Top things to do when you’re bored

By Alma Fabiani

Updated Sep 17, 2020 at 04:30 PM

Reading time: 2 minutes

8471

Boredom is one of life’s unavoidable state of mind—sometimes, it can feel impossible to escape. This became particularly true when many of us were stuck indoors due to the COVID-19 lockdown. But boredom can also be fought against easily. Here are the best things to do when you’re bored at home.

Be productive

Stuck indoors with nothing to do? That’s probably a lie we’ve all been trying to tell ourselves. Think of productive tasks you’ve always ignored until now, and get to it!

Start by cleaning your fridge, your windows, wash your floors, hoover too while you’re at it. Is your closet as messy as mine is? Come on, pour yourself an extra-large glass of wine and start organising your closet—having an organised space will help you remember what you have and find hidden gems. Do your washing, clean your computer hard drive and deep clean your bathroom for extra points!

Be creative

The previous spring cleaning session wasn’t enough to break you out of boredom? That means it’s time for you to expand your creative skills!

With TikTok choreographies being all the rage at the moment, why don’t you learn one specific dance? Who knows, you might end up breaking the internet. Along the same lines, you could start a journal (before completely deserting it after a few days), write a song, a poem or even a play. Try to paint something you love, write your loved ones some old school letters.

Work on your cooking skills

For many, me included, fighting boredom equals going in the kitchen and cooking or baking whatever you can. Just because we’re here to have fun, not to exhaust ourselves, start by learning the art of cocktail making—trust me, you won’t regret it.

Try baking bread, as cliché as it sounds, homemade bread truly is delicious. Continue by baking cookies for your day (and night, let’s be real) snacks. Not comfortable in the kitchen? Just make fancy dips for your next movie marathon.

Entertain yourself

It might sound obvious, but one of the best ways to fight boredom is by watching movies and videos. Start by picking a reality TV show you’ve never seen before, and binge it. That should keep you entertained for quite some time. Are you more of a movie enthusiast? Then look up classic movies and reinforce your movie knowledge.

Start a new book, a video game, a puzzle—anything you prefer! And just because making a puzzle by yourself in complete silence sounds borderline depressing, create a playlist just for this activity.

Finally, relax

If you’ve done most of the things mentioned above and still feel bored or restless, there’s only one thing left for you to do: relax, baby!

Treat yourself, give yourself a manicure and pedicure, apply a soothing face mask and jump in a warm bubbly bath. Once you’re out and already less tense, do some yoga to, meditate or go for a walk. If you have a pet, cuddle with them! If you don’t, lie down on your bed and listen to a new podcast.

Keep On Reading

By Charlie Sawyer

What is HYROX? The new Gen Z fitness craze that makes running clubs look mega boring

By Abby Amoakuh

Father of man who died after climbing into airplane engine reveals why he thinks he did it

By Abby Amoakuh

More than 30 female UK politicians targeted by deepfake porn campaign to humiliate them

By Charlie Sawyer

How did YouTuber Tana Mongeau become so rich? Stalker stories and messy relationships

By Abby Amoakuh

Attention to all performative reading guys: here’s what your book selection says about you

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Who is Ziwe Fumudoh? Unpacking the comedy genius putting white people in the hot seat

By Abby Amoakuh

Did Taylor Swift disrespect Céline Dion at the 2024 Grammys? We investigated the incident

By Abby Amoakuh

What is phrogging? Signs you might have a stranger hiding in your floorboards

By Abby Amoakuh

Gen Zers are locked into career echo chambers. Here’s how to get out of them

By Charlie Sawyer

What is a glizzy? Internet’s hot dog obsession

By Charlie Sawyer

What is the No Thanks app? And how are people using boycotting methods to protest the war in Gaza?

By Charlie Sawyer

Actor who played 12-year-old kissing grown woman in Disney movie responds to calls for film to be removed

By Abby Amoakuh

Marjorie Taylor Greene clashes with reporter over Jewish space lasers conspiracy theory

By Alma Fabiani

What is a nepo baby, and why do they make everyone so mad?

By Abby Amoakuh

France’s AI systems for Olympics disproportionately target minorities and expose them to violence

By Abby Amoakuh

Back to Black costume designer PC Williams spills the tea on We Are Lady Parts and Polite Society

By Jack Ramage

Findom explained: Understanding financial domination in relationships

By Charlie Sawyer

Professional volleyball player who was jailed for raping a 12-year-old girl set to compete in Paris Olympics

By Abby Amoakuh

Martin Freeman opens up about Miller’s Girl as Jenna Ortega responds to another controversial sex scene

By Alma Fabiani

Best pick-up lines to make your date laugh and break the ice