15 Things to Do When You’re Bored
Let’s face it, every once in a while you may find yourself in search of something to do. Oftentimes, for me, this happens because I have too much time on my hands, I lack motivation, or I’m stressed out. Here are 15 ways that I overcome boredom and destress.
Read. I’ve always been an avid reader. In my opinion, reading lets me escape reality and enter a new reality. I’m able to live multiple lives through the characters in the books and I’m also able to learn valuable life skills. Whether it be fiction or nonfiction, reading offers me the ability to escape my present reality and enter a new one.
Make a playlist. So, I’m always on the hunt for new song. If I hear a song I like at a store or restaurant, I’ll stop what I’m doing to find the song. I also thing songs have the ability to showcase your personality and in my opinion that speaks volumes.
Cook. I’ve always loved cooking. I remember when I was younger I would sit in the kitchen and watch my mom cook all the traditional Chinese-Jamaican recipes that aren’t necessarily served in restaurants. It wasn't until recently that I discovered what a blessing it was to be able to witness the making of traditional foods of different cultures.
Bake. Baking is a science. I now know why there are a series of measurements needed to bake cakes, brownies, and cookies. Baking is also a great way to destress because not only do you get to make something sweet, but you get to eat it when it’s done.
Clean. A clear space is a clear mind. In my opinion, the way you keep you space is an accurate representation of your mind. If your space is cluttered, then your mind is cluttered. I know that some people function with disorganization, but from my experience a messy space messes with my mood and productivity.
Meditate. I feel like I’ve mentioned this already on this blog, but meditating is a way to practice being in the present and living in the moment. I’m a big fan of guided meditations and you can find a bunch on YouTube.
Paint. I used to take art classes when I was in middle school and recently found a bunch of my old artworks when I was cleaning my room. I think the process of creating artwork with paint of a canvas is both captivating and inspirational to myself and others.
Journal. I also feel like I’ve mentioned journaling on this blog before. But, journaling offers the ability to mind dump onto paper and to release worries. It also has an ability to be used as a time capsule for your present thoughts that can be looked back on in the future. By journalling about your day, you can document how much you grow as a person with time.
Go on a walk. Hot girl walks as social media calls it today. By walking you not only get your steps in, but your mind is now focused on something else and it can help you get out of a rut.
Homework. Pretty obvious, unless you recently just graduated and no longer have homework like me. In that case, find a passion project and focus your time and energy on that.
Watch a Ted Talk. I am a firm believer that Ted Talks are learning tools designed for people who want to better themselves and their overall lives. Ted Talks not only give great advice, but they offer insight into real problems with great solutions.
Take a drive. For some, driving is a way to destress. For other is a entails a vehicle to get them from one location to another. All in all, driving allows you to switch up your surroundings and in turn your energy and emotions.
Call a friend. So, I call a ton of people when I’m bored. Not only does it show that I care for that person, but it shows that I value their friendship. I know it’s common to assume that friendship is a two way street, but in my opinion, you have to recognize what kind of person they are and if their friendship is fake or genuine. If the person is genuine, then they may just have a touch of social anxiety that prevents them from reaching out.
Write a letter to your future self. I’ve done this so many times. Before a hard exam, before the end of a semester, and any momentous point in my life. By writing your future self a letter, you’re not only easing your worries on if it’s really going to matter in five years, but also realizing that the moment will pass and you’ll be able to look back and see how much you’ve grown. I did this my first semester of college when I was taking Calc 1, and looking back my stress at that time is not affecting my current life.
Make a gratitude list. I learned that showing gratitude is an essential component of living a happy life. Happy people are genuinely appreciative of what they have and can recognize how fortunate they are.
