Stuck at Home? 10 Tips To Conquer Boredom

For many of us, being stuck at home can be pure torture—we miss our regular, everyday social interactions. And while we catch ourselves daydreaming about picnics in the park, outdoor concerts, cinema nights and restaurant excursions, reality quickly sets in. 

Since we’re stuck at home, we might as well make the most of it. It’s a great chance to develop some new habits, count our blessings and pick up new hobbies. If you find yourself struggling at home, try these 10 tips to conquer boredom. 

#1 Train From Home

Who says you need a gym to work out? You don’t. Just ask celebrity trainer and author of 30-Second Body, Adam Rosante. “I’ve seen a ton of people get strong, lean and lose a ton of weight without a single piece of equipment.” All you need is your own body weight and a mat to keep your immune system strong, especially if you’re not leaving the house very often. 

Fitness apps like Gymondo offer a huge variety of home fitness programs, from HIIT to Yoga, Barre and even Weight Training. No matter whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or if working out comes second nature to you, you can easily find a program that’s right for you. 

#2 Keep a Journal 

Have you been meaning to start writing but, up until now, haven’t managed to find the time? Now’s your chance. Writing does wonders for your mental health. Beyond keeping your creative juices flowing, writing regularly can help release the stresses of your daily life and drastically improve your self-esteem. 

Jot down whatever comes to mind—how you’re feeling right now, what you’re proud of and what you’re grateful for. Just imagine yourself 10 years from now, perusing through your old journal and reliving this very moment without fear or stress. 

#3 Sample New Recipes

There’s never been a better time to beef up your kitchen skills than now. If you’re like me and rarely cook from home, this can be a major challenge. But luckily, there are so many online tutorials and apps that can help. In 30 minutes or less, you can create a variety of delicious meals from home. Need some inspiration? Head to Gymondo and explore 1000s of easy-to-make recipes and offline accessible ingredient lists. 

#4 Throw Yourself a Dance Party

You don’t need a dance club to get your groove on. Break a sweat to your favorite song or playlist. Virtually invite your friends and dance the night away over Zoom (or one of the many other video conferencing software tools out there). Now is the time to be as innovative as you can—a remote dance party should do the trick. I’m sure your neighbors will appreciate my suggestion! 

#5 Take an Online Class

Are there some skills you need to sharpen? Now’s a perfect time. Whether you want to master coding, perfect your drawing skills or brush up on your digital marketing acumen, with a simple Google search, you’ll find a ton of free online courses. EdX is a great place to start, offering free online courses from Harvard, MIT and other well-respected universities. Have a little fun with it and see how many classes you can do in a week, a month or however long you’re stuck at home. Just make the most of it! 

#6 Play Games With Friends and Family 

Video dial your friends and family and challenge them to some virtual games. Whatever you fancy, there’s an online version for practically everything. From puzzles to card games, board games and more, you’ll find it online. If your friends and family members are busy, meet some new people online. Everyone’s looking for an excuse to interact with others. Playing online games is a great way to connect.

#7 Meditate and Reflect

Being stuck at home has its upsides. FOMO is on hold, giving you ample time to reflect on what’s really important in your life. Life tends to go so fast, but sometimes we need a break to reflect. Here’s your chance. Use life’s little pause to give gratitude to all the positives in your life. While you’re at it, start thinking about strategies and plans for your future. 

#8 Read, Read, Read! 

It’s so easy to binge-watch your favorite Netflix series but when you tire of Tiger King, opt for a book instead. Immersing yourself in a good book makes your brain come alive. Research suggests reading not only improves your memory and empathy but also makes you feel better and more positive. If that’s not enough incentive, some of the most successful people on this planet read every single day. Sharpen your intellect with a good book! 

If you’re struggling to start, here are three helpful tips: 

1. Start a timer and read for 30 minutes each day. 
2. Give it three chapters and then take a break. 
3. If you’ve got a lot on your plate, listen to an audiobook instead. 

#9 Start a DIY Project 

Are there some projects around the house you’ve been putting off? There’s no better time than now. Reap the benefits of building something from scratch—it’s way cheaper, you can customize it the way you want and it keeps your mind sharp. But the benefits don’t stop there. DIY projects also make you happy. Hands-on creative projects boost your mood and can lead to a state of “flow,” where you feel intensely engaged and get a deep sense of satisfaction as a result.  

#10 Reach Out to Loved Ones 

This is a perfect time to reach out to the people you care about. We could all use a pick-me-up right now, especially the elderly. Just hearing someone else’s voice on the other line can brighten one’s day. It’s the little things that make a big difference, so pick up that phone and call your mom, dad, grandma or even that distant cousin you haven’t seen in five years. Let’s stay connected!  

Have other tips or ideas of your own to conquer boredom when you’re stuck at home? We’d love to hear them in the comments. And be sure to check out more tips on staying healthy from home and consider adding these superfoods to your diet to boost your immune system.

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