I am really bored. What can I do? Here are 10 things to do when you’re bored
If you are anything like me, you’ll get bored a lot. Spoiled for choice my whole life like the rest of my Generation Y, I always need something to keep me occupied and find it very difficult to do nothing at all. What we used to think of as ‘entertainment’ no longer really does it for us – many of us are bored to tears with regular TV, we’ve scrolled through our feeds more times than we care to admit and we’ve downloaded all the books we can afford this month. So, what’s next?
Write a poem
Even if you think you don’t have any talent, writing a short poem can be a fun exercise that provides you with some value. Got something to get off your chest? Have someone to reach out to? Have a relative or friend with an upcoming birthday? No one expects you to be Dylan Thomas, just grab a pad and pen, or boot up your Mac or PC and get writing! Once you have your poem you can even submit it to sites like Family Friend Poems or Poetry Foundation for publishing.
Pull a tarot card
This is one of my favourite things to do – and you don’t need a real tarot deck to do it. Simply go to this website Serenu Nu and pull a single tarot card. Then google the meaning. Copy and paste the meaning into your diary and see what you can find in the interpretation. Do you see any patterns in your recent behaviour?
Call someone you love
If you’re bored, calling someone you love can ease the feeling and can help you to stay connected with those in your life that you value the most. Many of us keep an informal “to call list” gong in our heads anyway. Is there someone you haven’t connected with in a while that could use a little love? Give them a ring and resist the temptation to only connect via social media.
Write a protest letter
What issues are really irking you at the moment? Most politicians have a section on their websites where you can find their contact details. Think locally (or globally if you like) and reach out to someone in power that can affect the outcome. Even if the issue is a small one (is there a lot of rubbish in your local community or have you noticed stray or in-distress animals?) write a passionate, sensible letter and open up a dialogue.
Walk a different way
Rewire your brain by choosing to walk a different way – don’t always use the same route. Scientists say that simple tasks like brushing your teeth with the opposite hand or walking a different way can actually start to rewire our brains. Leave a few minutes earlier and walk across the park, making sure you take plenty of time to smell the roses on your way.
Buy an exotic drink
Well, why not? What’s your poison? Are you a red wine drinker? A smoothie lover? A frequent and passionate juicer? Try something different for a change and to hell with the calories! Treat yourself to an exotic drink you’ve never tried and relieve yourself of the hum-drum of ordinary, daily life.
Write a review
Been to a good restaurant? Read a book lately? Played a cool video game? Take the time to send a quick, positive review and spread some great, positive vibes. As well as giving a compliment, you’ll also be providing a service to everyone who comes after you, who may be looking for more information on the thing that you’ve tried. If you’re looking for a list of the best review sites, go to this website here.
Start a blog
Yes, you should definitely start a blog. Even if you’re not much of a writer, you can still set up a photography, food or video blog. Everyone should try blogging – even if your blog is private and it’s just your diary, or a list of your weekly ramblings, I guarantee that you’ll get a lot of value out of blogging. My favourite site is WordPress. It’s a bugger to use but you’ll get used to it.
Offer to do a community task
Take some initiative in your local area and help out with a community task. Recycling, volunteering, reading with children or the elderly – all of these things will ensure that you are not bored. If you don’t want to do any formal volunteering, you could always start with a simple task like picking up rubbish at your local beach or park. It will make you feel great.
Recycle something
I am a huge fan of recycling things as I hate waste and I lament the fact that modern society is so materialistic and disposable. Go through your wardrobe and see what you have that you can donate to people. Check your cupboards for blankets you no longer use and donate those too. I have heard that even dog shelters take things we wouldn’t think could be recycled, such as old pillows and towels. Check your local area and see what you can come up with.