25 Things to do to beat boredom

Adults or kids list

How many times have we heard it, ‘I’m bored’, well take a look at the list below and become ‘un-bored’, there are so many things on the list and we are sure that you can think of more. Most items on the list below are suitable for both adults and kids.  These are ideas to curb the boredom, ensure you select those things that are appropriate for the age of your children.

1. Grow food – Even if you are travelling in a motorhome or caravan you can grow your own food.  It is about reconnecting with nature and discovering new passions. Why not try sprouting some seeds to put on your salad such as broccoli sprouts, alfalfa sprouts or some herbs to make your meals complete, you don’t need much space when you sprout in a jar.  Buy seeds at The Seed Collection. Or why not try your luck at growing mushrooms from Little Acre, Mushroom kit, Lifecykle. NOTE: Remember if crossing borders you need to check what fruits and vegetables you can take with you.
2. Connect with family or friends – Don’t let cross states. territories or even continents deter you, why not organise a Zoom, Teams, Skype, facetime, WhatsApp with a friend that you haven’t caught up with in a while.  There are many great online games that you can play virtually these days. Find online games at one of these sites Good House Keeping, Real Simple, Parade.
3. Learn another language, hobby or skill – Why not learn another language or skill such as playing the guitar, learning woodwork, learn to cook, learn to knit or sew, you are never to young or old to learn something new.  There are many opportunities online to learn for free. After a free language class try DuoLingo.
4. Take a good long walk. Nature is open 24/7. Look at Google maps and seek local parks around where you are. Search on-line for local hikes and walks. Invite a friend to come with you, just be sensible about distance. Leave your phone in your pocket, take out your headphones, and enjoy nature’s beauty.
5. Enlist in study – Enrol in that class that you have always wanted to, but have said you were too busy.  Learn a new skill or why not even change direction and start a new career.
6. Plan a camping trip – Get out of the city and into the peace and quiet of nature. Make sure you book ahead as so many people are now out there on the road discovering their own country.  Can’t get away, why not pitch a tent and camp in your own backyard and camp beneath the stars, light the firepit and toast some marshmallows.
7. Read a book – Choose a few books that you would like to read and gradually work your way through them.  You probably already have them on your book shelf or stuffed away in a cupboard.  Read something that you usually wouldn’t read eg: if you are fiction reader, choose a non fiction book for a change and learn some knowledge or visa versa slip off into another world.
8. Watch a classic – Cuddle up and watch an Aussie classic. There are so many films that have been filmed in Australia, why not travel to a location a film was shot and then watch the movie, then move on to the next location. Think Muriels Wedding, The Castle, Priscilla Queen of the Dessert, Mad Max etc.
9. Love animals? – Why not take a virtual lesson and learn about your favourite animal.  Connect virtually with some of Taronga’s amazing animals with a lesson lead by qualified member of their teaching staff. The use of technology allows you to get you up close, meeting fascinating animals via video link.
10. Colouring in – When was the last time you coloured in? Great for young or old.  Colouring has the ability to relax the fear centre of your brain, the amygdala. It induces the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind. This generates mindfulness and quietness, which allows your mind to get some rest after a long day.  There are so many different free downloads that you can print and colour, or if you are travelling and don’t have a printer you can colour online.
11. Looking for some new artwork? – Why not paint it yourself?  Not that talented, then why not paint by numbers.  There are so many colour by numbers companies out there to make you look like a real artist, something that your friends will be impressed with when they next drop by or your ‘neighbour’ drops in for happy hour drinks.  Try Paint Plot or  Paint By Numbers Kits,
12. Set time aside to deepen your chosen partnership. Try these 52 Questions that have been proven to create intimacy and closeness with loved ones and close friends. Make it a weekly ritual over dinner, or before you switch on the TV.
13. Volunteer – Get into your local community and volunteer.  This can be done when you are on the road travelling too, pop into the local information centre or drop into the local pub – the publican usually knows what is happening in town.  Research reveals that volunteering also benefits volunteers themselves. It reduces symptoms of depression, improves self-reported health and lowers mortality. Volunteering expands people’s social networks, and gives people new skills which can lead to employment.  So what are you waiting for?  You could even just volunteer to put out and take in your elderly neighbours bins.
14. Try something you have never tried before – Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. Don’t take it personally if you find it hard to quieten the mental chatter – it happens to all of us, except a few two-hundred-year-old Buddhists. There are heaps of free aps that you can download such as Headspace, Calm, Hero Movement or jump onto YouTube to find one.
15. Bake something – There is nothing better than a home cooked cake, bread or danish pastry.  Cook something with a friend or family member and sit down and enjoy it or share with your neighbour.
16. Make a movie – How many small video’s, photo’s do you have on your phone?  Why not make a family movie that you can all sit down and watch or send a link for people to watch from afar. Or create one for a friend or family member that is having a birthday soon.
17. Declutter – Whilst this one might not be on everyone’s list of things to take them out of boredom.  It can actually be gratifying to go through cupboards and get rid of things that are no longer used. Some would say that you have then less to clean, less to organise which causes less stress.  Tidy house, tidy mind don’t they say? Get some decluttering tips, Kon Marie method, Becoming Minimalist, or Spacer – The Place for Space.
18. Make a playlist – Why not make a playlist of your favourite tunes.  Create your own playlist and share it with a friend.  Create one for road trips, one for cooking, one for exercising.
19. Discover your local area – You live there but have you really explored your local area?  This goes for when you are out on the road too, pull up at a town and take a look at the area you are in.  Leave no stone unturned, discover things that you have never discovered before.  Take a walk, take a train or bus ride meet the locals, they have so many stories to tell.
20. Create your own signature cocktail – If someone created a drink after you, what would be in it? Create it and make sure to put it on the menu at your next dinner party or when you are sitting around the campfire so that you can share it with your new ‘neighbours’.
21. Have an indoor picnic – Clear out the living room, set down a blanket, and make your own picnic lunch without having to step outside.
22. Visit the world with google earth – If adventure is calling your name, load up Google Earth, type in your dream destination, and give yourself a virtual tour.
23. Learn a new style of dance – Why not watch YouTube tutorials and learn how to boogie in different ways. Dance like a belly dancer, fox trot and shuffling are great ways to stay in shape and when you are next on the dance floor you can show your new dancing prowess.
24. Give yourself a makeover – Face masks, moisturizers, and skincare galore! Treat yourself to a 10 step skincare routine and get your pamper on.
25. Write a book with your family – Have each family member create one character. Then have one person start by writing a chapter, then hand to the next person to write chapter two, and so forth.  Continue until the story ends!

What do you like to do when you are bored?