Like many people, you probably have racked your brain multiple times trying to come up with what to do when you're bored. According to research, the average adult experiences 131 days of boredom a year. That's almost one-third of a year! Therefore, it's very likely that a significant amount of your time alone or in a group of friends was spent pondering over this question. Hopefully, after reading this post, the question of what to do when you are bored will no longer steal your precious time!
Cold months are approaching, and so are the summer blues. But don't allow yourself to get caught up in it. There are still plenty of activities and places to go when you are bored during the colder months. While getting all cuddled up in a blanket wearing fuzzy socks with a homemade pumpkin spice latte does sound very appealing, there are many places to go when bored besides staying at your home. A recent survey revealed that the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. That's only 7% of one’s entire lifespan spent outdoors! So if it's not freezing cold, pouring rain, or sweltering hot, make use of the great outdoors!
However, if you are more of a homebody, there're still many fun things to do when bored while staying inside the comforts of your home. P.S. There are plenty more fun indoor activities other than watching Netflix and munching on pizza. You will be surprised to learn how many simple yet fun things to do when bored there are. Other than that, there're always some household chores to do! However, not everyone perceives cleaning as a fun activity, so let us provide you with, hopefully, more exciting ones.
Below, we've compiled a list of places to go when you're bored and fun activities you can do while staying inside the house! Expect some rather obvious but often overlooked options and a few activities that might require planning beforehand! As someone said, "The greatest ideas are the simplest." Do you have any ideas for activities or fun places to go when bored? Let us know!
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Go Thrifting
I do this every week. Rarely shop in "fancy stores" paying big bucks for brand new merchandise. It's the green way to shop
Visit The Tourist Spots In Your Own City
Visit A Friend
Do Yoga
Me: *tries yoga* Doctor: "Well, Ms Lutesinger, I'm afraid your injuries are so severe you're unlikely to ever walk again."
Go Hiking
If you feel overwhelmed by planning a hike for you and a hiking partner or friend 1) look for something without too much elevation change, 2) be sure to bring water and hats and 3) start on popular trails and be aware of the weather. Also be aware most places have a day use or trailhead fee. Then, just go, together. Try not to hike alone (if it's a really popular spot it might be okay but even then it's not great) and bring a cell phone either turned off or on battery saver because it can be used to help locate you if you get lost (and if you download a google map of the area ahead of time it might help you get unlost, as GPS works even if you have no cell signal). PS, I am an Eagle Scout, I learned some things the hard way, but I am glad I didn't make it too hard on myself to get outdoors.
Go Bowling
I've always been a sore loser (one of my more unpleasant character traits) but bowling is something I'm perfectly happy to lose miserably at because it's so much fun!
Explore Your City
I love doing this BUT this advice is way too broad. When I do this, I 1) try to have a destination but not be too attached to it (maybe something else you can do on your own pace like thrifting or a local point of interest) 2) try and figure out a route different from usual and 3) try not to drive there, or if I do drive, stay off highways as much as possible. Be willing to walk down a dead end to find out if there is a connecting path, and if you see public stairs consider taking them just because. I personally like to look for weird houses and interesting plants.
See Live Music
There is cheaper live music than big ticket concerts like in the picture. In collage I would go to swing dances with live bands, open mic nights, school performances, etc. mostly for the price of a beer or two ($5-10 then). Once you get in the right circles you can get into some of that stuff for free or for volunteer work.
Hang Out With A Family Member
My mom, 86, with advanced dementia do this on Tues, Thurs and Sun. She still loves an adventure
Go To A Karaoke Bar
Spend A Day At The Beach
If only! I love the beach and the sea in general, but my hometown is landlocked.
Visit A Museum Or An Art Gallery
Sketch Outdoors
Stargaze
Check Out The Local Library
Take A Day Trip
Express Yourself
Learn Something New
Watch The Sunset
Get Ice Cream
Unplug
Go To The Park
Talk To Strangers
Bake Something
Try New Recipes
Binge A TV Show
Learn A New Craft Or Do A DIY Project
I have been trying embroidery and crochet these days... Great at keeping my attention from the phone
Organize Your Personal Finance
Replant Flowers
People Watch
Hahaha i love people watching. Someone should make a nature documentary on people 😂😂😂
Donate Blood
There's a blood shortage! So this is actually amazing. Blood can save up to 3 lives, the plasma is the only treatment burn victims can rely on, children with specific cancers need the plethlates, and red blood cells are used for just so much it's hard to track! Transfusions, surgeries, recovery, treatment, and can even help unborn babies. The average person needs about 3-8 bags of blood after a surgery. You can only donate one bag. That's huge!
Go To The Gym
Go To An Amusement Park
Treat Yourself
Start A Bullet Journal
Reorganize Your Closet
Put Together A Jigsaw Puzzle
Get A Piercing Or A Tattoo
Marker/pen fake tats. Look real enough if you focus on the details, but vanish quickly with soap and fingernail scrubbing before Mom comes to visit
Teach Your Pet Some New Tricks
Taught my kitties to chase the end of a stick. They went right into their crates.
Try A New Restaurant
Go For A Drive
Visit A Nursing Home
Do A Random Act Of Kindness
Go On A Bike Ride
Go Rollerblading
With the proper safety equipment, of course. *tightens helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and skate laces* *considers horrible balance, questions life choices, nopes out and chooses a bike*
Take A Zumba Class
Have A Picnic
Take A Class
Make A Bucket List
Meal Prep
Have A Home Spa Day
Stretch
Take A Bubble Bath
Clean Out Your Social Media
Listen To Music
Facetime A Loved One You Haven’t Seen In A While
Have A Game Night
Clean The House
Do this when you are mad. All that righteous energy will get spent in a worthwhile endeavor
Grill Something New
Go Shopping
Go To The Craft Store
Visit The Farmers Market
Check Out A New Coffee Shop
Go For Afternoon Tea
Get A Manicure/Pedicure
Volunteer
Go To A Sports Game
Go To An Escape Room Adventure
Try Photography
Meditate
Look Through Old Photos
Organize Your Computer Files
Listen To A Podcast
Learn A Dance Routine
Blast music while you clean the house. Sea shanties/marching cadences give you a steady rhythm, pop or country gives you a groove, and the blues help you release a week's worth of emotions while you scrub the dishes.
Redecorate
Have A Bonfire Or Campfire
And make s'mores. If you invite guests, tell jokes and stories (spooky is just a bonus).