Bored? Ways to use your free time for good

Lifestyle

by Stephanie Thompson

May 8, 2020

Extra time to spare during the day can lead you to hibernate on the couch and binge watch your favorite shows while eating a gallon of ice cream. Extra time can also inspire you to do everything from organize your pantry to write a book. 

If you’re bored at home and wondering what to do, you’ve come to the right place. There’s no better time than the present to do those things you’ve always wanted to do but “never had the time.” 

To start, pick out your top 5-10 things you’d like to accomplish. Now, make a list and prioritize those goals so you can build your days around them. Having a daily plan adds purpose to your day. Even the time you’re not doing anything is OK because you planned it. It’s not empty, bored time — it’s rest and relaxation time. 

If you have no idea what to do with your time, here is a list of ideas to get you started:

Declutter

Clear out old, unused items from your home, including expired food and clothes you’ve outworn. 

Clean and rearrange

Clean up and rearrange furniture to give your home a fresh look. Even if you keep a tidy home, consider dusting nooks and crevices that normally go unnoticed. 

Read a book

You may be interested in what successful people do to build habits, or you may want to drift away into a world of dungeons and dragons.

Get outside

Work outside, take a walk or eat lunch on the patio to enjoy fresh air and rejuvenate your senses. Being in nature gives your mental health a boost.

Learn how to cook

Find recipes for the foods you love and teach yourself how to make them. Give yourself a challenge and work your brain by trying something new.

Review your budget

Take a look over your spending and monthly budget. When is the last time you reviewed your investments? Make sure your financial future is on the right track. 

Play fun games with your family

Find fun games to play outdoors together with your family or household. Let your kids pick games for the family to play. This is the perfect opportunity to bond with your entire family. You can even look for virtual games if you’re alone or your family isn’t with you.

Teach your children a life skill

Look for age-appropriate chores and healthy habits to teach your children. Not only will they become more independent, but it will also lessen your daily chore load. 

Become a morning person

If you’re known to hit the snooze button more than a few times, now would be a great time to start waking up earlier. Create the morning routine that you’ve been dreaming of all these years. Try a morning meditation or morning cuddles with the kids. 

Enjoy the moments you have for self-improvement, for rest and for bonding with those you love. I’m 100% positive that’s the recipe for good living. 

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About the Author

Stephanie Thompson, CPT, is a Wellness Coordinator for Baylor Scott and White Health. She graduated from Baylor University in 2008 and has worked toward providing health and wellness education for nearly eight years. She is passionate about helping others reach their full potential both physical and mentally through positive support and education.

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