Feeling Bored? Try These 14 Productive Activities (At Home & Work!)
Boredom: the sworn enemy of productivity, or a hidden catalyst for creativity? A 2014 study published in the Creativity Research Journal discovered that people who engaged in boring tasks (like copying numbers from a phone book) actually generated more creative ideas afterwards than those who didn’t.
That’s right, those “blah” moments could be your ticket to brilliance!
So, let’s ditch the boredom blues and transform those empty hours into a personal growth party with our 14 productive things to do when bored.
This guide is packed with fun and productive things to do when bored, whether you’re at home, at work, or anywhere in between. We’ll dive into the science of boredom, explore its hidden potential, and arm you with actionable tips to conquer it.
Plus, we’ve sprinkled in some super-quick book summaries from Blinkist – your new best friend for 15-minute learning bursts.
The Surprising Science of Boredom
Boredom often gets a bad rap. It’s associated with laziness, lack of motivation, and even depression. But the truth is, boredom is a complex emotion with surprising benefits.
In fact, research suggests that boredom is a common and perhaps even necessary part of the human experience. A 2023 survey by OnePoll found that a staggering 46% of American adults reported feeling bored at work at least three days of the workweek.
But instead of being a sign of something wrong, boredom can actually be a signal from your brain that it’s time to switch gears.
Because when we’re bored, our brains are essentially saying, “Hey, I need a new challenge!”
And this can be a powerful motivator to explore new ideas, seek out novel experiences, and push ourselves beyond our comfort zones.
Productive Things to Do When Bored (At Home & Work)
Now that we know boredom can actually be a sign that our brains are ready for something new, let’s harness that energy and turn it into something productive.
After all, boredom is simply a call to action, a nudge towards growth and exploration. Here’s how to turn those “blah” moments into opportunities with productive things to do when bored, whether you’re at home or at work.
How to Be Productive at Home When Bored: Try These 8 Ideas
1. Find Your Zen
Think of boredom as a signal from your brain and body that they need a little TLC. Take a few minutes to practice mindfulness.
A simple breathing exercise or body scan, as suggested in Emily Fletcher’s Stress-Less, can work wonders to calm your mind and refocus your energy.
Stress Less, Accomplish More
- 22 min reading time
- audio version available
2. Explore Your Neighborhood
Don’t just sit there – lace up your sneakers and explore your neighborhood on foot. A leisurely stroll not only gets your blood pumping but also sparks creativity and problem-solving. It’s like a walking meditation that allows your mind to wander and discover new ideas.
Need some motivation to get moving? Check out the Blinkist summary of In Praise of Walking by Shane O’Mara.
In Praise of Walking
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
3. Get Your Sweat On
Fight boredom with endorphins! Exercise is nature’s mood booster and energy drink. Whether it’s a quick yoga flow, a dance party in your living room, or a heart-pumping HIIT session, moving your body will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Don’t believe us? Read the Blinkist summary of The Joy of Movement – you’ll be hitting the gym in no time!
The Joy of Movement
- 22 min reading time
- audio version available
4. Write Your Heart Out
When you are bored at home, go and grab a pen and journal, or fire up your laptop and let those creative juices flow. Whether you’re journaling your thoughts and feelings or crafting a short story, writing is a powerful way to tap into your inner world and express yourself.
And who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent in the process! For a burst of inspiration, check out the Blinkist summary of Big Magic.
Big Magic
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
You need more? Discover the magic of journaling with Blinkist’s Top Ten Journaling Ideas! It’s all about expressing yourself and feeling better.
5. Conquer Your To-Do List
You are bored, but also feeling overwhelmed by a looming project? Break it down into manageable mini-tasks. Chip and Dan Heath’s Switch reminds us that small wins are key to motivating your brain and achieving big goals.
Start with one small step, and watch your progress snowball. Check out our book summary of Switch by Chip and Dan Heath and learn the art of tackling big changes with small steps – one of the most productive things to do when bored.
Switch
- 16 min reading time
- audio version available
6. Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
Is your living space feeling a bit chaotic? A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind.
Take some time to tidy up your home office, bedroom, or any other space that needs a little love. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more productive you feel in a clean and organized environment.
Discover the life-changing magic of tidying up with Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
- 14 min reading time
- audio version available
For more tips, The Minimalist Mum, Dawn Madsen, guides you through a 5-step program to a clutter-free life focused on what truly matters. Learn how to declutter your mind with Blinkist.
7. Plan Your Next Adventure
Use your downtime to research and plan your next vacation or weekend getaway. Having something to look forward to can boost your mood and motivation.
Get inspired to explore new places and cultures with the Blinkist summary of Vagabonding by Rolf Potts.
Vagabonding
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
8. Set a Personal Challenge
Challenge yourself to learn a new skill, read a book, or complete a personal project. Having a goal to work towards can give you a sense of purpose and direction.
Learn how to be productive at home and achieve ambitious goals with the Blinkist summary of The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone.
The 10X Rule
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
What to Do When Bored at Work? Sneak in These 6 Productivity Boosts
1. Goal Check-In
When your workday feels like it’s dragging on, boredom might be a sign that you need to refocus. Take a moment to review your goals and priorities.
Are you on track to achieve what you set out to do? Need help setting SMART goals? Dive into the Blinkist summary of Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt.
Your Best Year Ever
- 13 min reading time
- audio version available
2. Tidy Up Your Digital Workspace
A cluttered inbox or desktop can be a major distraction. A few minutes spent clearing out old emails, organizing your files, and creating a more streamlined digital workspace can do wonders for your focus and efficiency.
Learn how to optimize your digital life with the Blinkist summary of Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.
Digital Minimalism
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
3. Offer a Helping Hand
If you’ve got some spare time, why not see if any of your colleagues need a hand? Collaboration not only boosts productivity but also strengthens team relationships. It’s a win-win!
Discover the power of teamwork and collaboration with the Blinkist summary of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
4. Network and Connect
If you have a few minutes to spare, reach out to a colleague or industry contact you haven’t spoken to in a while. Building and nurturing relationships can lead to new opportunities and insights.
Learn how to build strong professional relationships with the Blinkist summary of Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi.
Never Eat Alone
- 19 min reading time
- audio version available
For additional tips, check out “How to Network: The Best Networking Tips For Beginners In 2024” to make a great first impression and build strong connections with these essential tips.
5. Daydream Productively
Yes, you read that right! Letting your mind wander can actually be beneficial. Research suggests that daydreaming can spark creativity and help you solve problems. Just be sure to set a timer so you don’t drift off for too long!
Discover the surprising benefits of daydreaming in the Blinkist summary of A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley.
A Mind for Numbers
- 18 min reading time
- audio version available
6. Learn Something New
Learning something new is one of the most productive things to do when bored.
And here’s the deal: Investing in your professional development doesn’t have to mean hours of tedious coursework. Dive into industry articles, let a thought-provoking podcast take over your earbuds, or sneak in a quick online guide. Trust us, your future self will thank you for it.
You are pressed for time? Blinkist is your secret weapon for professional growth. With over 7,500 summaries of top nonfiction books in 27+ categories, you can become a mini-expert in everything from leadership and marketing to psychology and personal finance – all in just 15 minutes.
Whether you’re commuting, waiting for a meeting, or sneaking in a learning break, Blinkist is your go-to for quick, digestible knowledge.
Want to outsmart your boredom and impress your boss? Sign up for a free Blinkist trial and get instant access to insights from bestselling authors like Malcolm Gladwell, Brené Brown, and Seth Godin. Your brain (and your career) will thank you!
