Over 200 Engaging And Marvelous Things To Do When Bored That’ll Energize You

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No matter your age, there are times when boredom sneaks in, especially on quiet weekends at home. Feeling restless? Finding no joy in anything? It’s time to check out my list of things to do when bored, and learn how to be energized and filled with purpose!

Hey, I get it – I’ve had weekends when everything that I considered doing seemed so boring. Laundry? Yeah, boring.

Making a meal and then being faced with dirty pots and dishes? Boring.

Watching a movie or TV show? Boring. Nothing of interest to watch!

You’d think that a woman in her 40s would be able to figure out how to get out of a funk. But yeah, that’s not so easy at times.

You can easily feel unhappy with life.

The good news is that there are so many things to do when you’re bored that are fun and will get you out of your funk.

This post will share some mindset tips and activity ideas to get you feeling happier and less bored.

Disclosure: This post contains sponsored product. I recommend products I would use or have used myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links. I may make a small commission on any purchases you make using these links, at no extra cost to you. Read my full Disclaimer.

What Causes Boredom?

There are many reasons you can be bored. What triggers one person to feel bored can be different from another person.

Here are some of the top ones:

Not Enough Mental Or Physical Stimulation: When you’re not getting any physical or mental engagement, you start feeling bored.

Repetition: The monotony of doing the same thing over and over again can make you feel bored.

Uninteresting Activities: The activity you’re doing doesn’t align with your personal interests or values. This is when you say “Can we do something that I care about?”

Lackluster Environment: The space you’re in makes you feel bored. For some it’s their workplace. For others, it may be their living room (maybe it’s time to change things up).

Not Enough Or Too Much Stimulation: Too little stimulation? Boring. Too much stimulation? Also boring. You’re going to need to find a sweet spot.

Your Activities Aren’t Creative: There’s a vast difference in the creative levels of doing household chores versus doing a creative hobby like knitting.

Learning how to not be bored is fairly easy – but something you need to change how you think about boredom.

| RELATED: How To Be Happier In Your 40s: 5 Tips For A Mood Boost

Switch Up Your Mindset To Alleviate Boredom

Here’s something that I do when I’m feeling bored: I start thinking of what kind of thing I can be doing to alleviate it.

I may have a long to-do list of things to do, but if none of them are appealing it’s time to take a day off and do something fun for just myself.

It may be as simple as indulging in an hour or two of video games. Hey – I grew up playing them, so why not enjoy them?

Giving yourself permission to do something out of the ordinary that’s fun is a great way to find something to do that will break the monotony.

Things To Do When Bored: How To Overcome Boredom

So how do you get out of this funk?

Sometimes you just need a “do nothing day”. That’s fine. But what if you are still restless?

Well, I’ve got over 200 ideas for things to do when bored at home and beyond that are fun, productive or just simply engaging.

They’ll keep you occupied and doing something that switches you from restless to at peace with yourself.

Let’s get started – I’ve broken it down into productive, learning and fun things to do when bored.

Let’s start with fun stuff first!

Fun Things To Do When Bored

In no particular order, you’ll find a long list of things to do when you’re bored that will entertain you.

Whether it’s at home or outside of your home, this list is sure to spark something of interest.

1. Do a dance party at home – find your favourite music videos on YouTube
2. Play video games
3. Pull out old board games and play them with your family
4. Play card games – or learn how to play poker
5. Play or learn how to play chess, checkers (there are versions online)
6. Play charades
7. Dust off old records and crank up your turntable
8. Dust off old CDs and play them
9. Dance like nobody is watching (this is good exercise too)
10. Peruse Pinterest for your next project or to create a vision board
11. Try a new hairstyle
12. Try a new makeup look
13. Shop for new makeup products – try the Nude By Nature lipsticks!
14. Do both of the above and take a series of new selfies
15. Spend some time watching reels on Instagram – share them with friends or family
16. Catch up on the latest celebrity gossip
17. Start watching a popular TV series
18. Do a movie marathon of a movie series (Star Wars, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Transformers, etc.)
19. Watch food shows to learn new cooking techniques
20. Indulge in a snackfest: get your favourites and enjoy them while watching TV
21. Watch a comedy show on TV
22. Watch a concert from your favourite bands
23. Have a backyard picnic
24. If you have a BBQ, do one for lunch
25. Use Pinterest to create a vision board
26. Create some fun visuals in Canva
27. Make your favourite “to-die-for” dish and indulge
28. Test out mocktail recipes – they won’t leave you with a hangover but will taste great
29. Read up or watch videos on how to become a top bartender at home
30. Test out your bartending skills with your very own drink (please drink in moderation)
31. Take a trip down memory lane: dig out old photo albums
32. If having a bad day, switch into self-care mode and de-stress
33. Enjoy a zen moment: listen to frequency-based/Tibetan bowls/nature sound music and zone out on the couch
34. Give yourself a bubble bath
35. Give yourself a Gua Sha facial massage
36. Moisturize your dry patches – especially dry winter skin
37. Dye your hair
38. Give your skin some love – moisturize, cleanse and tone
39. Explore facial exercises and massage techniques (do face yoga!)
40. Crack open a new book: choose a fun read
41. Dig out the adult colouring books that you haven’t touched in a while
42. Doodle with a black marker and colour it in
43. Watch reality TV
44. Try out a new recipe
45. Listen to an audiobook
46. Start learning a new language
47. Do a jigsaw puzzle
48. Play Sudoku or do a crossword puzzle
49. Play trivia games
50. Find your favourite karaoke music on YouTube and sing
51. Create a scrapbook
52. Create a memory box for your family’s favourite memories
53. Create a new playlist
54. Explore new music on Spotify
55. Immerse yourself in a different culture
56. Write in your journal
57. Write a short story or poetry
58. Plan an outdoor garden
59. Set up a coffee bar in your kitchen or dining area
60. Try out new software that helps you be creative, more productive etc
61. Start a blog – learn how to plan and start one
62. Check out other blogs for inspiration – like these 25+ up-and-coming Canadian lifestyle bloggers
63. Begin a new hobby – sewing, crochet, woodworking, woodcarving, painting, photography, crafting
64. Explore options for a new sidehustle
65. Try your hand at refurbishing an old piece of furniture
66. Shop for new furniture – like this cool shelving unit from Cozey
67. Join a virtual book club
68. Do a science experiment at home
69. Research and plan a home renovation
70. Research and plan an indoor garden
71. Start a printables or template-based business with Canva
72. Research and plan your next vacation
73. Explore new apps on your phone
74. Take a walk in your neighbourhood
75. Take a walk in a park
76. Go further afield – do a day hike in a natural setting
77. Take a walk and sketch buildings or the landscape around you
78. Workout in a fitness park
79. Watch a soccer or baseball game in the park
80. Go for a run
81. Meet up with a friend for a walk and coffee break
82. Check out an urban trail – please ensure you keep safe on trails by going with a buddy
83. Visit your local coffee shop and people watch
84. Give yourself a photography challenge
85. Check out a local free art display or gallery
86. Go out to see a movie – when was the last time you sat in a theatre?
87. Play vintage arcade games
88. Write a romantic love letter
89. Take a dancing lesson online or in person
90. Have a picnic with friends in a local park.
91. Take a walk along a shoreline.
92. Check out a local festival or special event.
93. Do a little day trip to your neighbouring town or city to explore.
94. Try a new restaurant.
95. Do a day of shopping at local businesses and small shops.
96. Do a drive in the countryside.
97. Take up a new easy outdoor game or sport: frisbee, bocce, lawn bowling
98. Head to a pool hall or bar to play some pool
99. Take your bike out for a spin in the neighbourhood.
100. Check out a farmer’s market or indoor market
101. Do a day exploring an attraction or historical landmark
102. Check out a conservation area (e.g. Mountsberg Conservation Area west of Toronto)
103. Do a waterfall crawl
104. Learn about birdwatching and head outdoors
105. Learn about geocaching: learn how to do it and join a club
106. Check out your local community centre for courses or classes to try out
107. Investigate clubs such as Toastmasters, which not only teach you a skill but introduce you to new friends with social opportunities beyond the club
108. Call your friends over for an impromptu lunch or movie night at your place
109. Learn how to make iced coffee
110. Explore an ethnic grocery store
111. Go to your favourite ice cream or desert shop and indulge for a day
112. Bake your favourite cookies
113. Play with toys like LEGO
114. Shop for new home decor or furniture – like this cool-looking shelving unit from Cozey:

100+ Productive Things To Do When You’re Bored

Some people feel less bored when they’re doing something productive – at home or beyond.

This list is just a start. If you’re a homeowner, the list is endless. However, at least this will give you some inspiration to make you feel like your day hasn’t been a waste.

1. Create a list of priorities for your home and life
2. Assess your life and create a reinvention plan
3. Consider starting a business – even if you’re over 40
4. Look into creating a will for yourself if you haven’t already
5. Update your financial plans for the next year
6. Update your family calendar
7. Read a non-fiction book to learn something new
8. Look into volunteer opportunities
9. Update your resume
10. Update your budget or financial plans.
11. Make DIY household cleaners using natural products
12. Make DIY beauty products with natural products
13. Get copies of important keys made
14. Organize your linen closet
15. Review items in your front hall closet: separate coats, jackets and shoes for cleaning, donation or the garbage
16. Organize your shoes in your front hall
17. Do a thorough dusting and cleaning in your powder room
18. Upgrade and redecorate your powder room: upgrade toilets, the sink, mirror, lighting or paint colour
19. Restock your toilet paper, towels and soap dispensers in your bathrooms
20. Clean out all the garbage cans in your home – including anything stuck on the bottom (a common issue of families with kids chewing gum)
21. Do a thorough organization of your living room: from shelving units to coffee tables and side tables. Declutter and organize toys, electronics and gadgets.
22. Clean and dust your living room
23. Organize your video and game collections
24. Create a cozy reading nook or mini-library nook in one of your rooms or living room
25. Dust your dining room furniture and change up tablecloths, runners and table decor.
26. Clean your kitchen pantries – throw out outdated, stale food. Organize and consolidate.
27. Organize your kitchen cupboards: throw our old kitchen gadgets that need replacement or that don’t work.
28. Sort old chipped plates and cups and set them aside for an indoor garden project.
29. Clean out your fridge: throw out old “science experiments”, and check your freezer for food that needs to be cooked up sooner rather than later.
30. Plan meals with food that’s nearing it’s best before date
31. Do a thorough wiping of all of your kitchen cabinets and countertops
32. Declutter your countertops
33. Dust your kitchen table and chairs (you’ll be surprised how much dust and crumbs you’ll find in nooks and crannies.
34. Clean and wash the kitchen and dining area floors.
35. Clean your oven.
36. Wash and wipe down all of your windows from the inside
37. Vacuum and repair window screens as needed
38. Go through any piles of fliers and junk mail you’ve been holding onto
39. Go through your “junk” drawer where you place everything “you may need later”
40. Dust the walls and ceilings: get rid of dust and cobwebs by using a soft cloth attached to a mop.
41. Clean the baseboards of dust and scuff marks
42. Do a deep dive clean in your bedroom: change the bedsheets (plus vacuuming of the mattress to remove dust mites), clean under and behind the bed, dust light fixtures, furniture and the baseboards. Don’t forget to dust the ceiling fan if you have one. Finish off with a vacuuming.
43. Declutter and clean up your toiletries in the bathroom
44. Clean the shower stall, bathtub and sink; clean the toilets
45. Dust and clean the floors in your bathrooms.
46. Replenish toiletries, soap and towels in your bathrooms.
47. Cleanse your makeup brushes
48. Throw out old makeup and skincare products that are expired
49. Shop for new skincare products – check out Inkey List skincare products: affordable, awesome products that I love using!
50. Clean up your home office: declutter, organize and dust. Vacuum your floors and carpeting.
51. For families: organize your kid’s toys and bedroom; tackle the closet to remove old clothing they’ve grown out of and need to replace.
52. Clean the laundry room/mudroom: it can get dusty so vacuum and use microcloths to remove lint and fluff.
53. Dust and clean all pictures and decor in your home.
54. Dust your plants! They accumulate fine particles and dust that can prevent them from growing.
55. Make a list of things you need to replenish in your home – cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.
56. Clean your basement: organize, vacuum and dust as needed.
57. Renovate and upgrade a room’s decor
58. Paint your rooms a fresh colour
59. Plan and shop for a decor upgrade (check out our spare bedroom makeover, and check out how you can shop for new home decor on a budget)
60. Tend to your indoor garden: add soil, and fertilizer and water them as needed.
61. Sweep your walkways and patio outside.
62. Wash and clean your outdoor furniture to remove dust and pollution residues
63. Wash your wood or composite deck
64. Weed your garden
65. Trim your lawn and edgings
66. Trim bushes and trees on your property
67. Paint your wood fence
68. Create a composter in your garden for food waste
69. Set up a mini storage shed for your garden tools
70. Start researching and planning a DIY renovation project
71. Begin your reno project!
72. Head to the hardware store to get inspiration or shop for your home renovation project
73. Water your plants
74. Plan your backyard landscaping renovation
75. Start a landscaping project
76. Weed your grass
77. Cut your lawns and trim the edges
78. Look into getting and installing a rainwater barrel
79. Wash your windows outside
80. Paint your porch
81. Clean your exterior light fixtures
82. Wipe down your doors: pollen and dirt from the rain can accumulate
83. Organize your garage
84. Tackle important repair issues in your home that you’ve been putting off
85. Replace your HVAC air filters on your furnace
86. Clean your vents and cold air intakes
87. Research or install a home security system
88. Declutter and clean your walk-in closet
89. Do a paint touch-up on scuffed walls and baseboards
90. Repair broken furniture, items or clothes
91. Organize your hats and sunglasses
92. Determine what coats and jackets need to be washed or dry cleaned
93. Clean and shine your shoes
94. Replace worn-out shoelaces on your shoes
95. Organize your towels and linen closet: set aside old towels as cleaning rags
96. Clean your car’s interior: vacuum, treat (if leather), dust and clean windows
97. Wash your car’s exterior
98. Create a home maintenance plan and tracker
99. Research and create an emergency preparedness kit
100. Set up a home workout area in your basement or garage
101. Look into maintenance or upgrade projects you can do with your neighbour
102. Do easy fixes around your home: broken hinges, tighten up doorknobs, replace broken handles, replace lightbulbs
103. Check your fire alarm and CO2 detector’s batteries and replace them as needed
104. Look into getting a solar panel for charging items when there’s a power outage
105. Take a moment to look at what’s making you angry and unhappy – let go of toxic friendships that are keeping you from being happy and productive
106. Take a nap – they are truly a smart thing. Grab this blanket (we love the Zonli cool comforter), cuddle up, and take a 15-minute power nap.

| RELATED: How to Clean Your Home When You Have Little Time

Now You Have Things To Do When You’re Bored

I don’t want to hear any excuses!

I’ve given you lists of fun things to do when bored, and productive things to do when you’re bored.

There should be something in this list that will keep you occupied.

There’s no need to stress out over this little thing.

If you’re still searching, check out these lists:

• 60+ Things To Do On A Rainy Day (For Adults)
• 60+ Things To Do With Kids At Home
• 75+ Things To Do During A Snowstorm

Also, check out this post on how to get back into productive routines.

QUESTION: Which one of these things to do when bored will you try?

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