Do you ever find yourself at a loss for things to do, feeling like there’s “nothing on the agenda”? Check out these 9 boredom busters, and you’ll always have activities to engage in when you’re home alone!
It’s important to seek out positive and interesting ways to spend your free time. These nine activities will keep your mind sharp and your options diverse.
Forget about mindlessly scrolling through social media or watching random TV shows! There are plenty of fulfilling things you can do.
When spending time alone, it’s important to take care of ourselves—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. These activities will support all three aspects of self-care.
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Why do you need “Boredom Busters”?
While an occasional day of couch surfing is understandable (and perfectly ok!), making a habit of it is neither appropriate nor healthy.
We need to find ways to challenge ourselves every day!
As our lives (maybe?) slow down with aging, we have more time to pursue interests that we may have set on the back burner for years. It’s time to reignite our interests and seek out hobbies and activities that will keep our brains sharp for years to come.
Fortunately, times have never been better to seek out mental challenges, particularly given that the vast majority of us have easy internet access.
We also have a treasure trove of resources within our homes, things we have ignored or overlooked in the past. Let’s pay attention and use what we’ve got.
I myself have at least a dozen books on the bookshelves upstairs that I have never even read! They hadn’t been at the forefront of my priorities before, but now that my life has slowed down, I am looking forward to the opportunity to read them all.
What kinds of things can you do at home, on your own, to keep your mind stimulated and not fall into the black hole of tv syndication?
9 boredom busters to Boost your Creativity and Keep Your Brain Sharp
1. Read Books
As I’ve already mentioned, reading is a fantastic way to keep your brain active. Plus, it has the added bonus of transporting you mentally to another world, far from your home.
I tend to divide books into two categories – easy, fast reads (usually fiction – the kind of books you can pick up and put down over many days without losing your place or forgetting details), and more complex reads that require a bit more mental focus (non-fiction, historical novels, etc.)
Need some suggestions?
For an added incentive to do some reading, as you complete each book you read, decide – right then – if it’s something you will want to reread in the future. If the answer is no, place that book in your donation box, not back on the shelf.
Now you are decluttering as you read!
2. Read Blogs
What are some topics that interest you, but you haven’t had time to really learn about it?
Perhaps this is the time you’d like to educate yourself on zero-waste living, capsule wardrobes, personal finance, square-foot gardening – you name it, there are blogs and online communities out there about your topic.
Google the subject that interests you and the word “blog”, and see what comes up. You’ll not only learn about your topic, but you’ll make connections with new friends as well.
Or start with this list of my favorite Positivity Blogs. You’re sure to find them uplifting and inspiring!
3. Take an Online Course or Webinar
Blogspot.com has compiled a list of 60 free online courses for whatever you want to learn.
Choose from over 100,000 online video courses at Udemy.com.
Or fulfill your dreams of becoming an Ivy Leaguer and take classes from Harvard University!
4. Visit a Museum (Virtually, of course)
Do you think you can’t go to museums, zoos, or cultural sites because everything has closed down? Do a virtual tour!
Hellogiggles.com has a list of museums providing virtual tours.
CNNStyle goes a step farther to include all the virtual concerts, plays, museums and other cultural events you can enjoy from home.
The online database FilmedonStage.com offers professionally filmed Broadway and West End theater productions.
5. Practice Yoga and Meditation
You may categorize yoga as exercise, but there is a very definite mental component to it, as well.
Think you’re too old to start now? Here’s a collection of yoga videos specifically designed for women over 50! that will enable you to keep your practice going (or get started) and connect with a global community of like-minded people featuring daily all-level yoga practices, daily meditation, breathwork and tapping sessions.
6. Write in a Journal
Perhaps you are already a consistent journaler, or maybe you’ve just considered giving it a try.
Now is a perfect time to write in a journal. It’ll naturally improve your writing skills and give you the opportunity to express yourself emotionally. A journal is just for you – so use it however you wish.
7. Experiment with a New Hobby, Craft, or Recipe
Learning something new is a wonderful way to stimulate your brain, and it is also proven to help alleviate depression.
Is there a hobby or craft you’ve been meaning to try, but it hasn’t fit into your busy life? Explore your options on Amazon.com or Etsy.com, or get ideas from Pinterest. You can have everything you need delivered to your doorstep.
This fun macrame kit arrived at my house yesterday, and I am excited to learn a new skill set as well as add a new decor piece to my home.
8. Play Games and Do Puzzles
Crosswords, solitaire, Trivial Pursuit – absolutely anything involving games and puzzles will stimulate your brain. Many can be done solo, or you can engage family members for a fun way to pass the time.
My all-time favorite game that can be played solo OR as a group of any size is Bananagrams – I’m warning you, it’s addictive!
9. Color
Stimulate the right side of your brain with a dose of creativity. You can revert back to childhood fun by printing out some free coloring pages, grabbing crayons or colored pencils, and coloring.
It’s a relaxing activity that will also light your brain up. In fact, there are a surprising number of benefits adults get from coloring!
Read More About Recreational Self-Care:
- Recreational Self-Care for Women Over 50: Love Your Life
- 68 Recreational Self-Care Activities for Women: Relax and Rejuvenate
- 10 Excellent Novels With Female Main Characters Over Age 50
- The Benefits of Coloring for Adults: A Creative Way to Have Fun
- Tour the World’s Most Beautiful Gardens (From Your Computer)
As we age, our brains naturally shrink, which impacts memory and learning functions and increases our risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more in the excellent guide “How to Keep Your Mind Sharp” by RetireGuide.com
Final Thoughts on Boredom Busters: Things to do when You are Home alone
By no means is this a complete list of mentally stimulating activities. I certainly hope it gives you some ideas of things you can do to keep your mind active during this unusual time we are experiencing.
If you have additional suggestions, please let me know in the comments!
Lori is an energetic woman in her early 60s, dedicated to living life fully through self-awareness and self-care. Inspired by her own transformative journey toward confidence, self-love, and positivity, she writes with genuine passion and authenticity.
With degrees in Psychology, Education, and Nonprofit Management, Lori’s diverse career has spanned education administration, counseling, teaching, conference planning, and the rewarding chaos of full-time motherhood. What ties these experiences together is her steadfast commitment to uplifting others.
Today, Lori focuses her energy on empowering mature women, advocating for the vital role of self-care in building confidence and joy. She firmly believes that every woman in midlife deserves to feel capable, radiant, and fulfilled. Join Lori as she shares insights and inspiration to help you live your best life!