Are you feeling bored? Boredom can be hard to deal with sometimes, but there are many ways to make a boring situation more exciting. Find ways to channel your creativity by reading, writing, or crafting. Take advantage of boring moments by doing something productive. Work on a task you've been putting off or learn a new skill. Hang out with friends and find new things to do around town. Find ways to have fun. Just because you're bored at home doesn't mean you can't relax and laugh.
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Method 1 of 5: Generating Creativity
Step 1. Read the book
Reading is a fun way to forget that you are bored. The author's words can take you on a mental vacation. Children's and youth books are great for this purpose. The stories in it can reawaken the little child within you and evoke curiosity and nostalgia.
- Choose a genre you like. If you've never been able to enjoy science fiction, science fiction novels certainly won't relieve your boredom. Instead, choose historical fiction.
- If you don't have books in your house, go to the library or bookstore. Getting out of the house can help reduce boredom.
Step 2. Try drawing, painting, or sketching
This activity is great for exercising creativity. You'll also come up with something beautiful to display afterwards. You can also develop new skills, which are great when you're bored.
- Drawing can also increase intelligence. Research shows that drawing can help you focus and listen because the brain is engaged.
- If you enjoy painting or drawing, but don't know what to draw, try going outside and painting/drawing any still objects you see. You can also draw or paint something interesting around the house.
- You can also draw or paint characters from your favorite books or movies if you want to use your imagination.
Step 3. Try coloring
Even if you're an adult, coloring is still a fun way to reduce boredom. Try looking for crayons and markers, then find a coloring book near you. Coloring activities for a few hours can help reduce boredom. You can play music in the background or turn on the TV.
- If you don't have a coloring book, try coloring a black and white photo in a newspaper or magazine. You can also draw a photo of yourself, then color it.
- If you're an adult and don't know how to color, now there are adult coloring books available. Try buying the book at a bookstore and start coloring.
Step 4. Make a list
Lists are a fun way to kill time. You can make a list of places you want to visit, books you want to read, or goals you want to achieve. You can also make silly lists without any serious purpose.
- Make a list that challenges you to come up with ideas. For example, try writing down 50 Christmas carols or 50 girls' names that start with the letter "A."
- You can also make a list of your favorite things. For example, make a list of your favorite movies in a certain genre, favorite books, or favorite travel destinations.
Step 5. Write creative works
You don't have to be a real writer to write. Creative writing will be very challenging and can reduce boredom. Writing can help distract. You'll be focusing on what you're writing, not thinking that you're bored.
- If it's hard to get started, write whatever you want. Write down whatever comes to your mind without a filter. If you find something interesting, try developing the idea further. You can even start with the words, “I'm bored!” and describe that boredom.
- If you're into creative writing, try writing a novel, poem, or short story that you never felt like doing.
- Create a blog. If it feels silly to write without a specific purpose, start a blog about a subject that interests you. For example, you can blog about music if you like going to concerts.
Step 6. Write a letter or email
If you're bored, think of people you haven't seen in a long time. Try writing him a letter or email. Writing letters is productive because you are contacting people who are far away and will also reduce boredom.
- Say something positive to a friend or family member. In addition to reducing boredom, you will also feel better. For example, say that you thank him for his help, or that you admire his way of handling a situation.
- Consider writing a letter to a soldier serving overseas, a victim of a natural disaster, or an elderly person in a nursing home. There are certain organizations that collect such letters and then send them on your behalf. If you join a humanitarian organization like this, you'll always have something to do when you're bored.
Step 7. Make gifts for friends or family
If it's a birthday or if you feel like it, make a special gift. You don't have to be a master craftsman to make something sweet and meaningful for your loved ones.
- Try making simple works like painting flower pots out of clay, making photo collages, or making greeting cards out of paper and stickers.
- If you like knitting or crochet, try making a scarf or arm warmers. Both are easy to do and usually complete within a day.
- Try scrapbooking for someone. Buy a scrapbook album or blank notebook, then some photos, paper, glue, and other decorations. You can create pages based on themes. For example, on one page you include photos and mementos from a particular holiday.
Step 8. Make crafts from household items
If you're tired of being stuck at home, there are lots of crafts you can make with things you have at home. Your boredom will be reduced without having to spend money or go somewhere.
- You can make unique lights by filling jars with decorative lights that are commonly used to decorate Christmas trees. You can also glue the decorative lights around the jar with a pretty design.
- Do you have sewing kits and old pillows in your house? Try sewing several pillows together to make a long pillow. If you have young children, this is a fun activity for a sleepover party.
- Do you have a lot of keys in your house? Take some nail polish and paint the tips of each lock a different color. That way, you can grab the right key easily when you're in a hurry.
Method 2 of 5: Doing Productive Activities
Step 1. Recognize that boredom can make you feel lethargic
Feeling bored can make you feel lethargic or uninspired. This can get worse especially when you are trying to complete an important coursework or work. In order to be productive when you're bored, try to focus on the end goal, which is getting the job done.
For example, if you're trying to write a term paper, but don't feel like doing it, try to think back on the reasons that made you want to finish the paper well. You can recall college targets, such as improving your GPA. Or, remembering your career goals, such as getting a letter of recommendation from a lecturer for being able to attend lectures well
Step 2. Exercise every day
Body activity will also make the mind active. This helps reduce boredom. You don't have to do strenuous activities, such as playing basketball. Just a walk is enough. Taking advantage of the boring time by exercising will help.
- Go to the park and skateboard, play basketball or soccer, go for a jog, or play tennis.
- If you don't like strenuous activities or you haven't been active for a long time, you can take a walk around the block, downtown, or to the park. If you're the artistic type, bring a camera or sketchbook to capture interesting moments.
- If the weather is hot, try swimming.
- If it's raining, try stretching indoors. Stretching exercises can be done indoors and keep the body toned and healthy.
Step 3. Do yoga
Yoga is an easy way to build strength. Yoga also helps relieve boredom. The yoga mindset is centered on accepting and enjoying the present moment. Being more sensitive to yourself and the environment can reduce boredom. You can find many yoga instruction videos on the internet.
- Be careful if you are a beginner. Make sure you choose a program specifically for beginners.
- You should also listen to body cues. If you feel tense, stop what you are doing right away.
Step 4. Learn a new skill
This option is great if you feel bored often. Devoting time to a new hobby or craft will promise busy hours ahead.
- If you're not the artistic type, consider learning to paint, draw, or sculpt. You can find many tutorials on the internet. You can also learn to make crafts, such as knitting, on your own.
- If you're not musically gifted, consider learning to sing or play an instrument. When you are bored, you can practice yourself at home.
- If you love to cook, buy a cookbook and make a new dish every day. Try cooking completely new dishes, such as French or Thai dishes.
Step 5. Start gardening
If you're bored, try gardening. This activity is good for physical and emotional health, and you can enjoy the garden every day.
- Stop by a greenhouse in your city to buy a variety of plants and seeds that are in season. Ask for pamphlets or information on how to plant and care for seedlings. You can also buy books on gardening for beginners.
- You can start with an herb garden. You can grow your own herbs, such as basil, and use them in cooking.
- If you don't have a yard, grow fruit and vegetables on the balcony. You can also keep potted plants indoors.
Step 6. Make plans for upcoming trips and events
If there's nothing to do, it's best to make a plan. When bored, make travel plans and events. For example, if you don't have any plans for going home this year, find a flight and review your calendar again.
You can also make small plans. For example, you and your friends have been wanting to play bowling for a long time. Set up a Facebook event and invite some of your friends
Step 7. Reorganize your home
Usually there is always something in the house to do. Maybe your books are not in alphabetical order. There may be a lot of clothes to hang in the closet. If you're bored, rearrange some things at home. This will give you satisfaction in addition to overcoming boredom.
If you need inspiration, try searching the internet for articles about fun and creative ways to clean up a messy house
Step 8. Do something you've been putting off
Everyone must have pending tasks. Avoiding work to be done when bored is a loss scenario. It would be nice if the task was done. Your mind will be busy, and your obligations will be completed.
- If you are still in school, finish your homework or assignments. Doing homework is a productive way to keep yourself busy.
- Are there household chores that you are procrastinating on? Maybe you don't like doing laundry, but the pile of dirty clothes is piling up. When bored, you better clean the laundry.
- There are many people who procrastinate on important things, like paying bills. If you're bored, why don't you pay your cable, health insurance, or credit card bills early? You will feel better once the month's obligations are completed.
Method 3 of 5: Interacting with Others
Step 1. Play online video games with other people
Some types of games, such as chess, checkers, or monopoly, require opponents. If you don't have anyone nearby to play with, use the phone and console apps to find someone to play with. You can also search for games online. For example, on the internet there are lots of people playing cards.
- Try a card game. There are some games that you can play alone, such as Solitaire. Other games, like Uno or Slap Jack, require opponents.
- Use your cell phone. Maybe all your friends play Trivia Game via mobile. Try to see if any of your friends want to play.
- Call friends via game console. Video game consoles usually allow you to play interactive games with other players.
Step 2. Try a simple game that doesn't require a lot of tools
If friends visit your house, try playing. If you don't have the equipment, don't worry because not all games require a board or deck of cards. There are some games that just require sound and a little imagination.
- You can try games like I-Spy, Truth-or-Dare, or 20 Questions.
- Try making up a story together. Have each person add a line to the story. This can be done verbally or in writing.
- Try an improv game like a skit.
- Try finding shapes in the clouds (or rocks if you're in a rocky area at the time). This is a simple game and can train the creative brain.
Step 3. Take a friend to a coffee shop
If you feel lonely and bored, get out of the house and meet someone. Find a friend who wants to drink coffee. You don't have to spend a lot of money chatting over coffee, and a good chat is a great way to relieve boredom.
If there's no one to talk to, go alone. You'll likely find other people drinking coffee alone and to chat with. This will relieve boredom and you will also make new friends. You can start a chat by commenting about the coffee shop. For example, “I love the atmosphere of this place.”
Step 4. Watch old movies with friends again
If you're hanging out with people the same age, try looking for old movies or DVDs at home. Watching childhood or teen movies again is a way to reminisce and relieve boredom. If you don't have a DVD, watch it on a streaming service.
If you don't have anyone to watch old movies with, try messaging a friend who also wants to see the movie you're watching. This feels more or less the same as watching together
Step 5. Visit a thrift store
Often, people get bored with friends because they don't have the funds to do anything. However, you don't need a lot of money for shopping. If you are bored and don't have much money, visit a thrift store in your city. You can find various types of new clothes at relatively low prices.
Even if you don't buy anything, just trying on the cute clothes you find in the store is fun enough
Step 6. Pretend to be a tourist in your own city
If you and your friends can't think of anything to do, pretend to be new to your own town. Plan a day to visit tourist attractions and eat at local restaurants. This is an opportunity to visit places you previously missed.
- Think of some of the things that tourists often do in your city. Head to a local museum or try hiking.
- Are there any local organic restaurants or food stalls in your city? Try eating at that place.
Step 7. Take a photo shoot
If you don't have any ideas, you can try to dress up and put on some nice clothes, then take a group photo. You can use your camera or phone to take pictures of yourself and your friends in various poses. You can even search for a backdrop outside your home for great outdoor photos.
No need to take a serious photo if the atmosphere is not right. You can take funny photos to laugh at later
Method 4 of 5: Finding Ways to Have Fun
Step 1. Look at funny or adorable photos on the internet
The internet is a fun way to entertain yourself. Try a Google search for “cute dog photos” and you'll be able to cheer yourself up with adorable dog photos. You can also search for funny animal or baby videos to kill time.
If you're chatting with friends who are also bored, share those funny clips and videos
Step 2. Make the cake
If you are confused, disassemble the kitchen cabinets. Maybe you will find flour and sugar. Get out your baking supplies and look online for recipes that are easy to make. Baking cakes is a productive and fun way to pass the time.
If a friend of yours is having a birthday, try making a tart for him
Step 3. Make a unique mix CD
If you have a blank CD, try making a mix of songs. After that, you can give it to a friend or for your own collection. For example, you can create a CD to listen to while driving.
- Come up with creative mixes because you'll be constantly thinking about what else to include. For example, don't make a "Best Summer Song" mix. Instead, try “Best 1997 Summer Songs.”
- You can also try mixes based on random topics or feelings. For example, you can create a mix of songs about animals, songs that make you sad, or songs that make you want to rock.
Step 4. Shake your body
Turn on some music and start rocking in the living room. You don't have to worry about whether you look silly because no one is watching. Even if you don't normally rock, you'll likely be happier because you can rock yourself for fun.
If you're interested in learning to dance, try watching dance videos online and copying the moves
Step 5. Open the old photo album again
Old photos are a pleasure to look at again. For example, you might be surprised at how much you've changed since 2nd grade. You'll probably laugh at the photos from your first semester of college, and wonder how much your style has changed now.
If you don't have physical photos, look for digital photo albums. For example, you can browse old Facebook albums
Step 6. Watch funny videos online
There are many comedians who have YouTube channels and share funny content. You can also watch standup comedy clips on the internet. If you feel bored, try looking for funny content on the internet. Laughter can speed up the clock.
If you don't know where to look, type “best comedians” or “funny videos” on Google and you'll get enough results to keep yourself busy
Method 5 of 5: Avoiding Boredom
Step 1. Realize that a state of high arousal can contribute to boredom
You may associate boredom with a boring environment or feeling sleepy and lethargic, but people can also appear bored when they receive excessive stimuli or when they feel very energetic and can't focus as a result.
- For example, you might get bored in a busy cafe with loud music with people chatting around you. This may be the result of external stimulation from all the noises that overwhelm you or distract you from the task at hand.
- Or, you may think you're bored because you feel full of energy and can't focus on one thing for more than a minute or two. This excess energy can come from common sources, such as getting enough rest or feeling restless before boarding an airplane. When you feel this excess internal stimulation, you may mistake it for boredom.
- If you feel overwhelmed by an external stimulus, try reducing it. For example, if the environment is too noisy, you can use headphones and listen to music as well as white noise. Apart from that, you can move away to another place that doesn't have as many distractions.
- If you're feeling too energetic, try doing something to use up some of that energy, like taking a walk. Then, return to the previous activity after the walk.
Step 2. Avoid the internet, computers, or the couch
Don't use TV or social media to pass the time, unless there's a show to watch. This can make you fantasize about something else that you want more. Studies show that these media can make boredom feel more intense.
Step 3. Avoid fantasizing
Imagining other places and more enjoyable activities will make the boredom stronger, not less. Realizing that you're only imagining will likely make your current activity seem boring, even if you normally think of daydreaming as stimulation.
If you like to daydream once in a while, do it while doing a repetitive task like scrubbing the floor or mowing the lawn. Tasks that require little "awareness" will not be affected by delusion
Step 4. Make a schedule for your day
If you notice a big gap in your schedule, try filling it with something interesting. You may feel bored and frustrated at the same time every day. We recommend that you schedule certain activities during that time span to avoid boredom.
Step 5. Try socializing
You can join a youth club or group to pass the time with structured activities or make plans with your own friends. If you feel like there's nothing you can do about it, there's no better way to get over that boredom than to hang out with other people. Call your friends and plan an event, or invite your neighbors to play basketball. Even if you end up just walking downtown or drinking coffee, you've done something new. So, try hanging out with your usual friends or reconnecting with old acquaintances to change up your routine.
- Face-to-face socialization cannot be replaced by anything. Avoid using social media sites to replace socializing, and meet them in person.
- Camping. Is the holiday approaching? Class promotion break? Eid holidays? Holiday? Look for a campsite that you can visit in your spare time
Step 6. Take a break so the task doesn't get boring
A recent study found that people who took a two-minute break in the middle of a boring 50-minute task felt more focused, relaxed, and productive after the task was completed. If you're working on a long project, provide something you can look forward to by putting together a YouTube video, song, or article that you can enjoy as a reward during a two-minute break every 30 minutes.
Get out of your work area for a few minutes. Even if you just go to the kitchen to get a glass of water, those minutes will be refreshing. Get out into the garden and smell the flowers for some fresh air
Step 7. Make your work area quiet
There is a common misconception that playing the radio or television in the background creates a relaxed and productive work environment. Unfortunately, the media will divide your attention unconsciously. You will feel even more bored than if you worked in complete silence. Focusing on a single task completely, even if the activity is "boring," is smarter than dividing the brain with competitive stimulants.
Use music or radio as a treat, not a nuisance. Measured breaks taken during a tedious activity will make you more productive than forcing yourself to continue without a break, but leaving the radio on in the background during that time
Step 8. Take control of your blood sugar levels
When blood sugar levels drop, you will find it increasingly difficult to pay attention to work. Keep healthy snacks like nuts or fruit at your desk to keep your brain functioning at its highest level. Reward yourself with chocolate after successfully completing a particularly difficult task or series of office memos.
Energy drinks and other sources of caffeine are popular, but the "drowsiness" associated with high-sugar caffeine drinks can actually affect productivity in the long run. Avoid these stimulants so you don't get caught up in boredom
Step 9. Live an active life
Some people enjoy working sitting on an exercise ball instead of a computer chair, or using ergonomic office equipment to stay active, but you don't have to spend a lot of money. Get out of a chair for a short walk, or do 15 minutes of stretching in the shower to increase your energy and keep you from paying attention.
If you have a treadmill, try working on a treadmill desk. Standing up and working has proven to be a healthy and efficient way to focus your mind
Step 10. Find a job or volunteer
If you always have a lot of free time, consider looking for part-time or volunteer work. Working for money or helping others is a productive way to fill your free time and bring you satisfaction. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Retail businesses, such as shops and cafes, are great places to find part-time jobs. Such places offer flexible working hours making them ideal for students or college students.
- Hospitals, nursing homes, soup kitchens, and animal shelters are almost always looking for volunteer workers. Apart from being fun and emotionally satisfying, volunteer work looks very attractive on a CV.
- Consider working alone. You could offer to mow the neighbour's lawn, walk their dog, or babysit. If you like crafts, you can even make some pieces, like scarves or bags, and sell them online.
Tips
- Don't find fault in everything. Usually, humans will find life boring if they think something is wrong.
- If you are asked to do something or participate in an activity, agree. Don't decide the activity is boring before you try it.
- Try a change of mood. Sit down or go somewhere else, this can usually relieve boredom.
- Don't complain about boredom. Instead, focus on something useful, positive, and creative such as studying, creating art, building projects, or sharing ideas and helping neighbors, especially children and the elderly.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes, especially if you're trying something new. Making mistakes and learning from mistakes is better than sitting around bored and doing nothing.
Warning
- There are many people who tend to eat to overcome boredom. Avoid this habit. If you are really hungry, choose healthy foods, such as fruit or vegetables.
- Don't be depressed because you're bored, everyone gets bored once. Think of it as a challenge.
- Avoid the temptation to dabble in drugs or engage in illegal activities to pass the time. This choice is very counterproductive and self-destructive.
- Try not to be irritated. Your irritation will offend those around you. If you're irritated by boredom, consider going for a walk, reading a book, or doing some yoga. Don't take your frustration out on others.
