78 Things To Do When You Are Bored (That Don’t Suck)

Do you ever find yourself wondering what to do when you’re bored? Having extra moments in life is a precious commodity, and it’s important to make the most of it.

With a bit of inspiration, you can find something that feels meaningful, entertaining, or restorative with your time.

We’ve compiled a huge list of ideas so you don’t have to spend your next break staring at a wall.

There’s something here for everyone, from simple and easy activities to more creative endeavors. So read on to find the perfect way to spend your next moment of boredom!

What To Do When You’re Bored: 77 Ideas

1. Call a Friend or Family Member

In the modern age of text messaging, email, and social media, it’s easy to forget the importance of hearing a loved one’s voice. Whether you catch up on gossip or simply chat about your day, calling up friends and family is always enjoyable.

Call someone you’ve been meaning to get back to or reach out to someone that you don’t talk to often. You’ll be surprised at how good it feels to chat with someone you care about.

2. Try Learning a New Language

This activity is perfect to fit into any moment of boredom and can keep your mind sharp. There are many ways to go about learning a new language, whether it’s signing up for a class, using an app, or teaching yourself from a book.

Start small by learning some basic phrases in a new language, then work your way up to more complex grammar and conversation. Before you know it, you’ll be able to plan your next vacation abroad and talk to the locals.

3. Give Yourself a Manicure or Pedicure

Take some time to relax and pamper yourself with a manicure or pedicure. You don’t need to go to a salon to enjoy this activity – you can give yourself an at-home mani/pedi that’s just as good and cheaper.

You can get fancy and invest in a foot bath and some fun colors and a face mask, or simply use what you have on hand. Either way, you’ll feel refreshed and relaxed after taking some time to focus on your nails.

4. Write a Poem

Are you good with words? Put your creative juices to the test by writing a poem. It can be about anything that you want, whether it’s an emotional experience, a funny story, or simply your thoughts on life.

You don’t need to be a professional poet to enjoy this activity – just let the words flow and see where they take you. You might be surprised at how therapeutic it is to get your thoughts down on paper.

Bonus points if you can find a creative way to share your poem with others!

5. Go For a Walk

Sometimes, the simplest things can be the most enjoyable. If you’re feeling restless or need to clear your head, go for a walk.

This is a great opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise, both of which are good for your health. Walking is also an easy way to explore your surroundings and find new places to visit.

You can walk to some music, an audiobook, a podcast, or simply enjoy the sounds of the outdoors.

6. Start a Garden

Gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by anyone. If you have a green thumb, put your skills to use by starting a garden.

You can grow flowers, vegetables, or herbs – it’s up to you! Gardening is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

You can start simply and just plant a single plant or a couple of herbs in a container or go all out and create a full-fledged vegetable garden.

7. Enjoy a Bubble Bath

Spa services can be expensive, so why not set up a self-care home spa and enjoy a bubble bath?

You can add some soothing aromatherapy, play some relaxing music, and light some candles to create a truly relaxing experience.

8. Start a New Online Handmade Business

While this one sounds daunting, it doesn’t have to be! If you have a hobby or talent for making things by hand, such as crocheting or photography, start an online business.

You might as well make a bit of money off of activities you have fun doing anyway!

You can sell your creations on sites like Etsy or create your own website. This is a great way to make some extra money and share your talents with the world.

9. Start a Book Club

Are you a bookworm? You can put together a book club with your friends or join one that’s already established. This is a great way to connect with others who share your love of reading.

You can meet up in person or start an online book club. There are many different ways to run a book club, so you can make it work for you and your schedule.

10. Clean Your Makeup Brushes

It’s likely that you don’t clean your makeup brushes as often as you should. (Guilty!) Take some time to properly clean your brushes and extend their lifespan.

Not only will your makeup look better when applied with clean brushes, but you’ll also avoid the build-up of bacteria which can cause breakouts.

11. Rearrange Your Furniture

Change things up a bit by rearranging your furniture. This is a great way to give your home a fresh new look without spending any money. It will also encourage you to clean out dust bunnies in any nooks and crannies.

You can move things around in one room or even switch out pieces of furniture between rooms. Just make sure that you measure before you start moving things around – you don’t want any surprises!

12. Make a New Playlist

Whether you’re a music lover or just enjoy having some background noise, take some time to make a new playlist. You can do this on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, or any other music streaming service.

You can make a playlist for any occasion – working out, studying, relaxing, cooking, etc. The possibilities are endless!

13. Cook a New Dish

If you’re bored with your usual repertoire of meals, why not try a new recipe? Cooking is a healthy way to get creative and experiment with different flavors.

You can find new recipes online or in cookbooks. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can make up your own recipe!

Not only does this give you something fun to do around the house, but can get out and into the supermarket or farmers’ market.

14. Go on a Social Media Cleanse

In today’s world, it’s easy to get sucked into the black hole of social media. If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your feed, it might be time for a social media detox.

15. Organize your Junk Drawer

We all have that one drawer (or two, or three) in our house that’s just a catch-all for everything and anything. Take some time to go through this drawer and get rid of any junk you don’t need.

16. Make a Vision Board

A vision board is basically a collage of things that inspire you or represent your goals for the future. This can be anything from pictures and quotes to magazine cut-outs and postcards.

Making a vision board helps you to get clarity on what you want in life. It’s also a fun activity that lets you get creative and use your hands.

17. Have a Movie Marathon

Whether you’re watching classic films or the latest blockbusters, having a movie marathon is always a good time. Make some popcorn, grab some snacks, and invite some friends over if you want to make it a party.

The kids will love it too!

18. Do a Puzzle

Puzzles are an intellectually stimulating way to pass the time and can be surprisingly challenging. If you’re looking for a mental workout, try doing a crossword puzzle or sudoku.

19. Get to Inbox Zero

If your email inbox is overflowing, now is the time to clean it out! Unsubscribe from any unwanted newsletters and delete any old emails you don’t need to get to Inbox Zero.

You can also create folders and labels to organize your emails. This will make it easier to find things when you need them and will help keep your inbox more manageable.

20. Make a Scrapbook

A scrapbook is a creative way to preserve your memories. You can use old photos, ticket stubs, postcards, and anything else you want to include.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of tutorials and ideas online. You can also find pre-made kits that have everything you need to get started.

21. Plan Your Next Vacation

If you’re bored and daydreaming about being somewhere else, why not start planning your next vacation? This is a great way to get excited about travel and explore new places.

Start a document on the computer and add some ideas and photos of destinations you want to go to. Then you can dig into the nitty gritty and develop a budget and itinerary.

22. Go through your Closet

We all have clothes we don’t wear anymore. Go through your closet and get rid of anything you don’t need.

You can donate these items to a thrift store or have a yard sale. You can even sell them online, especially if they’re vintage.

And remember, when you get rid of a few outfits, that means there is room for a few more to be added to the collection!

23. Get Outside and Take Some Photos

If you are bored of your surroundings, sometimes all it takes is a new lens. Get outside and take some photos, even if it’s just with your phone.

Document the world around you and capture some memories while you’re at it. Who knows, you might end up with some great shots, and a new appreciation for your environment when you see it through a new angle.

24. Practice an Instrument

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, there’s no time like the present! You can start by watching some tutorials online or renting an instrument from a music store.

You may even have an old instrument gathering dust in the attic. Give it a try and see if you can make some beautiful music.

25. Have a Picnic

A picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air. You can pack a lunch or even just have some snacks and drinks.

Find a nice spot in your backyard or at a nearby park. Then just sit back, relax, and enjoy. You can use this as an opportunity to get some alone time or bring the kids along as well.

26. Try a New Restaurant

If you’re bored of your usual dining options, why not try a new restaurant? This is a great way to explore different cuisines and find new favorites.

Check out online reviews or ask friends for recommendations. Consider trying a new cuisine or a new area of town to add some variety to your dining experience.

27. Take a Hike

Hiking is a healthy way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. And there are plenty of trails to choose from, whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a more challenging hike.

So put on your hiking boots and hit the trail! You might be surprised at what you find when you explore nature.

28. Do Some Yard Work

If you’re bored and have some time to spare, why not do some yard work? This is a great way to get outside and get some exercise. Plus, it’s a chance to make your home look its best.

Start by mowing the lawn or pulling up weeds. Then you can move on to trimming shrubs and planting flowers. You’ll be surprised at how satisfying it is to see your yard looking neat and tidy.

29. Make a List of Self-Care Ideas

Self-care is important, but it can be hard to think of ideas when you’re feeling down. So why not make a list of self-care ideas to refer to when you need it?

This way, you’ll always have something to do that will make you feel better.

Once you complete this list, place it somewhere you can see it and refer to it when needed.

30. Do Something Nice for Someone Else

Doing something nice for someone else is a great way to make yourself feel good. It can be something as simple as giving a compliment or cooking a meal.

Or you could do something bigger, like volunteering your time or donating to a charity.

No matter what you do, you’ll be making the world a little bit better. Your friends, family, and community will appreciate it.

31. Go for a Drive

Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery. So why not go for a drive? This is a great way to explore new places and clear your head.

If you don’t have somewhere specific in mind, just pick a direction and see where the road takes you. This is more about the journey than the destination, so let yourself make stops along the way.

32. Meditate

Meditation is a great way to relax and focus your mind. There are many different ways to meditate, so find a method that works for you.

You can try guided meditation, which involves following along with an audio recording. Or you can practice mindfulness meditation, which focuses on being present in the moment.

33. Take Online Surveys

There are plenty of websites that will pay you to take online surveys. This is a great way to make some extra money from home.

Plus, it’s a fun way to voice your opinion on products and services. You may even get to test out new products before they’re released to the public.

34. Do an Online Art Class

You’ve likely heard of paint and sip classes, which involve getting a group of family members or friends together and going into a painting class. But what about an online art class?

These are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to try something new.

There are classes for all skill levels, so you can find one that’s perfect for you. Choose from paid courses or just follow along with a YouTube tutorial.

35. Search for Geocaches

Geocaching is a great way to get outside and explore your surroundings. It’s also a fun way to find hidden treasures.

All you need is a GPS device and an account on the geocaching website. Then you can start searching for geocaches in your area.

This is a great activity to get the kids involved in.

36. Watch (or Binge) Your Favorite Television Show

We’ve all been there. You start watching a show and get really into it, only to realize you’re way behind on the episodes. So why not take this opportunity to catch up?

You can marathon your favorite show from start to finish. Or you can watch all the episodes that you’ve missed.

37. Do Some Yoga

Yoga is a great way to relax and stretch your body. There are many different types of yoga, so you can find one that’s perfect for you. Look up free videos online or head to a class if you want some instruction.

38. Make Some New Home Decor

These days, it’s easy to make one-of-a-kind home decor. Do you need coasters, wall art, a cutting board, or a new lampshade? There are tens of thousands of tutorials for all these items and more!

Look on Instructables or Pinterest to get inspired and start creating.

39. Give Yourself a Makeover

We usually see people getting makeovers on reality TV shows, but you can give yourself one at home. This doesn’t have to be a drastic change. Just try out a new hairstyle, makeup look, or outfit.

You could even get your kids involved and turn it into a game. See who can come up with the most creative makeover.

40. Have a Karaoke Party At Home

Karaoke bars can be a lot of fun, but they can also be expensive. So why not have a karaoke party at home? Just gather up some friends, family members, or neighbors and have some fun.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to do this. Just use your phone or computer to stream karaoke songs with lyrics streaming alongside the music.

41. Try Your Hand at Graphic Design

Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, you can still create some beautiful graphic designs. Canva is a great (and free!) website that has everything you need to get started.

You can create invitations, social media posts, flyers, and more. Plus, there are plenty of tutorials to help you along the way. When you get really good at this, you can even sell your graphics online.

42. Make a To-Do List

If you’re not feeling motivated to do much at the moment, sometimes making a list for the future can be the best way to empty your mind and get a sense of accomplishment.

You can make one big “dump” list or organize your list by category. This can be a helpful process to declutter your mind and make sure you don’t forget anything important.

43. Play tourist in your own town/city

Do some research and find out all the best tourist spots in your area. Then, pretend you’re a tourist and go visit them alone or with family! Remember to embrace the spirit of adventure.

44. Start a Budget

A lot of us don’t like to think about money, but it’s important to be mindful of your spending. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources here on mumsmoney.com that can help you create a budget.

Look for free templates that you can customize to your own needs.

45. Build a Fort

Forts are not just for kids unless you choose to invite them in! You can build one out of blankets, furniture, pillows—anything you have around the house.

Then, curl up inside with a good book or some snacks.

46. Practice Sewing

Sewing is a useful skill to have, and it can be therapeutic too. If you don’t know how to sew, there are plenty of online tutorials that can teach you the basics.

A creative hobby like sewing can also be practical for when the kids rip their clothes or you need to put together a Halloween costume.

47. Give Your Place a Deep Clean

Cleaning can be therapeutic, and it’s satisfying to see the results of your hard work. Plus, once you’re finished, your home will be sparkling clean!

Choose one room to work in or take on the whole house if you have time.

48. Collect Coupons

If you love to shop, this can be a great way to save some money when you’re bored. You can find coupons online or in the Sunday paper.

Once you have a good collection, you can start planning your shopping trips around sales and coupons.

49. Make Your Own Greeting Cards

Greeting cards can show someone you care, and they’re even more special when they’re homemade. You can use construction paper, recycled materials, or anything else you have around the house.

You can write personalized messages and use Getty images for inspiration to create the perfect card.

50. Polish Tarnished Silver

If you have any old silver pieces lying around, when you’re bored is the time to polish them up.

You can buy a silver polishing kit at your local hardware store. Or, if you prefer, there are plenty of tutorials online that show you how to do it with household items.

51. Learn a New Dance

Dancing is a fun way to exercise and have fun at the same time. There are plenty of tutorials online for all kinds of dances.

Whether you want to learn the cha-cha or the foxtrot or a new TikTok dance, you’re sure to find something that interests you.

52. Get Rid of Clutter

We all have things around the house that we don’t need. But getting rid of clutter can be therapeutic, and it will make your home feel more spacious.

You can start small by decluttering one drawer or closet. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious and are very bored, you can tackle the whole house!

53. Play Video Games

Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, playing video games can be perfect for relaxing and having fun. There are games for all kinds of interests, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy.

These days old gaming systems such as Sega are available online for under $30, so it can be a fun trip down memory lane as well.

54. Mend Broken Items

We all have broken items around the house that we’ve been meaning to fix. But sometimes, it’s just easier to buy a new one.

However, if you’re feeling handy, you can try to mend the broken item yourself. You may be surprised at how satisfying it is to see something you thought was broken beyond repair working again.

55. Try a New Hairstyle

If you’re looking for a change and are bored, why not try a new hairstyle? There are plenty of tutorials online for all kinds of styles.

Whether you want to learn how to do a fishtail braid or French twist, you’re sure to find something that interests you.

56. Plan a Dinner Party

Dinner parties are a great way to entertain friends and your family. But they can be a lot of work.

If you’re up for the challenge, start planning your menu and guest list. Then, get to work on making your dinner party a night to remember!

57. Make Homemade Gifts

If you’re looking for a unique gift, why not make something yourself? There are plenty of tutorials online for all kinds of homemade gifts.

Whether you want to make a scrapbook or a piece of jewelry, you’re sure to find fun things that interest you and will make a friend happy.

58. Research a Charity to Donate To

There are many worthy charities out there. But it can be hard to decide which one to donate to.

If you’re looking for a way to give back and are bored, do some research and find a charity that resonates with you. Then, make a donation and feel good about doing your part.

59. Learn About Another Culture

If you’re interested in learning about other cultures, there are many resources available. You can start by doing some research online.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even travel to another country and immerse yourself in the culture!

60. Read a Classic Novel

It’s easy to pass over the great literature pieces of the past few centuries after we are out of school. But reading a classic novel can be a great way to expand your horizons.

Whether you’re interested in Dickens or Austen or Tolstoy, there’s sure to be a classic author that interests you. So, dust off that copy of “Pride and Prejudice” and give it a try!

61. Make a Meal Plan

If you’re tired of eating the same old thing, why not try something new? Making a meal plan can be a great way to add variety to your diet.

And it can help you save money and time by avoiding last-minute trips to the grocery store. Ask a family member to help you if they’re bored too.

62. Teach Your Kids to Make Homemade Ice Cream

If you’re looking for fun things to do with the young ones, look no further! Teaching your kids how to make homemade ice cream is a great way to spend an afternoon.

They’ll have fun and you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of their labor!

63. Make a No-Sew Blanket

If you’re not the sewing type, don’t worry! You can still make a beautiful blanket without lifting a needle.

There are plenty of no-sew blanket tutorials you can watch online. So, get creative and see what you can come up with! You can even use old shirts and linens to keep the project completely free.

64. Play Board Games

Board games are a great way to spend time with family and friends. And they can be a lot of fun! If you’re looking for something to do, break out the Monopoly or Scrabble and start a new game night tradition.

65. Start a YouTube Channel

If you’re looking for a creative outlet, why not start a YouTube channel? You can share your interests with the world for free and even make some money in the process.

So, if you’re feeling ambitious, get started today!

66. Think of What You’re Grateful For

It’s easy to get caught up in negative things. But if you take a step back, you’ll likely find that there are many things to be grateful for.

Take a few minutes to think about the people and things in your life that make you happy. Remember the help you get from others and listen to the space in your heart that thanks them.

Express your gratitude in whatever way feels natural to you, whether it’s writing a thank-you note, telling someone how much you appreciate them, or simply smiling at the cashier who bags your groceries.

67. Give Your Partner a Massage

If you’re looking for a way to relax and connect with your partner, try giving them a massage. It’s a great way to show your love and affection.

An at-home spa day is bound to be appreciated! And your partner will be impressed by your skills.

68. Write Letters to Your Loved Ones

With all the technology available today, it’s easy to forget about the lost art of letter writing. But taking the time to write a letter to your loved ones can be a great way to show them how much you care.

So, dust off that pen and paper and get started!

69. Have a Philosophical Debate With a Friend

If you’re looking for a way to beat boredom, why not have a philosophical debate with a friend? It’s a great way to exercise your brain and learn about different viewpoints. Plus, it can be a lot of fun!

70. Dig Into Old Photo Crates

If you’re like most people, you have boxes of old photos gathering dust in the attic. But instead of letting them sit there, why not take a trip down memory lane?

Dig into those old photo crates and relive your childhood! You can also watch any old home movies on hand as well.

71. Buy a New Piece of Art For Your Home

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your home, why not buy a new piece of art? It’s a great way to add color and life to any room. Plus, it can be a lot of fun to shop for!

72. Deep Clean Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is one of the most important appliances in your home.

But it’s also one of the most neglected. So, take some time to deep clean the gunky stuff out of your dishwasher. You’ll be surprised at how much better it works!

73. Wash and Polish Your Shoes

Your shoes are one of the first things people notice about you. So, why not take some time to make sure they’re looking their best?

Wash and polish your shoes and you’ll be sure to make a good impression.

74. Play With Your Pets

Pets are a great source of companionship. So, if you’re feeling lonely, why not spend some time playing with your pets? They’ll love the attention and you’ll have fun too!

75. Ride Your Bike

Riding your bike is a good way to get some exercise when you’re bored. But it’s also a lot of fun!

So, get out there and enjoy the fresh air. You might even discover some new places along the way.

76. Do a Weekly, Monthly, or Yearly Review

A great way to beat boredom is to do a weekly, monthly, or yearly review. This is a great way to reflect on your progress and set new goals like the 100 Envelope Challenge.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, take some time to review your life.

77. Product Testing

Product testers get to test out new products before they’re released to the public and provide feedback which helps with product development and marketing.

Becoming a product tester can be a neat way to spend time when you are bored learning about new products and sharing your opinions.

Adidas has a popular product testing program that requires you to test the products, provide feedback and then return the products. This means it’s great for Adidas fans who want early access to the latest products.

If you want programs that allow you to test and keep products, you’ll find opportunities as well as surveys and polls with Opinion Outpost.

78. Don’t Do Anything

Did you know that boredom can actually be good for you? It’s a great way to relax and recharge.

So, next time you’re feeling bored, don’t do anything! Just sit back and enjoy the moment.

The Bottom Line

Boredom is a part of life. But it doesn’t have to be a bad thing!

There are plenty of things you can do to beat boredom. So, next time you’re feeling down, try one of these activities.

You might just find that some free time isn’t so bad after all!