50 Fun Things to Do When You Are Bored at Home

Here’s an idea: When you’re bored, teach yourself to do nothing at all. In a culture that emphasizes the need to be going, going, going all the time, it will only benefit you to learn how to just enjoy doing nothing. Maybe sit on the couch or take a nap or a walk. Whatever it is, there’s no need to feel guilty about just existing and relaxing, so you might as well learn to do it!

Physical photos may not be as common as they've been in the past, but that makes them even more special. Take the time to print out your very favorite images that have only existed digitally up until now, and you'll feel like you're giving them a whole new life> Bonus points if you frame and hang them, too.

If you’ve been putting off trying this practice for years now, even after learning about all the benefits of meditation, now might be the time to start. Downloading apps like Calm can help you get started.

Even if you don’t want to do anything too exhaustive or busy, it’s easy enough to take the free time you have to start a habit that you can stick with all year. Try starting a gratitude journal and writing one line (or even one word) a day that reminds you of something you’re thankful for.

Ever wanted a massage on demand? Zeel provides same-day, on demand massages from licensed massage therapists. Use the company’s website or app to book, and you’ll be relaxed in no time at all. Plus, massages have been proven to reduce stress, pain, and inflammation.

You’d be surprised how much taking the time to talk to a loved one on the phone (or in person, if you have a lot of time) can boost your mood. You’ll also be surprised how great it will probably make the other person feel to know you’re thinking of them.

Websites and apps like Poshmark make it easy to sell your old clothes, unused makeup, and even home goods. There’s nothing better than turning a boring afternoon into feeling like you accomplished something and made some money.

If you get tired of looking at cluttered phone, full of apps and notes and chaos, then take a few minutes to organize your phone. Divide your apps by use, subject, or even color and you’ll automatically feel more calm every time you look at your home screen.

Sometimes calm and relaxation is as easy as trying a new mask from the drugstore. They’re good for your skin, great for your general mood, and surprisingly affordable.

Candles are one of those things that are so, so hard not to love and yet often so hard to buy for ourselves. No, no one really needs new candles, but they’re such a luxury to have around. Try shopping at a candle specialty site like Paddywax if you want to experiment with new brands or gorgeous decorative candles.

Rearranging furniture is both great physical exercise and also can be mentally refreshing. A new layout may just have you feeling totally different about a much-used space in your house.

We all have that one thing that we’ve been meaning to clean out for years and just... never do. Whether it’s a junk drawer, fridge, car center console, bathroom cabinet, garage, or all of the above, choose something and go for it. It’ll feel amazing to have it lifted off your mental to-do list.

No matter how polite you are, odds are there is at least one person who you owe a thank you card to. Maybe there’s more than one person. It’s easy to let time get away for us, and something about handwriting a card is just relaxing. So find some cute stationery and a pen you love, and get to thanking.

If you have a few plants around your house and want some more (and who wouldn’t, given the many benefits of having plants around), try learning about propagation and making some more plants! It’s new plants for free. What could be better than that?

If you usually get a professional facial done or only go to an expert to wax your eyebrows, it might be worth doing some research to see if you can do the same things at home for less money. Sure, it may take a little practice, but if you have the time, might as well go for it — it might save you time and money in the future.

If you are bored and hungry, why not teach yourself a new recipe? Or two or three?

There’s nothing easier than putting off doctors, dentist, and therapy appointments when you’re busy. If you find yourself with some downtime, schedule all those appointments in one big swipe. You’ll feel accomplished after and you’ll probably be surprised how little time it takes. Plus, it’s empowering to prioritize your own health.

When was the last time you wrote down goals for the next year — or five years or 10? Pick a time period and write down five or 10 major goals for your life. Put them somewhere you can check in on over time and won’t forget about. And while you’re at it, look back at the last five or 10 years of your life and write down what you’ve accomplished. You’ll feel proud of yourself — and motivated to keep doing great things.

Always wanted to try pottery? Take a creative writing course? Start jogging? Do some research on a new hobby and make a plan. It’ll give you something to look forward to and something to do the next time you find yourself bored. Plus, it’ll get you out of your comfort zone and teach your brain and body new skills.

Everyone knows that reading is a great thing to do when bored, but why not try a genre you think you hate? If you’ve never given science fiction or romance or true crime a whirl because you’re convinced you hate it, now’s the time to try it out anyway. You just might be surprised by how much you like it.