48 Things You Can Do Right Now to Beat Boredom

Creative ideas for things you can do right now whether you're alone or with friends

Ready to have fun? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve curated the definitive list of fun things to do right now. Whether you’ve got the whole day free or just a few minutes, we’ll help you find the best option for you. In fact, you may never be bored again. We’ve got you covered for any time of the day or year, so let’s dive in.

Things You Should Know

  • Do something creative, like writing, making art, or crafting.
  • Make a terrarium or plant an herb garden if you have a green thumb.
  • Invite friends to play games, go on a picnic, or have a clothing swap.
  • Learn more about yourself by reading your palm or making oracle cards.
1

Make a terrarium.

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    Terrariums are a low maintenance way to keep indoor plants. To get started, grab an old jar and pick out a plant, like a pothos, croton, lucky bamboo, or creeping fig. Then, layer gravel, activated charcoal, sheet moss, and soil on the bottom of your jar. Add your plants, covering the roots with about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) of soil. Finish by putting the lid on the jar to trap in humidity.[1]
    • You can buy terrariums online, as well as an easy to use terrarium kit with all the supplies you need.
    • You can add decorations, like shells or beads, to your terrarium if you like.
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2

Do a photoshoot.

  1. Serve up some looks in your very own photo spread. Pretend you're taking photos for your favorite website or magazine. Style yourself, create the perfect aesthetic, then snap some photos with your phone. Take a mix of selfies and full pics so you have a lot of great options.
    • Use your timer to take photos hands-free. Simply prop up your phone and set the timer for a perfect shot.
    • Post your photos on social media or create your own mini album.
3

Read your palm.

  1. Learn more about yourself by reading your palm. Your hands are different from each other, so check out both to get a full reading. Write down your insights so you can see if they still hold true for you next time you read your palm.
    • Hanging with a friend? Take turns reading each other's palms. You could even do the readings over video chat.
    • Pick up a book on palmistry to learn more about palm reading.
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4

Shop your closet.

  1. Revamp your wardrobe without spending a dime. When shopping your closet, always start by organizing what you own. From there, you can start pairing different pieces and trying out new looks. Take pictures of the outfits you create so you can wear them in the future.
    • Layer different tops to create a new vibe.
    • Put shirts and sweaters over dresses. Add a belt to define your waist.
    • Mix your business pieces with your casual clothes.
    • Wear different patterns together.
5

Pick and arrange some flowers.

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    Brighten your space with hand-picked flowers. Go outside and find some wildflowers that are okay to pick. Collect a few flowers and some green leaves to create a lush bouquet. Then, arrange your flowers in a vase.
    • Always ask before you cut someone’s flowers.
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6

Sketch something.

  1. Sketching is a great way to try your hand at making art. Not only will you have fun, you’ll also feel better after you express yourself.[2] Plus, sketching and drawing are easy and don’t really require many materials. Just grab some paper and a pencil or pen, and you’re all set. You could sketch:
    • A self portrait.
    • Your pet.
    • A cup.
    • Your bedroom.
    • A flower or tree.
7

Learn a new dance.

  1. Bust a move by following along with a dance tutorial. YouTube and TikTok are teeming with fun dances to try, so get moving. Once you nail it, film yourself doing the dance so you can share it with the world. You’re a star!
    • Not sure where to start? Learn to floss or shag dance.
    • Dancing is a fun way to express yourself. You could always make up your own dance or just go with the flow of the music.[3]
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8

Sing karaoke.

  1. Do karaoke at home or at a karaoke bar. If you wanna go out, meet up with some friends. At home, download a karaoke app or look up karaoke tracks on YouTube. Pick a song that makes you feel amazing about yourself, then rock out.
9

Paint a watercolor.

  1. Watercolor paints are inexpensive and super easy to use. You might even have a tray of paints already in your art supplies. Practice your watercolor skills and make something amazing for your walls. Have fun mixing colors, or follow along with a tutorial.
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10

Build a blanket fort.

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    Grab some blankets and create an epic fort. Create a hideaway by draping a blanket over a table or the backs of chairs. Cover the floor with pillows and fluffy blankets so you’ll feel comfortable relaxing in your new fort. Hang out in your fort and read, chat with friends, or doodle.
    • If you have some friends over, y’all could play a game or swap campfire stories.
11

Do a clothing swap with friends.

  1. Swap clothes with your friends and make space in your closet. Ask all your friends to pull a few items of clothing and accessories that they don’t wear anymore. Then, meet up and trade items with each other. Everyone should go home with a stash of new duds.
    • You can do the swap at someone’s home or at a local coffee shop.
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12

Do some knitting.

  1. Make a cool scarf, blanket or hat. With just some yarn and knitting needles, you can create a work of art. Give your crafts away as presents, or keep them for yourself.
13

Crochet something.

  1. Crochet a perfect vintage-inspired accessory. Nothing screams retro like a classic granny square. Once you master the granny square, try your hand at making a granny square blanket.
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14

Cross stitch.

  1. Make some cool wall art with a needle and thread. Cross stitching is a fun and easy hobby. Pick up a cross stitch kit, or make your own pattern. Display your project on your wall or gift it to someone special.
15

Start an herb garden.

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    Grow your own fresh herbs with a low maintenance garden. Plant your garden indoors so you’ve got herbs all year round. Start with classic kitchen ingredients like basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Then, add your favorites.
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16

Prepare a new recipe.

  1. Cook or bake something totally delicious. Try a recipe that’s trending on TikTok, or pick one from a cooking website. You could look for one that uses ingredients you have on hand, or make a stop at the store to pick up some new ingredients.
    • Try a fun cuisine, like Greek food, Italian food, or Mexican food.
17

Listen to new music.

  1. See what’s new on your favorite streaming service. Give every song a chance, even if you’d normally skip. You might discover a great new artist or a new favorite song. If you enjoy a track, add it to your library so you can listen again.
    • Is there a genre you’ve never tried? Maybe sample a few tracks from the jazz, blues, folk, or country genre. You could even try out some showtunes.
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18

Make a playlist.

  1. Create the perfect playlist for yourself—or someone special. Include old tracks or new tracks. You might even do a theme list! When you’re finished, play through your list or send it off to its recipient. Here are some themes to inspire you:
    • Happy songs
    • Sad songs
    • Studying playlist
    • Love songs
    • Nostalgia
    • Summer fun
    • Holiday magic
19

Play truth or dare with friends.

  1. Challenge your friends to truth or dare in-person or over text. Take turns doing truths or dares. If you’re playing over the phone, send each other photo or video proof of your dares. Try not to push each other too far, tho.
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20

Make your own oracle cards.

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    Oracle cards are a fun way to tap into your intuition. They can offer guidance or help you get answers to questions you have about your life. To make your own deck, grab a stack of index cards or cut up a piece of paper. Then, draw a picture on each card and label it with a word that holds meaning for you.
    • You might draw a bird and write “freedom” under it. You could draw a tree and put “roots”. Sketch a cloud and write “dream”.
    • To use oracle cards, you can simply pick one card from the deck. Alternatively, ask a question and then choose a card as an answer.
21

Listen to a podcast.

  1. You can find podcasts about pretty much anything. Pull up your favorite podcast app, like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Then, search for a topic that interests you, like true crime, sports, or writing. Click on a podcast that looks interesting and press “play”.
    • Need recommendations? Ask your friends what podcasts they like.
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22

Make your own podcast.

  1. Start a podcast about a topic that interests you. Talk about your hobby, chat with friends, or take a deep dive into a hot topic. You can literally make a podcast about anything, so use your imagination. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
    • Discuss your favorite movies.
    • Act out skits that you write.
    • Debate about current events.
    • Talk about sports.
    • Cover true crime cases.
23

Redecorate your room.

  1. Get a fresh start by giving your room a makeover. Start by taking all of your decorations and knick knacks out of your room. Then, rearrange your furniture to make your room feel new again. Find new spots for the things you really love, and add a few new finds to create a whole new vibe.
    • Look for new items at garage sales or the local thrift store.
    • If you live with your family or roommates, ask if they have any unwanted items you can have.
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24

Color a coloring sheet.

  1. Relax and unleash your creativity all at the same time. Grab your favorite coloring book or print out a free coloring sheet. Color with whatever you have on hand, whether it’s gel pens, colored pencils, markers, or crayons.
    • Like to draw? Make your own coloring book with a pen or marker.
25

Take pictures.

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    Practice your photography skills. Go outside and photograph the flowers, clouds, trees, or anything else that catches your eye. You could also take some aesthetic photos of things like coffee, candles, your pet, or the decorations in your room. Use your creativity!
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26

Cut or color your hair.

  1. Make a bold change by giving yourself a hair makeover. Try a trendy new style like a shag or just give yourself some bangs. Here are some other fun tutorials you could try:
27

Learn how to juggle.

  1. Add juggling to your list of skills. Grab some tennis balls or socks to get started. It might be hard at first, but keep practicing. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to juggle like a pro.
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28

Dance to your favorite songs.

  1. Queue your dance playlist because it’s time to bust a move. Show off your best moves alone in your room or with a few of your friends. You’ll have a ton of fun, and you’ll feel better afterwards.[4] Here are some popular dance songs you could try:
    • “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
    • “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
    • “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
    • “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk
    • “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson
29

Start a blog.

  1. Share your thoughts with the world in your very own blog. You can blog about pretty much anything, so write about what you know best. Treat your blog like an online diary, talk about your hobby, or write about your favorite things.
    • Only write about things you’re comfortable sharing with everyone.
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30

Practice a new language.

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    Try out a free language learning app. Pick a language you can use with friends, like Spanish, or choose the language of a country you dream of visiting, such as French. Do a few lessons today, and keep up your habit tomorrow. Here are some apps that will help you learn a new language:
31

Have a picnic.

  1. Pack up some tasty treats for the perfect picnic. You can picnic alone or with friends—the sky’s the limit. Take your picnic to your yard, a local park, or the beach.[5] Spread out a blanket and relax in the sun while you eat your meal.
    • Bring a Bluetooth speaker so you can play music.
    • If you’re with friends, bring some games to play.
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32

Propagate a plant.

  1. Take a cutting of a plant and propagate it in water. Take a cutting from the stem of your plant, then place the cut end in water. It’ll probably take several weeks for new roots to grow, but it’ll be totally worth the wait. Here are some common plants that are easy to propagate:[6]
    • Pothos
    • Croton
    • Philodendron
    • Ivy
    • Begonia
    • Cactus
    • Succulent
33

Teach your dog a new trick.

  1. Let your dog entertain you with their talents. One perk of having a pup at home is teaching them tricks. Grab some dog treats and your best furry friend because school is in session.
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34

Do an at-home spa day.

  1. Get refreshed with a day of self care. You deserve a day of pampering, so why not have a relaxing spa day? Light some candles, then relax in a warm bath or shower. Afterward, do a face mask and apply some moisturizer to your body.
35

Play a board game.

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    Invite your friends to play games. Ask everyone to bring their favorite game, if they have one. Then, play as many of the games as you can. You’ll have so much fun, you’ll lose track of time.
    • Don’t forget the snacks! Game night is even more fun with pizza, chips, and candy.
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36

Take an online class.

  1. Spend your free time learning something new. Pick a topic that’s always interested you so you can get the most out of your class.[7] You can find free and low cost classes here:
37

Go for a walk.

  1. Head outside to spend some time in nature. Walk around your neighborhood, or head to a local park. If you’ve got some time, you might even go for a hike. After your walk, you’ll feel amazing.[8]
    • Go at a speed that feels right for you. Walk fast if you want to get your heart pumping, or slow down and smell the roses.
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38

Solve a murder mystery with friends.

  1. Print off free murder mystery suspects and solve the crime. Y’all can play in-person or online, depending on what works best for you. So, put on a costume, grab a drink, and get ready for a night of murder.
    • If you can’t meet up, do your murder mystery party over Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet.
39

Stargaze.

  1. Lay on a blanket outside and gaze up at the stars. Use a free stargazing app to help you pick out constellations and planets. Keep track of what you see because the stars and planets shift as the Earth turns.
    • You can go stargazing alone or with friends. You might even invite someone special *wink*.
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40

Read a book.

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    A good book is the perfect escape from everyday life. Grab a book you’ve been wanting to read, or pick up an old favorite. Get cozy under a blanket and grab a cup of tea or cocoa. Then, dive into someone else’s world.[9]
    • You could also listen to an audiobook if that works better for you.
41

Make a vision board.

  1. Set goals for your life by creating a vision board. Start by brainstorming some goals you want to accomplish, like getting your dream job or going on vacation. Then, collect images from magazines or online to symbolize what you’re working toward. Glue the images to a piece of cardboard or arrange them digitally in a word document.[10]
    • Display your vision board somewhere you can see it so it can inspire you.
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42

Do a puzzle.

  1. Relax with a fun jigsaw puzzle. Either put it together by yourself, or invite some friends to help you. Puzzles are a great way to calm your mind, so you’ll all feel better afterward.[11] Plus, you’ll have the puzzle to show off!
    • Don’t like jigsaw puzzles? Solve a Sudoku or crossword puzzle.
43

Visit a museum or art gallery.

  1. Broaden your horizons by browsing an interesting museum exhibit. Check out the museums near you to see what they have on display, or take a trip to a nearby city. Some museums offer free or discounted tickets on certain days, so see if that’s an option for you.
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44

Plan your dream vacation.

  1. Research somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. Scope out the tourist hotspots, and learn about the culture and cuisine. Write down the places you want to visit, and when you’d like to visit.
    • It doesn’t matter if you can’t travel for a while. Let your mind do the wandering!
45

Tour your hometown.

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    Have a staycation and check out your city’s hotspots. Even small towns have something cool to see, like a diner that’s been open for generations or a historic home. See your hometown through fresh eyes and enjoy the sights you see everyday.[12]
    • Ask your friends where they take out-of-town visitors on holidays. They might have some fun tips for you.
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46

Do yoga.

  1. Calm your mind with a few yoga poses. Follow along with an online workout, or just do some yoga poses. You’ll feel more relaxed afterward, which makes yoga a great way to spend your free time.[13]
    • Yoga can even count as your workout for the day!
47

Go for a bike ride.

  1. Ride your bike on the street or a trail. For an easy ride, pedal around your neighborhood and take in the sights and sounds. Alternatively, ride your bike on a nearby bike trail or through a local park. Just enjoy being out in nature.
    • Biking is also a great way to workout.[14]
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48

Write a story, poem, or play.

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    Express your creativity through writing. If you’re into fiction, write a short story. As another option, turn your story idea into a play. Maybe you’re more of a visual person? In that case, try your hand at writing a poem. Here are some prompts you can use for inspiration:
    • Write a story or play about two friends finding a spaceship.
    • Write a horror story or play about a haunted necklace.
    • Write a poem about heartbreak.
    • Write a poem about your favorite food.
    • Write about your favorite memory.

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References

  1. ↑ https://phsonline.org/for-gardeners/gardeners-blog/how-to-make-a-terrarium
  2. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/a-mini-guide-for-expressing-yourself-effectively-with-anyone#what-is-isnt
  3. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/a-mini-guide-for-expressing-yourself-effectively-with-anyone#what-is-isnt
  4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/schlepping-through-heartbreak/201703/21-simple-things-you-can-do-feel-better-right-now
  5. ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/news_sections/home_family_and_food/perfect-picnic
  6. ↑ https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamental/a-reference-guide-to-plant-care-handling-and-merchandising/propagating-foliage-flowering-plants/
  7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/schlepping-through-heartbreak/201703/21-simple-things-you-can-do-feel-better-right-now
  8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/schlepping-through-heartbreak/201703/21-simple-things-you-can-do-feel-better-right-now
  9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/schlepping-through-heartbreak/201703/21-simple-things-you-can-do-feel-better-right-now
  1. ↑ https://teenbreathe.com.au/activities/how-to-make-a-vision-board/
  2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/schlepping-through-heartbreak/201703/21-simple-things-you-can-do-feel-better-right-now
  3. ↑ https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/staycations/best-staycation-ideas
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/yoga/art-20044733
  5. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cycling-health-benefits

About This Article

Erin Conlon, PCC, JD
Co-authored by:
Erin Conlon, PCC, JD
Executive Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Erin Conlon, PCC, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Erin Conlon is an Executive Life Coach, the Founder of Erin Conlon Coaching, and the host of the podcast "This is Not Advice." She specializes in aiding leaders and executives to thrive in their career and personal lives. In addition to her private coaching practice, she teaches and trains coaches and develops and revises training materials to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. She holds a BA in Communications and History and a JD from The University of Michigan. Erin is a Professional Certified Coach with The International Coaching Federation. This article has been viewed 14,501 times.
16 votes - 57%
Co-authors: 2
Updated: January 31, 2023
Views: 14,501
Categories: Boredom Busters
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