and dirty and clean up those areas you’ve been avoiding.
Get Rid of Clothes
We all have those clothes in the back of our dressers or closets we just never get around to wearing. See what clothes you can get rid of and make a charitable donation.
Get Rid of Food
Like clothes, there is always some food we didn’t get around to eating. If it’s expired, toss it, it is non-perishable, consider donating it.
Get Rid of Anything Else
Don’t stop at clothes and food. There is likely plenty of other stuff around the house that you can get rid of. Anything that’s not being used can go out the door.
Clean Out Emails
Maybe it’s not your house that’s a mess, but your inbox. Catch up on your inbox and get rid of all those unnecessary emails cluttering your mind.
Rearrange Furniture
Make a room feel new again by rearranging the furniture. Not only will you have a great new room you can decorate, but you’ll also get a workout in too!
Make Playlists
We have playlists for everything these days, but they can become stale if we don’t update them every now and then. Make a new playlist for your run, workout, or relaxing.
Make up a Cocktail
Everybody loves a good cocktail. A fun thing to do can be to take some time to create a signature drink unique just to you.
Make Jewelry
You don’t need silver and gold to make jewelry. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to jewelry. Grab what you have and make something that matches your style.
Bake
Got a sweet tooth? Bake some desserts or other pastries to pass the time.
Cook a Big Meal
We’re always crunched for time when it comes to cooking. If you’re bored, why not go all out and make a full three, four, or five course meal!
Get Lost in Pinterest
You can certainly find something to cure your boredom on Pinterest.
Get Lost in YouTube
Whether you want to watch funny cat videos or learn how to sheetrock your walls, youtube has you covered. You’ll certainly find something to entertain yourself here.
Get Lost on Wikipedia
Maybe some knowledge will cure your boredom. Start on a random wiki page and see where the links take you.
Do Some Financial Planning
An activity after my own heart. Take the free time to go over your finances and find ways you can save money, make money or just plan ahead for future expenses.
Plan a Vacation
Got your next vacation on your mind already? Start doing the leg work and plan it out. Scout out locations, hotels, activities, and more for your next destination.
Call a Friend
Ok, don’t let them know you called because you’re bored, but catching up with a friend is always a good use of your time.
Call a Family Member
Ditto goes for family members you haven’t seen in a while.
Find Interesting Places on Google Earth
Want to travel somewhere you’ve never been? Take a trip on google earth and see where it takes you.
Meditate
Find your zen and meditate to help your mental health.
Yoga
Streeeeeeetch those muscles with some good yoga poses.
Bubble Bath
Ultimate relaxation in effect. Take some time to unwind and do nothing in a bubble bath.
Blow Bubbles
Kids can spend hours blowing bubbles and popping them, no reason you can’t get in on the action.
Play an Instrument
If you are more musically inclined, why not pick up an instrument you might have.
Sleep
Naps are good. If you have the time to sleep, take it.
Do Some Gardening
Fresh air, and you’ll make your property look nice too.
Do Some Yardwork
While you’re at it, make the whole yard look nice.
Teach Pet New Tricks
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Even if you can’t, it can be fun trying1
Do a Crossword Puzzle
Give your mind a workout with a good crossword puzzle.
Play Sudoku
Another good, mentally stimulating game is the timeless sudoku.
Memorize Something
Improve your mind with some memorization exercises. Learn all the state capitals, presidents of the united states, or make a list or random stuff and see how much you can remember.
Update Your Resume
You never know when you’ll need to be on the job hunt. If you haven’t looked at it in a while, update that resume.
Freelance Gigs
It’s easier than ever to make money in your spare time these days. Use your skills to pick up some freelance work if you are bored.
Listen to Podcasts
No matter what your interests are, there is a podcast out there for it.
Fix Stuff
If you live in a house, there’s a pretty good chance there is something that could use some fixing up. If you’re not that handy, learn how on youtube.
Related: 10 Frugal Things To Do With 10 Dollars
Build Something
Now that you’ve fixed everything build something of your own.
Make a Time Capsule
Want to have a good laugh ten years from now? Put some of the latest trends and fads in a time capsule for you to open.
Find a New Show
With all the streaming services out there, there has never been more original content for us to consume. Log into your favorite and find something new to watch.
Write Something
I heard blogging is fun. Use your imagination.
Write a Letter
Write a letter to a friend, relative, whoever. No one gets letters in the mail anymore. You’ll make someone a bit happier when they do.
Origami
On the surface, folding paper over and over doesn’t sound like fun, but it can give you a real sense of accomplishment when done well.
Frugal Things To Do When Bored: Final Thoughts
People get bored, it’s a fact of life. Hopefully, this list will help prevent boredom and provide some stimulation, and keep you entertained. I’ve listed over 50+ frugal ways to get rid of that boredom.
No matter your interests or what you are in the mood for, you should be able to find something on this list worth doing. The next time you think, “I’m bored”, pick one of these boredom busters to spend time having fun instead!
