We’ve all had those days when nothing seems to stir our interest.
It feels like we’ve read every book on our shelves or binge-watched every show online or walked every block in our neighborhood. Fortunately for us, there are still plenty of things to do when you’re bored.
In our busy, hyperconnected world, boredom can actually be a luxury. If you’re feeling bored, you can use it as an opportunity to finally tackle that to-do list you’ve been putting off, or treat yourself to an activity of self-care, or do something nice for others.
Below, we’ve rounded up ideas for things to do when you’re bored. Feel free to select 1-2 items off this list or go through as many as you can. Not only is there a chance that you’ll feel more energized and inspired, but you’ll feel a great sense of satisfaction in the end.
Productivity ideas for when you're bored
1. Send an invoiceSending an invoice won’t require much effort on your part, and will make you feel super productive afterwards. If you’re bored and looking to knock off easy, low-energy admin tasks, submit invoices to clients or double check them to ensure the amounts are correct.
2. Maintain your quarterly taxes
How often do we wait until April to finally buckle down on our taxes? Doing a little financial organizing throughout the year will save you a big headache come tax time. If you’re bored and have 10-15 minutes to spare, use this time to enter any payments received, organize your receipts, or update your expenses. Your future self will thank you.
3. Update your LinkedIn profile
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is current and up-to-date. Update your roles and responsibilities, add new skills, punch up your headline, or revise the copy in your About section.
4. Update your professional website
Update the links on your website and make sure they’re all correct, or upload a new profile photo, or punch up the copy on your site and make it SEO friendly.
5. Go to the post office
Maybe it’s dropping off a birthday package or buying a new set of stamps or returning a clothing item in the mail, a run to the post office can help you finally cross off those nagging tasks off your to-do list and make you feel accomplished.
6. Write a thank you card
Speaking of mail, a good thing to do when you’re bored is to finally write thank you cards you’ve been meaning to send. Maybe it’s thanking someone for a job interview or saying thanks for a thoughtful holiday gift, or just expressing gratitude to a loved one. A handwritten card is always time well spent.
Home organization ideas for when you’re bored
7. Clean the bathroomDon’t feel like spending an entire afternoon cleaning your bathroom? Choose a specific task and tackle it. Scrub the toilet, wipe the bathroom sink, clean the shower tiles, or safely dispose of any expired medicine.
8. Tidy the kitchen
Do the dishes for ten minutes, take out the trash, or clean out your fridge. A little bit of kitchen organization can make a big difference, and save you from having to do a bigger clean later on.
9. Shred documents with personal information
This includes bank and credit card statements, letters from your health insurance company, and anything that contains your personal and financial information.
10. Recycle paper clutter
Sort through your magazines, junk mail, and coupons and put them in the recycling bin.
11. Declutter your desk
Organize your notebooks, return books to the shelf, toss out pens that are running out of ink, and sort your paperwork by placing them in a document tray.
12. Make the bed
This is a super easy task that instantly makes the entire room look put together.
13. Meal prep
Cut up veggies and fruit for the week, bookmark your favorite recipes, or write out a shopping list for your upcoming meals in your meal planning pad.
Self-care ideas for when you’re bored
14. JournalIf you’re feeling bored, journal writing is a low-key, pleasurable activity that will make you feel so good in the end. It’s one of those activities that’s nice to do when you don’t feel rushed. You can take time to express your feelings and pour your thoughts on the page. And you might even have an a-ha moment after a journal writing session.
15. Escape with a coloring book
As a kid, I loved nothing more than spending time with my coloring books, and testing out all the colors in my crayon box. I felt like I was in my own little world, and could entertain myself for hours. Luckily, adults can access the same wonders and benefits of coloring with adult coloring books. Break out some fun, colorful markers and go to town.
16. Watch a movie you wouldn’t normally watch
Maybe it’s a documentary or a movie genre you wouldn’t normally go for, a movie outside of your comfort zone can make for a fun and interesting experience. You can even color in your coloring book while you’re watching or make the viewing more special by lighting your favorite candles and sipping a soothing cup of tea.
17. Take a gratitude stroll
A leisurely walk in the park or even a stroll around your neighborhood can do wonders for your health and well-being. You can also use this as an opportunity to practice mindfulness and gratitude. We have a free Ink+Volt Gratitude Stroll Worksheet to help you savor the sights and scenes around you, and cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude.
Fitness ideas for when you’re bored
18. Do an indoor exerciseYou can do sets of jumping jacks, planks, lunges, or resistance bands. Make it fun and play some fun, energizing music during your workout.
19. Do an online exercise video
There are so many free and low-cost fitness classes available online. Whether it’s yoga, pilates, or a dance workout, you’ll find one that you can easily do from home.
20. Go for a run
Running doesn't require much in terms of time or equipment. You just need a pair of running shoes and you’re good to go. Head to the park or run around the block. Run for 5 minutes or 30, you’ll still feel like you challenged yourself and got in a good workout.
