18 Things To Do When You´re Bored
…and possibly stuck at home with COVID-19 around the corner
With the recent COVID-19 virus spreading globally, many people are forced to stay in one place. If you are, like I am, not able to continue work from home, you could wonder about the purpose of your life today or tomorrow. Adding to frustration and stress is uncertainty of how long this situation is going to last. To avoid the endless cycle of eating and sleeping, here are some tips against boredom.
While writing this article, I am of course aware that boredom is a luxury problem and that anyone would choose it over being sick from COVID-19. My heart goes out to people suffering right now.
Get Creative
#1 Try new repices
Now is the time to cook that dish with many waiting hours, or bake the cake you´ve always wanted to try but never found the time. Don´t forget to give that purple smoothie recipe a chance; it might surprise you. And while you´re at it, why not conjure up the pasta maker or popcorn machine gathering dust in the cupboard?
#2 Use your hands
Go to an arts and crafts store or turn your closet upside down for supplies. There are many ways to get creative; modelling clay, painting, drawing, knitting, creating bracelets, or folding origami figures (personal favourite). Make a collage of your most treasured pictures and memories on the wall or in a book. As always, Pinterest is your best friend for creative ideas.
#3 Capture your world
However boring your day might be, there is always something worth mentioning, be it a conversation, a video found online or a morning routine. Capture these moments by keeping a journal or taking a photo/video a day (some apps to make your life easier). Looking back at this period in a year, you might even regret not doing it! Lack of inspiration? Take on a daily photography or writing challenge.
Learn Something New
#4 Follow a course or read a non-fiction book
This is the time to learn something new! There are many online classes to follow nowadays, for example on Khanacademy, Udemy, or Coursera. You could also read a non-fiction book about a topic you´re interested in, or download a phone app if you are looking to apply a skill right away. I started to learn JavaScript coding myself with the help of Grasshopper, a very interactive course for beginners!
#5 Start a new project
Finding something to focus on (or obsess over) is a nice way of distracting yourself from the situation the world is in right now. To give you an idea: I have started to get into the art of lucid dreaming, or ´being conscious in your sleep´. It requires some motivation to keep a dream diary consistently, but I am confident it will be worth it in the end.
#6 Learn a new language
Catch up on your Spanish or High Valerian, because why not? I know it sounds cliche, but setting aside five to ten minutes a day to focus on a language can be fruitful. I have learned myself Danish without any physical courses, teachers, or speakers around me, so I´m confident you can too. The Duolingo language app is my all time favourite, but I have also heard many peopl speak about Babbel. A practice book would help get the hang of grammar, and find a pen pal while you´re at it!
Stay Active
#7: Go for a run … or walk
If you are allowed to go outside, I would highly recommend going for a run or walk (while, of course, keeping safe distance from others). It is healthy and a good stress reliever at the same time. You will also notice spring is not waiting for COVID-19 to be cured. Even though our life seems to be on hold, plants are flowering, birds are singing, and the sun is showing itself a bit more every day.
#8 Youtube workouts
The gym is probably closed, your field training is cancelled, and you are most comfortable and safe in your own living room. However, that is not an excuse to lay on the couch 24/7. You can find a variety of workouts on YouTube. My favourite channel is Popsugar Fitness. You can find anything from dancing classes and pilates to kickboxing and cardio, and also on many different levels. But be sure to check out FitnessBlender as well. Or if you want to have lots of fun, don´t forget Just Dance or Wii Sports!
#9: Create your personal workout schedule
Create a workout schedule for improving muscle groups you want to focus on! Not strong enough to do burpees? Why not slowly build it up starting with five a day? If you can´t jump because of weak knees or your neighbours downstairs, think planking, mountain climbers, squats, lunges, ab exercises. Get some inspiration here.
Entertainment and Mindfulness
#10: Yoga or Meditation
It is important to keep your calm during stressful periods. Guided yoga or meditation are a healthy start of the day, and can be found on YouTube as well. Or use an app like HeadSpace if you need motivation and reminders.
#11: Games
It´s okay to not be productive all the time. If you have housemates, this is a great opportunity to do a board game night and prove you are still the champion of Monopoly! You could give this 1000 pieces jigsaw puzzle a try as well (see you in a month). If you prefer devices, explore what´s new in the app stores or say hello to your old friend Sims / Minecraft.
#12: Netflix
Does this even need elaboration?
#13: Read a book
Excuses of ´not being a big reader because of simply not having the time´ aren´t acceptable anymore. Starting a book is hard, finishing it is easy. You could choose one with a film adaptation and treat yourself by watching it after turning the last page! For example, I just picked up Into The Wild, written by Jon Krakauer.
#14: Listen
If you can´t be bothered reading even while having plenty of time, you can always listen to a book on Audible. Hearing another voice can help fight loneliness and make you feel more calm. Listening can be in the form of radio, (crime) podcasts, or your favourite music as well.
Keep in touch with loved ones from afar
#15: All the things above, but together
While being stuck without social interaction sucks, it is more entertaining now than decades ago. The ideas mentioned already can almost all be done together with the resouces we have today. Talk over Skype, start a book club by reading the same literature and discussing opinions, motivate each other by sharing your work-out schedules and cool recipes, etc. Netflix Party allows you to watch your favourite shows simultaneously, and many games can be played online with your friends. Minecraft and League of Legends we are all familiar with, but also think Chess, Cards Against Humanity, Achtung die Kurve (oh, the sweet nostalgia), and more.
#16: Take care of others
Sick people, elders, internationals and people with anxiety might be having a hard time right now. Think about ways to support them, with practical stuff (grocery shopping) or by showing affection (talk on the phone, send a letter, video call). Just letting them know you are here when they need help can make a difference already.
Plan Your Future
#17: Plan your next holiday or trip
Even though you have no idea when you can set foot outside your country (or worse, house) again, dreaming never hurt anybody. Read or watch videos about a certain place; it can make you feel like you´re there for a brief moment. Moreover, it will give you something to look forward to. So plan that holiday, even though you are sure it will not happen anytime soon.
#18: Set some more goals for yourself
Clean your kitchen, clear out your wardrobe, become a vegetarian for a week, update your cv, remove mail subscriptions.. Accomplishing goals like these will leave you proud and fulfilled. Thank me later.
That´s all!
I hope you´ve found inspiration for making your days more bearable. On a positive note, you no longer have an excuse to do the things you previously postponed.
Let me know how you survive at home or if you have more ideas!
More from me:
Story of a Passionate Biologist — Why am I on Medium?
5 Reasons Why Taking The Same Walk Never Ceases to Surprise
What I love about Terschelling — Exploring The Beauty of a Dutch Island
Stay updated for my favourite podcasts and more about lucid dreaming!
Thanks for reading! I hope you like my post. I am Mo Schouten, a Biology student located in the Netherlands. Capturing my environment with a camera is what I love most. — — Comments as well as tips are always welcome; leave them below!