Boredom is inevitable.
At some point or another, you will get bored. You can either waste time playing games and mindlessly scrolling through apps on your phone or you can make productive use of your time.
Thankfully, being bored isn’t all that bad. It means you are likely open to doing just about anything to cure your boredom.
Today we have a list of 10 productive things to do when bored.
1) Organize Music
Keeping music playlists organized is an ongoing battle. Whether it’s iTunes or Spotify, putting together playlists is a time consuming activity that most people put off – and inevitably get frustrated about.
I’ve been using Spotify’s $10/month unlimited plan for nearly 2 years now and I have trouble imagining life before unlimited streaming. The only issue with unlimited streaming is that everything is playlist-based. You have to continually organize and update playlists. If you’re bored, open up your iTunes or Spotify and organize your music.
2) Work Out
Working out is one of the best things you can do when you’re bored. Typically when people feel bored they feel “out of it” and are anxious. Exercising can actually give you energy and (obviously) has many health benefits.
Going for a quick run or doing a quick workout at home can be a good way to fit in a workout without sinking too much time (or money) into it. If you currently pay for a gym membership, make sure you get the most value out of it. The last thing you want to do is pay for a gym membership and never use it.
3) Go through your stuff
When was the last time you went through your closet, basement, bookshelf, or clothes? Let’s face it: we have a lot of stuff. Going through your stuff and getting rid of everything you don’t need not only gets rid of clutter but also gives you an opportunity to make money by selling your stuff on eBay.
While I wouldn’t suggest this for everyone, it can also be productive to look for things you need to buy. Let’s say you need to purchase a new humidifier, but never spend the time to research which humidifier is the best. If you browse Amazon and do your research when you’re bored, you can find the humidifier that is the best value.
This can be applied to other purchases that typically are made in a rush such as dress clothes or electronics. Does anyone else always wait until their laptop is dead to buy a new one, or is it just me?
4) Plan and Execute a Home Project
Another productive thing you can do when you’re bored is plan and execute a home project. Too often homeowners wait until a repair or upgrade is needed ASAP to execute a project.
Instead of taking this approach, avoid the stress of needing to do a project immediately by doing the repair and upgrades before something absolutely needs to be done. This will also save you money because you have the ability to take your time and really do your research.
5) Read
Reading is almost always a good use of time. If you’re bored, it’s an excellent use of time. Think of how many times you’ve been unable to read because you’re too busy. If you find yourself bored, it’s an ideal time to dive into a book, magazine, or the newspaper.
Personal finance books I recommend are The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, & Broke and Rich Dad Poor Dad. For news I highly recommend The Wall Street Journal.
6) Clean up your Email Inbox
If you’re email inbox is completely cleared out, congratulations! You are one of the .05% of the population who have their email inbox under control.
For the rest of us, clearing an email inbox is a big task. I personally manage three email accounts between my personal account and work; having even one of these under control is an accomplishment. Utilize your “bored” time to clean up your inbox.
7) Start a Blog
I started blogging over six years ago and it’s easily one of the best decisions I’ve made. Blogging is a lot of work, but it can turn into a business and lead to other opportunities, such as freelance writing jobs.
One of the best (and sometimes, worst) things about blogging is that there is always one more thing to do. You can always do something else to improve your blog, whether it’s writing new content or tweaking your design. The “to do” list is a never-ending one. The work can be a grind at times but it also can fill time and potentially make you money.
I wrote a post explaining how to start a blog in 5 easy steps if you are interested in getting started. Trust me, it’s hard to ever be bored when you have a blog.
8) Organize your Electronic Files
Recently I was on an eight-and-a-half hour flight. Because my computer only lasts a couple hours without being plugged in, I decided against paying for WiFi. Instead I looked for productive things to do on my computer that didn’t require WiFi.
One of the things I did was organize my electronic files. My “my documents” folder was a mess and my desktop was filled with files. After about 45 minutes I had all my electronic files neatly sorted in appropriate folders. I also deleted old files I no longer needed.
One other thing I did was back up important files onto a USB drive. It’s incredible how much space you can get on a USB drive these days (and how affordable it can be). Once your files are sorted consider backing them up on an external storage drive and/or in the cloud.
9) Organize Personal Finances
This is a personal finance blog, so I need to include something in this post that is blatantly related to personal finances, right? Organizing personal finances are something that are almost always put off by people. With that being said, getting everything organized can also be extremely valuable.
Some things that you can do to organize your finances are:
- Track your income and expenses
- Calculate your net worth
- Review your work benefits & make sure you are contributing enough to retirement accounts
- Make a monthly budget
- Explore ways to save money (i.e. couponing, cutting down on entertainment expenses, brewing coffee at home, etc.)
Getting your finances organized is an essential step to take towards improving your finances. If you don’t have a good grasp on your current financial situation, it’s difficult (if not impossible) to change it for the better.
10) Watch a Documentary
If you’re bored and don’t feel like doing any of the other suggestions, consider watching a documentary. If you’re going to watch TV, documentaries are the best way to be “productive” while doing it.
Thanks to the “streaming revolution” there are a ton of documentaries available on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Amazon Prime is currently offering a free 30-day trial that you can take advantage of. The library is also stocked with documentaries as well.
Are you productive when you are bored? What is your favorite thing to do when you get bored?
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Photo by Jeff Blackler
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Great tips! I’m never bored, because I tend to pack my schedule with family and business stuff, but these are great ideas. Basically, when you’re bored, get organized! And plan to do things that help you for when you’re busy.
Great ideas DC! Like Kalen, I’m rarely ever bored as we’re just so busy with the business and the kids that I/we schedule out a lot of these things to make sure they happen. In my opinion, one of the best things to do when bored is to organize your life so as to be more efficient.
I guess I’m one of those people who never get bored. Too much stuff to do around here- work, laundry, kids, etc. It never ends!
I used to be bored all the time- then I started blogging. haha. I’m also an avid exerciser and documentary watcher :)
MoneyMiniBlog You and I are very similar in that sense. I definitely pack my schedule so any free time is spent doing the things I want to do or need to do but simply haven’t had the time for.
FrugalRules Definitely. I also equate that to “down” times at work. When things are slow it’s a great opportunity to get organized and prepare/improve things for when work is busy.
holly3 I rarely get bored, too. There’s just too much on my plate. I sometimes envy people who get bored because being bored to me is an opportunity to do things that you would not be able to if you didn’t have as much free time.
brokeandbeau Well, it’s certainly difficult to get bored when you are a blogger!
That’s why I included it in this list. If you have a blog, there is always one more post to read, one more blog to comment on, one more thing to learn about design, one more thing to post on social media….the list goes on and on, and the great thing is that it’s almost ALL productive things because of the potential for income from blogging.
I think reading is my go-to productive activity when I’m bored. That and spending time with the kids. Of course, there are a ton of unproductive things I do when bored that will not be discussed here. :)
Boredom? What is that??? :) Seriously I can’t remember the last time I was bored. Usually though if I’m stuck in some kind of rut I’ll clean and organized. Something always needs organizing and I’m killing two birds with one stone: moving my body and cleaning!
Ha like many of the other commenters, I hardly ever get bored now that I have a blog. There is always something to do :)
Love it! Great list! There are so many good things to do when you’re bored that don’t involve binge watching on Netflix…you’ll never run out of books or documentaries. One I would add is listen to podcasts…which you could do while tackling a lot of the things on this list!
I can’t remember the last time I was bored. Ever since I started my business, there always seems to be something to do to improve it and thankfully I enjoy building my business. That being said, when I do get bored, my favorite thing to do is watch cheesy chick flicks like Dirty Dancing and Girls Just Want To Have Fun.
I rarely get bored these days. Sometime’s I’d actually like to be bored, but I think I get more satisfaction out of doing productive things throughout my day so I’m with you on that. I love watching documentaries, and reorganizing my house though.
I don’t get bored that often but when I do I try to watch a documentary.
I love the organizing/cleaning theme. Bored for me mainly means I don’t want to be doing the things I should be doing, and when that’s the case, I love movies!
I was slightly bored when I started reading this however now I am no longer :) haha, couldn’t help myself there..
Cool post and I must say I’ve stopped using the word bored, if there is time where I don’t have to do something I’ll find something to do with my “spare” time even if that is actually chilling out and relaxing, which doesn’t actually happen very often
Any holidays coming up for you DC?
Although you did only come back from Hawaii ;)
Brian @ Luke1428 Haha yes, there are pretty much an unlimited number of UNproductive things you can do when you’re bored. I know I’ve spent a lot of time watching TV shows on netflix or DVD when I don’t feel like doing anything.
mycareercrusade Haha incredible comment, sir! I would expect nothing less, though, haha.
You’re right, when I have free time I like to relax. It’s not so much boredom as choosing to NOT be doing something.
No holidays planned, how about you? And yes, Hawaii was a great trip and it may be a while before my next trip – though I do have some airline miles I need to use within a year ;)
Mark@BareBudgetGuy Ah yes, that’s a theme I’m hearing from others: being bored more so means not wanting to do productive things. Movies are great but I’m all about TV shows.
Jason @ The Butler Journal It’s incredible how many documentaries there are out there these days. Seems like there’s a bunch on any topic you could imagine.
Chonce I also wish I could just have a few days where I’m bored, but it’s simply not going to happen. With a blog and home that has an unlimited number of projects to be done, it’s simply not going to happen! I do like to watch TV shows to relax.
blonde_finance Yeah it’s pretty difficult to be bored when you are a business owner. With the blog alone I will always have more things to do. Throw in the GMAT and eventually grad school, PLUS the home projects we have to do…it’s not going to happen often!
SimplySave Oh great idea! I didn’t list podcasts because I don’t really use iTunes anymore as I’m an Android/Spotify guy, but a few years back I used to listen to a lot of them. I would listen while cleaning, ironing, etc. Great way to multitask.
SenseofCents I agree, I’ve rarely been bored since starting my blog. Part of it is just feeling like I always “should” be doing something for the blog. It’s almost the opposite extreme of boredom where sometimes you wish you could just shut off the feeling of needing to do more and more to improve your site.
Beachbudget Haha I have a similar personality as you. I simply do not get bored that often, but it’s because I feel like I always NEED to be doing something productive. It would be really nice to be able to turn off that feeling every once in a while.
These are all great ideas, and all things that I enjoy doing. I like to go through my files and delete junk, organize photos, etc. while watching a documentary or binge watching a show. It’s a great way to pass the time and do something productive if I’m just sitting on the couch at night.
Love these suggestions. I’d add “learn something”. The internet offers so much information, with online courses, videos, forums, etc. that it’s easy to learn something new, often for free. And what you learn may end up being the next step in your career or side hustle or hobby.
I rarely get bored because you could blog 24 hours a day and never be done. If I could only go without sleep, I might have time to be bored!
DC @ Young Adult Money mycareercrusade Oh well I do my best :), what can I say
Then again there isn’t a lot of time for me to be “relaxing” haha
Yes, I do have a few domestic trips planned coming up over the next few months then there’s Papua New Guinea to do the Kokoda Trail in late October this year..
You should use some of those miles to check out Aus then haha!
I don’t feel like I have a lot of boredom in my life–more like too much to do and too little time! But, love these suggestions as generally great things to do. I like that you organized your computer on a flight. I actually wrote blog posts in Word while on my last flight and then just pasted them into WordPress later. Best use of a flight ever for me!
mycareercrusade DC @ Young Adult Money Great to hear about the trips you have planned! We would love to visit Australia, but unfortunately I don’t have THAT many miles ;)
TheWriteBudget I get a lot done while sitting on the couch at night. It’s so easy to do the mindless organizing and whatnot when you are watching TV or just hanging out.
Gary @ Super Saving Tips Great tip, Gary! Over the past three years I’ve spent a decent amount of time learning about home improvement. It’ll likely save me thousands on labor costs over time.
Eyesonthedollar Haha I hear you, Kim. I definitely have been bored a lot less since starting a blog. Always something additional that can be done to provide value.
Mrs. Frugalwoods I think flights are a good example of a situation where people sometimes just sit and waste time. Can you imagine a frequent flyer who doesn’t utilize their flight to do something productive? I’m sure it happens all the time.
Like many other commenters, I don’t often find myself bored these days, but sometimes when I have some time I like to just practice ‘mindfulness’, or being present without needing any stimulation, even if it’s just taking a walk. It’s difficult, but very calming, and I think it’s important to try and create these little windows of calmness where you can in your life.
How can you ever get bored when you always have the option to workout, read, and blog?
Gen Y Finance Guy That’s a fair question! I think there is a huge difference between being a blogger and being a non-blogger, though. I definitely have noticed a difference the past few years where I always feel the need to do SOMETHING more for the blog.
Jason@Islands of Investing That’s a great suggestion, Jason. I know I have trouble being present without the TV, laptop, cell phone, etc.
11) sporadically read PF blogs and think that you really ought to be commenting on a bunch, but you don’t feel up to it! ;-)
moneypropeller Haha I hear you! Commenting is very time-consuming, but also provides so much value (as you are well aware I’m sure).
Smart phones are a great remedy for boredom, but you have to choose whether to use them productively or to just waste time. I admit to spending a little too much time crushing candy on my phone during a binge last year. Now I use my phone to earn some cash through rewards sites or jot down ideas for blog posts in Evernote. There’s also some browsing on Facebook – hey, I’m not perfect :)
Great list! I love going through closets and cabinets when I’m bored and decluttering / organizing everything. It always makes me feel lighter and just better overall. A great way to make use of any extra time on your hands!
EmbracingSimple Great suggestion! Sometimes when I’m procrastinating I clean and organize. I feel productive when I do it and it gives me an excuse to not do the thing I’m putting off ;)
Harmony@CreatingMyKaleidoscope Haha no one is perfect. I waste WAY too much time on Facebook and Twitter on my phone. I should really use it to read or plan blog posts (as you suggested), but it typically doesn’t work out that way.
I love going through stuff and making lists, kind of like a home inventory. I like the documentary suggestion too. I haven’t watched one in a few months. I love ’em! Great tips! :)
Although I always have to fight myself to start, I’ve found that cleaning and organizing my house is a great way to stay productive! Also, thanks for recommending organizing music playlists. I just took a look at mine and realized I haven’t updated it in months!