Life feels so nonstop sometimes that it's hard to believe people still get bored. After all, we've seemed to make screens the ultimate boredom buster, whether it's gaming or binge-watching.
Sooner or later, your eyes will grow tired and devices will need to be charged. You'll need something else to do. Just because you're bored doesn't mean you have to waste your time. There are a lot of things you can do to have fun that also flex your creative muscles.
Try some of these activities next time you feel the boredom set in and watch what a difference it makes to engage your brain in new ways!
Fall into a rabbit hole
Usually this involves being online, but it doesn't have to. Take a trip to your local library and get lost looking into something you find interesting. From true crime to gardening to coin collecting, there are a million possibilities and just as many wonderful ways to lose an afternoon.
Paint By Number
Not all of us have been blessed with the creative genius to create our own original painting. Trying a Paint By Number or following a tutorial can help you get that same satisfaction and enjoyment from the creative process. It's perfect for stress-free fun.
Make a vision board
Put those elementary school collaging skills to work and make a vision board! It can be a combination of whatever inspires you to take the next step in the area of your life where you need it most.
Do a puzzle
There is something tremendously satisfying about completing a jigsaw puzzle. The bigger the puzzle, the better it feels. Challenge yourself to spend some time puzzling and put your brain to work the fun way.
Do a light workout
What constitutes a light work out may vary from person to person, but that nice accomplished feeling when you're through is worth the struggle through. When you're through, you've got the perfect opportunity to shower and truly unwind.
Do a little de-cluttering
If you need something to do while you figure out something to do (trust me, I've been there), pick a corner of your house and start doing a little cleanup. No matter what you do, you've improved upon its current state and it may jog other ideas of things to do. Cleaning up your space, even the tiniest bit, can help your creativity flow.
Make a playlist
Ever wish you had the perfect playlist for your mood? Free time is the perfect time to set those up so they're there when you need them. You could make a themed playlist like "workout mix" or "zen vibes" or just throw together a mix n' match of all your favorite songs from the year.
Cook something
If you think you don't like cooking, consider if you've ever tried it when you weren't under pressure. Playing around in the kitchen when it's just you is totally different than the grind of getting dinner on the table by 6, and it can be really enjoyable.
Meditate
Quiet time is a great time for meditation. You can do your own thing, follow a guided meditation on a video or app, or even do an online class. It can be as solitary or social a thing as you need it to be, and it can open your mind for all kinds of creative pursuits.
Write someone a letter
Letter-writing is a dying art, but it doesn't have to be. There's someone out there who would love getting a letter from you, whether it's someone you know or someone in a special circumstance, such as sick children or members of the military. Spend some time writing someone a letter and you may find yourself with a pen pal.
