Boredom is something that has many of us in its grip right now. While we understand it’s important to stay home in order to stay safe and slow the spread of the coronavirus worldwide pandemic, it’s inevitable that you may have found twiddling your thumbs now that we’re about two months into the lockdown period. The good news is that we’re living in an age where it’s easier to occupy yourself at home than ever. So if you’re bored, here are a few suggestions that can help you out!
Bored? Let’s Change That!
Learn to Cook a New Dish
Most of us stick to a pretty limited array of dishes. We’ll find ourselves having the same meal each week, as we stick to what we know and what we like. But now is a great time to try something new. If you have plenty of time on your hands, your meals can be more elaborate, as it doesn’t really matter if you’re working away in the kitchen for hours – you’ll probably be glad of something to do and the delicious reward at the end. Browse recipes online. There are also plenty of different recipe ideas on Pinterest and Instagram that you can pin or save for later. By the time we’re out the other side of this, you could have a whole menu up your sleeve.
Learn a New Skill
It’s always novel in learning a new skill. It could be genuinely practical. It could be a sheer novelty. Whatever it is, it will occupy some time right now and could prove useful down the line. The possibilities here are endless. You could learn to solve a Rubik’s Cube. You could learn to pick locks. You could pick up some phrases in another language. You could learn to mimic different accents. You could learn how to propagate plants. You could figure out how to morse code. You could try your hand at calligraphy. Whatever it is, it’s worth spending a little time on. You’ll more than likely find it enjoyable!
Take Advantage of Free Services
Why be bored when there are so many free services out there. Why not try a few out? They could be things that you’ve never considered before, they could be things you’ve wanted to try for a while but simply haven’t had the time to. Even if you find the things aren’t for you, at least it’s occupied your time for a while and you know now. One day you could have a free psychic reading. The next you could try some free guided meditation. Another you could attend a free singing Zoom class. You never know, you might unveil a new passion!
Try Some Outdoor Exercise
Many of us won’t have exercised outdoors since we were little and did PE classes at school or would run around the playground or park with our friends. As we grow into adult life, many of us look for forms of exercise that are easy, convenient and mostly indoors to protect ourselves from the elements. We go to the gym and work out with the equipment there. We take personal training sessions where someone can draw up a plan and make use stick to it. We might attend sports clubs and make a social deal of our exercise. We might attend fitness classes with guiding tuition. None of these things are possible at the moment. But you still need to exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. The alternative? Braving the outdoors and working out in ways we might not have before. Start things simply – go for a walk in a local area. This will be easy in the countryside where there are rolling fields. If you live in the city, you might have to head a little further afield or do some research to find some nice green space. You could then step things up to a jog. If you’re really invested, you can go for a run. Another option that many people are enjoying is cycling. If you have a bike, or if you have the funds to invest in a bike, this could be a great option too! Just make sure to wear a helmet. If you do decide to take up this advice and exercise outdoors, just make sure to keep a good two metre (or six foot) distance from anyone else who might be out too.
The suggestions outlined above might not be right for everybody. But most people who are bored will find some use or benefit in them. Hopefully, they’ll serve you well!
These are some great ways to combat boredom. I have used the lockdown period to brush up on my cooking skills.
I have enjoyed the lockdown completely. It’s helped me slow down. And it’s given me ample time to read, reflect, write, meditate, pray, cook sometimes, garden, do my yoga on my own without depending on a class, be with family and my furry girls, and not be in a rush to handle multiple things at the same time.
I’m sure most people won’t agree with me. But I guess I’m an ambivert and not being in touch with people socially or going out regularly has not impacted me as much. Moreover I’ve always worked out of home, except for one or two odd days a week, when I would work out of the office.
It’s a pace I’ve enjoyed totally with ample amount of things to do and keep me busy. So boredom is totally out of question. But I’m sure there are so many people out there who are bored and will benefit immensely from your post, Cory.
This is a great time time to do all that we couldn’t otherwise.
And of course reach out and offer a helping hand amidst the calamities galore.
Hope you are well, safe and taking good care. God bless!
Natasha recently posted..African Elephants | African Adventures: #WordlessWednesday #WednesdayWisdom
I pinned this to my Pinterest board. Sometimes we need someone else to point out the obvious before we realize, “Yes, I could/should do that!” I appreciate the variety of options you point out, which you do consistently:)
I haven’t been bored in the past three months because cultivated the habit in the head of not venturing out. I agree, so many things that we can do to keep occupied. I tried my hands exploring video and online courses to learn, keeping busy. The new normal is here and something adhering by being at home. I will implement it in months and years to come.