Productive Things To Do When Bored

Despite what your parents might have said, there’s nothing wrong with being bored. In fact, in today’s fast-paced world, finding yourself completely unoccupied can be a good thing. Whether you’re bored at work or have a few minutes of unexpected free time in your personal life, a spare moment can be used to improve mental health, develop time management skills, learn new hobbies, learn a new skill or even tackle that ever-growing to-do list. Time is your most valuable resource, so making the most of it can add dimensions to your life.

Here’s a list of productive activities that can make all the difference in how you utilise your spare time. Your future self will be eternally grateful.

1. Organise Your Digital Photos - Preserve Family Memories

Do you have thousands of unsorted photos on your phone or computer? Well, it’s time to use your boredom to start organising all those pictures. Not only does this help preserve family memories, it also declutters your digital spaces, making it easier to enjoy and share those special moments with each family member.

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

• Create digital albums by event or year.
• Backup photos to cloud storage or an external hard drive.

2. Plan Your Meals for the Week - A Few Meals

Meal planning is more than just the basic idea of saving money; it’s a strategy to ensure you're nourishing both your body and mind with good food. Drafting a few meals ahead can dramatically reduce grocery shopping stress and help you stick to healthy eating habits.

Estimated Time: 1 hour

• Create a meal plan for the week.
• List ingredients needed for each meal.
• Check the pantry and fridge before shopping to avoid overbuying.

3. Start an Online Course - New Skills

Enrol in an online course to enhance your skills or learn something new. This could be directly related to advancing your career or purely for personal interest. The most significant benefit is the personal growth and cognitive engagement that comes from learning.

Estimated Time: Variable

• Choose a course that fits your interest or career needs.
• Set specific times in your schedule to dedicate to learning.

4. Exercise - Both Your Body

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical health. Use your boredom as an opportunity to engage in a workout, whether it’s a full gym session, a home workout, or a simple walk. Exercise can boost your mood and energy levels, making you more productive.

Estimated Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

• Try a new sport or fitness class.
• Follow an online workour video.

5. Tackle a New Project - New Project Management Tool

you’ve been thinking about starting a new project at home or work, now might be the perfect time to begin. Implementing a project management tool can help you organise tasks and milestones, ensuring steady progress.

Estimated Time: Variable

• Outline the project scope and requirements.
• Set up a project management tool to track your progress.

6. Write Your New Year’s Resolutions - New Year’s Resolutions

Even if it’s not January 1st, it’s never too late to set goals. Write down your New Year’s resolutions or adjust your existing ones. Reflecting on your aspirations can re-motivate you and clarify all the productive things you want to get done this year.

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

• List areas in your life you want to improve.
• Break down each goal into actionable steps.

7. Connect with a Family Member - Family Member

In our hectic schedules, we often neglect to stay connected with family. Reach out to a family member with whom you haven’t spoken in a while. A phone call, video chat, or even a text can strengthen bonds and enhance your emotional well-being.

Estimated Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

• Prepare a list of topics or news you’d like to share.
• Schedule regular calls or meetings to maintain the connection.

8. Volunteer - Mental Health

Volunteering is a profound way to contribute to your community while enriching your own life. It can provide a sense of purpose and improve your mental health. Find local organisations where your skills and interests can be put to good use.

Estimated Time: Variable

• Research organisations that align with your interests.
• Commit to a regular volunteering schedule if possible.

9. Declutter Your Workspace - Bored at Work

If you find yourself bored at work, spend time organising and decluttering your workspace. A tidy environment can increase productivity and provide a fresh perspective on tasks.

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

• Organise your desk drawers and digital files.
• Label and file important documents.

10. Develop a New Hobby - Spare Time

Utilise your spare time to start a new hobby that can enrich your life. Whether it’s painting, writing, coding, learning a new language or gardening, hobbies are therapeutic and can offer a much-needed break from routine.

Estimated Time: Variable

• Research and gather the necessary materials.
• Dedicate a specific time each week to your new hobby.

By transforming periods of boredom into opportunities for growth and productivity, you can enhance almost every aspect of your life—from your personal life, mental well being and self care to your professional development. Each of these activities not only helps fill time but also contributes significantly to your overall well-being and satisfaction, making time for self-grown within our busy lives.