Things to Do When You Are Bored

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If you’re looking for something productive to do when you’re bored that doesn’t include scrolling social media, you’ve come to the right place. There’s a big world out there. Why not use that free time to build yourself (and others) up, create something meaningful, or discover something that brings you joy? In case you’re not sure where to start, I have some ideas for you on how to be productive with your free time.

12 Things to Do When You’re Bored

1. Give Your Opinion in Exchange for Rewards

Survey sites like SurveyJunkie, Branded Surveys, and MyPoints, reward you with incentives like gift cards for businesses like Macy’s, Delta Airlines, Barnes & Noble. Some sites even pay in cash.

You may not get rich by taking surveys, but unlike browsing social media sites, you’ll have something tangible to show for your time. Plus you’ll have an opportunity to voice your thoughts to companies that are paying to hear what you have to say.

2. Find a Profitable Side Gig

Even if you already have a good job or thriving business, having a backup income source is a smart. Here are a few side gigs to consider:

Start a blog on a topic you’re passionate about and that has the potential to be monetized. There are a ton of blogging resources. One I like for beginners is the book From Nothing, by Ian Pribyl.
Watch other people’s pets, either by working for yourself or with an established business, like Rover. Check out Pet Sitters International to learn more about the industry.
Sell your photos on microstock sites like Shutterstock or iStock.
Sell your home-made crafts, jewelry, soaps, or scented candles. Or invent a unique product that improves the lives of people and pets. CatIsInTheBox.com, for example, is a small business that manufactures whimsical cardboard cat condos in shapes like cheese wedges, milk containers, and beach houses.
Be part of a focus group. These usually pay more than survey sites do, but also require more of a time commitment. Find Focus Groups lists opportunities across the country.
Sign up to be a mystery shopper. For educational resources and a list of companies that hire shoppers, check out Independent Mystery Shopper’s Coalition.

3. Read a Good Book

Social media use has been linked to depression and feelings of loneliness. In contrast, the benefits of reading potentially include an improved vocabulary, reduction in stress, and reduced symptoms of depression.

Similar benefits are associated with listening to music including lowered anxiety, an improved mood, and better memory.

4. Purge Stuff You Don’t Need (It Makes it Easier to Be Productive)

Getting rid of clutter is not only a productive way to spend your time, but for me at least, it feels liberating. The good news is that you don’t have to tackle every room in your home all at once to experience this effect.

While you’re at it, get rid of old emails, apps, and files that are cluttering up your computer and phone.

5. Build Your Career

If your goal is to get a promotion, find a better job, or start a new career, find ways to get closer to that goal. What skills do you need to learn? Are there classes you can take or conferences you can attend in your industry to advance your career?

Use the time you’d normally spend on social media to answer these questions, be productive by updating your resume and LinkedIn page, and brushing up on your interview skills.

6. Start a Travel Wish List

Get a pretty notebook and write down all the places you’d like to visit someday. Even though I probably won’t make it to every item on my list, the act of writing these places down, researching them, and looking at travel photos, sparks my creativity and generates feelings of well-being.

7. Build Real Relationships

Social media can’t replace real relationships. Connecting with an old friend, calling a loved one, or spending quality time with your kids and pets (without your phone!) can do more for your sense of well-being than receiving hundreds of “likes” online.

8. Prepare for Retirement

A few questions to start asking:

How much will I need to live comfortably in retirement?
How much will I receive in social security benefits?
When should I start applying for Medicare?
What can I do to increase my retirement portfolio? For example, can you take advantage of your employer’s 401(k) benefits?

9. Focus on Your Own Goals

A common trap of social media is the ease in which we compare ourselves to others. Keep this in mind: Social media is only a snapshot in time of someone else’s life, and at least some of that is likely exaggerated. It’s not real life.

Instead of focusing on what everyone else is doing, do a deep dive into your own life. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? When I’m engaged in activities that help me reach my goals, I have less time to worry about what other people are doing.

10. Find a Productive Hobby

What have you always wanted to try? A few ideas to get you thinking:

Knitting or sewing
Art or pottery classes
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Swimming
Cooking
Volleyball
Wildlife watching
Reading and book clubs
Ice skating
Coloring

11. Start a Vision Board

If writing down your goals in a notebook works just fine for you, why mess with perfection? Some people, however, find vision boards to be inspirational and use them in conjunction with written lists. It’s essentially a collage (you can even use Pinterest) of photos and sayings that depict your dreams and ambitions. Sarah Centrella, author of FutureBoards offers useful resources, including workshops and a podcast.

12. Help Your Favorite Non-Profit

It doesn’t take that much time to zip over to your favorite organization’s website or send out a quick email to see if there are ways to help, whether by donating money or volunteering your time. In my experience, working to solve problems and create meaningful change does more for the actual cause -as well as my morale- instead of just talking about it.

I hope these ideas help you to be productive during your free hours. It’s also a reminder that there is life outside of social media. Enjoy.

This post contains references to products from one or more of my advertising partners. When you click on a link to any of these products, I may be compensated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my Earnings Disclosure & Disclaimer page for more information. Thanks for your support!