Most of us, at some point or the other, have used the phrase “God! I’m bored”. We often wonder how we can lead different lives – maybe surf in Hawaii or do bungee jumping or even sit astride a camel watching the pyramids in Egypt. Boredom is indeed one of the major things affecting society, and in particular, the youth of today. Life gets stuck in a rut and one tends to feel trapped. But in the majority of cases, boredom is self-inflicted. Ask any New Age Guru and she or he will likely say to you: “Open up to the phenomena called life and there will be no room for boredom!” Humans are thinking beings and that is why the issue of boredom arises. So today, we will discuss some easy ways to solve that problem in a fun and creative way.
1. Sing your ABC’s
Only backwards. Or, simply learn to say your family members’ names –backwards as well! This is actually fun and easy way to prevent boredom which is also good for your brain.
2. Balance an object on your head
It could be a pillow, a book or magazine or anything else lightweight. You can either sit on your couch while you balance it or even time yourself to see how long you last without it falling off. Alternatively, you could try walking around the room for a while with the thing on your head.
3. Trick your mind
Meditate in a certain fun way. Close your eyes and try not to think of-A monkey hanging on a banana tree- Come on! We told you not to think of a monkey hanging on a banana tree-but you are just doing that, aren’t you! Seriously-try and meditate without thinking about a monkey hanging on tree.
4. Write a song
But here’s the catch-you have to only sing it by using a tune of another song which is already well known. Use this as an opportunity to write a prize winning number.
5. Play the TV Remote game
This next one is for all those couch potatoes out there. Take your TV’s remote control and go through all the channels. See how fast you can do that. Also count how many channels you actually have. Do not count channels that are blank. This activity will take you through the day-who knows? You might even find something fun to watch.
6. Play the Punching bag game
This will also help you release stress and anger. Take a cushion and punch the hell out of it. You are even allowed to think of someone you are angry with when you do this. Go ahead- punch, kick, yell and scream. Release all the stress with this activity and see how much lighter you will feel afterwards. (Best done at home-when no one else is present!)
7. Visualize
Imagine the life you want to live, say, 10 years from now. Perhaps you are a millionaire-sitting on the beach sipping martinis. Close your eyes and feel the surf, sand and sun on your face. Do this for at least 10 minutes and see the boredom run away.
8. Write in dust
If there is dust on the furniture around you, write in the dust using your fingers. You can draw, write poetry-the works. If you hate getting your fingers dirty, use a tissue paper. After the activity is over, you can use the tissue paper/your hands to dust the whole surface. You will end up with clean furniture.
9. Count backwards with a twist
Count backwards from 800 by fours (800, 796, 792….till 0). This can also help you fall asleep when you are unable to do so at night.
10. Clean and groom the pet
Have a pet? Bathe and groom it! You will end up with a cleaner pet and it will easily keep you occupied for at least an hour.
11. Blow bubbles
This activity is not just for kids but for all those adults researching easy ways to not die of boredom. Spend happy hours blowing bubbles-it is highly therapeutic too.
12. Build sandcastles
If you live near the beach then we recommend you go out and build a sandcastle.
13. Play with blocks
Build with Lego blocks-fun and easy way to not get bored.
14. Clean
Clean the house top to bottom-especially the bathrooms; good way to burn some calories.
15. Knit without needles
Relax with some knitting-but with your hands and without using needles.
16. Do a secret service for a neighbor
No explanation needed!
17. Decorate your bike or car
Go ahead and be as creative as possible!
18. Make collage stories
Cut pictures from a magazine and write a story based on it.
19. Color
Adult coloring books are fun and popular. They are easily the best ways to not die of boredom.
20. Make a memory box
Decorate a shoe box and store all your favorite things/photos in it.
21. Start a bug collection
This is for the not-so-squeamish and the brave-hearted people.
22. Noodle-Doodle
Glue noodles on a paper and make a design.
23. Race
Have paper airplane or paper boat race with neighborhood children.
24. Fruit art
Make and eat fruit salad. Cut the fruits in fun shapes.
25. Learn a poem
Make sure you pick a really long one.
26. Arrange for a treasure hunt for your friends/kids
Hours of fun that will keep you and your kids entertained all day long.
27. Improve your aim
Play kick the can or practice throwing a ball in a wastepaper basket.
28. De-weed
Pull weeds from the garden – this is a therapeutic and productive way to keep yourself busy.
29. Perform an act of kindness
Surprise a neighbor you don’t get along with by doing a kind deed. Sweep his yard, mow his lawn or weed their garden.
30. Go bird watching
Better yet-imitate a bird call.
31. Vacuum the car
Vacuum everything-especially the car.
32. Write a letter
To a pen pal staying in another country…..preferably in a foreign language.
33. Write a story
Make sure it is a sci-fi story.
34. Write a review
Write a movie or book review
35. Take up a social cause
Write a letter to the editor of a popular daily about an issue that most concerns you. Not exactly fun but a way to give back to society.
We hope we have covered some tips that will help you avoid dying of boredom and have some fun instead. Good luck!
