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Bored in the house, in the house bored?
Whether it’s due to a summer break, a job layoff, or — oh, I don’t know — an international pandemic or something crazy like that, make the most of “down time!”
When a “Stay Home” ordinance is in place (or, you know, what introverts call “a Thursday”), here are 13 ways you can beat boredom:
#1: Start a journal
The benefits of journaling are two-fold:
First, journaling is a wonderful therapeutic tool to use in the moment. Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, it can be incredibly cathartic to write down how you’re feeling. For me, I often don’t really process things I’m going through until I see it in writing. Put differently, I don’t know how I feel until I read what I write.
Secondly, journaling is useful down the road. It’s fascinating (and downright entertaining) to read back over the years and see how you’ve grown and developed as a human person.
For example, I was grappling with a BIG decision (should I quit my ad agency job?! when?!) and I started journaling about it frequently about three years ago. I’ve since officially quit my job and started my own business (!!!). I offer freelance copywriting, content creation, social media management and blog writing.
[Need some word wrangling? Hire me by email hi(at)formalnormal(dot)com]
It’s been unbelievably gratifying to be able to see that journey I’ve been on, how I’ve worked through the pros and cons, all that I weighed and felt and believed. And also — let’s be real — it’s hilarious to read how angst-y I was around age 15. Bless it.
And if you don’t know where to begin with journaling, start by listing 3 things you’re grateful for. I don’t know much, but I do know that happiness begins with gratitude. Every day, 3 things.
That much you can handle.
Here are a few journals I think are really pretty. (Especially LOVING this first Kate Spade one!)
#2: Meditate
Feeling a little more anxious than normal? You aren’t alone.
Chronic stress can take a real toll on your immunity. You can read all about that in this interesting article by the Cleveland Health Clinic, which also includes actionable tips for practicing mindfulness. And by training your brain to release stress through mindfulness and meditation, you can actively boost your immunity and improve your health.
RELATED READ: 11 All-Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Meditation is NOT just saying “Ooooommm!”or turning your brain off — it’s training your brain to be aware. It’s learning to observe your own thoughts without judging them.
Headspace and Calm are two apps that offer excellent meditation exercises and guidance, and this is a great place to start.
#3: Organize your closet
Did you get swept up in the Marie Kondo craze when her special hit Netflix? Many did. Whether or not you’ve “KonMari-d” your home already, taking another pass through your closet is a good way to feel accomplished.
Declutter all the old bits and bobs you don’t need anymore, create a “donate” basket of clothes that don’t fit or you never wear anymore, and rearrange your items by color or season. I’m always amazed how nice it is to actually be able to SEE what you own!
RELATED READ: 26 Things You Should Probably Ditch Right Now
#4: Do a deep clean of your house
Go beyond your standard Saturday morning chores and embrace Spring cleaning now that you have some time!
I’m talking clean the ceiling fans, vacuum the baseboards, wash the slipcovers, move the furniture and clean behind, beat the rugs (do people still beat rugs?), bleach the kitchen and bathroom, remove items from your dresser and dust, and clean your windows.
There’s something about a clean home that makes you feel like you can conquer anything.
Side note: This is the cordless vacuum I’m OBSESSED with!!!! It’s so perfect for quickly running over hardwood floors straight to rugs and is SO light. I consider this my “daily” vacuum.
And then for “heftier” deep cleans, I use my husband’s Shark Navigator vacuum — it is so powerful and has all the extensions to do fans, baseboards, behind furniture, etc. He said he did a ton of research when he originally bought it, and reviewers often liked this one better than the Dyson, plus it is a FRACTION of the cost!
#5: Do the bookkeeping work you’ve been putting off
I don’t know about y’all, but for me, there always seems to be a handy excuse for why I haven’t caught up on invoicing, or why I haven’t balanced my checkbook.
Um, cause it’s boring. And I’d rather be playing outside.
BUT, it feels so very good when it’s done that it’s (almost) worth the suffering!
#6: Reset all your passwords
It’s recommended that you change important passwords at least once a year, for obvious safety reasons. It’s an annoyance, but it can save you the much bigger headache of being hacked.
Passwords to change include:
- Bank accounts
- Venmo
- Any website that auto-saves payment info (think Amazon, Target, Nordstrom, Belk, online grocery pickup, Ticketmaster, etc.)
- Computer desktop
#7: Learn a new skill
You can learn just about anything on YouTube. My husband once learned how to change my car door handle. My dad learned how to perfectly smoke chicken wings. I’ve learned how to open a tricky lock box. It’s truly an amazing resource; people are so generous with the information they give!
Of course, there are always paid courses too — and maybe even the chance to receive some sort of certification.
Maybe you do a Google course that you can add to your resume. Take a Masterclass from one of the greats. Join LinkedIn Learning for a new tech skill. I want to complete a writing course on essays that my Grandaddy completed and then shared with me (those are DVDs).
#8: Clean off your computer desktop
Somehow, I end up with 983983 screenshots all scattered around my desktop. Just like cleaning your bedroom, there’s something SO satisfying about decluttering your digital space.
If you aren’t sure if you should keep a file or not, create new folders to hold them, either on your desktop or on a cloud-based solution like Google Drive. At least then it’s organized chaos 😉
#9: Create a scrapbook (real or digital!)
I always admired my grandmother for diligently keeping photo albums and scrapbooks that chronicle life’s everyday events and biggest moments. But I don’t have her patience. As much as I love a DIY project, I always seem to find an excuse to “not have time” to pull my photos together.
And I hate that.
We take so many pictures on our phones and cameras in day-to-day activities and on big trips, and then I feel like they go to die in my phone and computer’s photo storage. Like, what’s the point?! So I recently decided I would actually TRY to honor all those awesome memories and little everyday scenes I’ve captured in a digital album.
For now, I’ve promised myself one photobook a year. Easy. No pressure. Doesn’t have to be fancy or super professional looking. It’s just our snaps over the year, doing everyday life, now in a tangible, touchable keepsake.
I have had an amazing experience with Snapfish, and highly recommend them (not an ad — I am just a big fan, haha). They always have some sort of awesome special going on, so you can even start your photo book and hold out until you see a 70% off special!
#10: Begin your blog. (Or book. Or podcast. Or website.)
When kids are little, free play is highly encouraged — the more independent the better — because it fosters problem-solving skills, creativity, imagination, and leadership.
Why should that change when you’re a grown-up?
This free time is the perfect window to let your creativity run wild, to dabble in that thing you’ve been a little intimidated by, to take the pressure off being perfect before you begin. Just start.
RELATED READ: 6 Best Rom-Coms on Netflix (Perfect for Girls Night or Date Night)
#11: Update your LinkedIn profile
If you’re like me, you hate taking the time to list out all of your accolades and generally brag about yourself (which is … pretty much what a professional networking site is?), but it can be a necessary evil in many professions. Plus, pulling together a CV or portfolio of work is often time consuming, and now’s the perfect time to knock it out.
#12: Savor a DIY spa day
When the anxiety and uncertainty start to cloud your thoughts, drown them in lavender bath salts — that’s what I always say 😉 What better excuse do you need to pamper yourself and finally use that bath bomb you received as a gift last holiday season?!
RELATED READ: HOW TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE LUXURY SPA DAY AT HOME
#13: Chill
This is the one I’m writing to myself. Despite the long list above of things I have done/want to accomplish, I’m reminding myself that it’s OK to lose a day. It’s OK. You don’t have to be creative and productive 100% of the time to make this strange season worthwhile.
In all likelihood, most of us will look back on this season as an unfortunate delay in our plans. A sad, unfortunate season that we made it through. Not everyone will be so lucky.
But if you have your health, you have a lot to be grateful for. And so while it feels like you should be making the most of the time in isolation, show yourself grace.
If all you can do is put it in survival mode and read books and binge-watch stupid TV shows, that’s OK. Having a season of life when you can truly rest is nearly non-existent (although it can be hard to relax when you are anxious about money, jobs, health, and more). But try your best to see the silver lining: One day, we may be grateful for this period of stillness. It won’t always be here.
Because this too shall pass.
In sum…
Here are 13 ideas of things to do at home when you’re bored:
- Start a journal
- Meditate
- Organize your closet
- Do a deep clean of your house
- Do the bookkeeping work you have been putting off
- Reset all your passwords
- Learn a new skill
- Clean off your computer desktop
- Create a scrapbook (real or digital!)
- Begin your blog. (Or book. Or podcast. Or website.)
- Update your LinkedIn profile
- Savor a DIY spa day
- Chill
What else are you doing (or not doing!) to stay busy and sane during this season of down time? Let me know in the comments below!
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