Have you ever been bored? I know we have all been bored, and often. The question is, what do you do when you are bored? I think too many of us pick up our phones and start scrolling through social media. Which isn’t especially interesting, and honestly we are not really doing anything, but it seems a go to doesn’t it? And then we wonder where the time went that day. And if we are not scrolling social media we are on Youtube or watching Netflix. And while that is slightly better, do we really need to staring at screens to be engaged and enjoying ourselves?
So how can we not be bored without using technology? That’s the question I have given some thought to as I find myself looking at my phone too often, and it seems strange to me since I grew up with rotary phones and made my playlists by recording songs off the radio on Saturday mornings. Mixed tapes, how I miss you. But how did I go from never being bored as a teen to being bored as a forty year old? I blame technology to a degree, and there are plenty of ways to stave off that boredom without your phone.
Read a Book
This seems like an obvious one, but honestly, this is how I spent hours as a kid. With my head in a book. I read a lot, and when I had no books left to read, I re-read them. And I had a fair number of books as twelve year old. So when you are bored, pick up a book. Like, a real book, not a ebook. Not that I have anything against ebooks, but unless you have an reader, don’t do it only because you’ll be tempted to jump into other apps. So pick up an honest to goodness paperback because it’s the best way to not be bored without using any technology.
Draw Something
Draw anything–I don’t care if you can’t draw. Just draw whatever you like whether that’s eyeballs or unicorns. Doddle if you really feel like you can’t draw. Free hand it, have a fun, make it into a collection of bad art if it makes you feel better. Do you think I cared back in 1990 if my drawings didn’t look good? No, cuz no one was going to see them and it was something to do and the more I drew, the better I got. So go for it.
Take a Walk, Ride a Bike
Yup, get off your butt and go out and do something. Sure, it’s less fun without a friend but you can get some thinking done while you do this. That’s what growing up in the 90s was like because not everyone had Walkmans. No AirPods to stuff in your ears either. It’s fine to just get acquainted with your thoughts. Give it a go. It’s a great way to not be bored without using technology, and get your body moving as well.
Suggested for You: Fabulous Self Care Tips for Days that Suck
Write in a Journal
Use this time to journal. There are so many ways to journal–and these ideas were not around when I was growing up in the 1990s. I just wrote down my thoughts. And sometimes drew a picture on the front of the journal, maybe added a sticker if I had them. But now, there are so many ways to journal and it’s not seen as lame as it was when I was growing up. It’s a great way to support your mental health too. Journal. It’s fascinating what you can learn about yourself. Writing is a bit of a self discovery and is an amazing way to not be bored without using technology–good old paper and pen!
Creative Writing
Alternatively, try your hand at creative writing. Write a short story, a poem, write a creative paragraph about the moon or a monster or whatever tickles your fancy. No one has to read it unless you want them too, and it’s a great way to get the creative juices flowing. Playing with words is a truly magical feeling.
DIY Something
Ever wanted to DIY something? A wreath, a bracelet or a candle? Well, when you’re bored is the perfect time. Get out your crafting supplies (or go buy some) and get started. Personally, I love crocheting so this is always what I turn to though I do want to try my hand at some other fibre crafts. DIY projects are so much fun and a great way to creative.
Cook an Amazing Meal
You got to eat, right? Why not find a recipe and get cooking? Try something you’ve never made before, or make something that requires time but is super delicious. I like to cook soups, but you could try a roasted chicken with veggies, or even a curry. Share it family or friends, or enjoy it while you listen to music. Remember to eat mindfully.
Garden or Repot Plants
Depending the time of year, get out in the garden. De-head dead flowers, pull up weeds and grasses, maybe plant something new. You can also rake leaves, and prep your garden for the winter. Caring for your indoor plants is also a good idea. Re-pot ones that need it, snip back any dead growth, collect clippings for a new pot or a friend.
Work on a Puzzle
This is another great way to do something quiet and fun. I’ve seen lots of cool puzzles online, and I’d love to work on some of themselves myself. This is a great way to practice mindfulness and problem solving skills and is just fun as well. Plus, in the end you have a piece of art you can frame and hang in your home. I love this hands on way to not be bored without the use of any technology.
Final Thoughts
Life existed long before technology, and we used to have fun doing all of the above things and more as well. There is so much more you can do as well, these are just some ideas. I honestly need to do more of these myself instead of endlessly scrolling through Facebook because it’s you can be not. It’s far more productive and meaningful and less exhausting as well. I used to have lots of fun doing some of these very things when I was a kid, and well into my adulthood as well.
What do you do to stave off boredom? Share your own boredom busters below.
It’s so easy to get caught up on our phones and scroll for hours. This is a wonderful list of activities and a great reminder that we used to do a lot of things before technology. I love working on puzzles, journaling, and reading. As of recently I’ve been spending a lot of time painting too. Thanks for sharing!
Her Digital Coffee recently posted…Awesome Bloggers Award.
Painting sounds wonderful! How did you get started?
I’ve always loved art class since middle school and the hobby has stuck with me since!
Her Digital Coffee recently posted…Awesome Bloggers Award.
That’s really cool!
Great lisT! I miss Drawing. Writing is my go-to these days.
Writing is so awesome!
GreaT ideas!
Becca recently posted…32 Sites to Find the Best Feminine Stock Photos for Your Blog
Thanks!
Love your driving point that life existed long before technology was around and that it is important to find activities we can enjoy that do not rely on the internet or our devices.
Your ideas for cooking, taking a walk, or doing a puzzle all connect with me, but I am also a massive doodler! My notebook margins are filled with random scribbles and scrawls and it is a great way for me to take a break yet also keep my creative vibe flowing.
Thanks for sharing!
Jaya Avendel recently posted…Self-Love
Doddling is great! I used to do it a to myself.
Great list, i actually love eBook so anytime i am reading an Ebook, i switch off My data and concentrate. Love journaling too. Thank you for the list, super helpful
Rayo recently posted…How To Know If Your Skin Is Dehydrated Or Dry
That’s a good tip! Thanks for sharing it 😊
Great post It’s so important that we get some time away from technology!
Corinne recently posted…The perfect Christmas gift with a photo book from Once Upon
Yes, it is so important to take that technology break!
I LOVE stepping away from technology to enjoy some time without the screen. My go-to options are usually reading a book, playing with the dogs, gardening, or hiking our local trails. Getting outside is key! As long as the weather permits, I usually enjoy my reading time in my hammock – after all, they do say there are some BIG benefits to being outdoors.
Yes! Getting outside is so good for you.
I usually do these when I am bored or just want to slow down for a bit. I can’t stand mindlessly scrolling through my phone as it makes me feel so disconnected and depressed (I find it positive too but not so much when I am bored/needing to take a break from it). Thanks for these reminders about doing things that are actually calming/interesting, etc.
Molly @ Transatlantic Notes recently posted…Are You Living An Authentic Life?
You are very welcome!
I miss riding a bIke as that used to be my only option. These are good ideas.
glad you liked the post!
I Read or Play with my dog when I have no electricity. In my area in the philippines that twice a month from 8am to 5pm Usually.
Jesha recently posted…Stepback Saturday: April 9, 2020
These are all great suggestions but I do feel like technology holds a lot of benefits for boredom. Even something like yoga, I use my phone for that as well but I wouldn’t necessarily consider it a “technology based activity”! x
Jenny in Neverland recently posted…Best Medical Non-Fiction Books To Read
That’s a very good point Jenny! Thanks for sharing that 😀
These are Some really great ideas which ill DEFIANTLY be PUTTING to good use. I personally love cooking when Im looking for time away from my phone / social media. WeTher thats Doing my baking for my blog or cooking dinner, i just love how It never bores me! Thank you so much for sharing this with us lovely. Great post Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Glad you enjoyed it Elle!