How to Overcome Boredom

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Feeling bored? Overcoming boredom can be difficult, but there are many ways you can make a dull situation more entertaining. Find ways to channel your creativity by reading, writing, or making crafts. Take advantage of dull moments by being productive. Work on a task you've been putting off or learn a new skill. Get together with your friends when you're bored and find exciting things to do around town. Find ways to have fun. Just because you're bored at home doesn't mean you can't relax and laugh a little.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Getting Creative

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  1. This is a great way to make you forget that you are bored. An author's words can help you take a mental vacation. Children's and young adult books are especially good at this. They can also awaken the inner child, as well as feelings of wonder and nostalgia. [1]
    • Choose a genre you enjoy. If you've never been able to get into science fiction, a science fiction book in unlikely to alleviate boredom. Instead, go for historical fiction.
    • If you don't have any books lying around, go to a local library or bookstore. Getting out of the house can help lessen your boredom.
  2. This is a great way to exercise your creativity. You'll also have something beautiful to show off when you're done. This can also help you build a new skill, which can be great to do when you're bored.
    • Drawing or doodling may also increase your intelligence. Research suggests that doodling can help keep you focused and listening by engaging your brain. [2]
    • If you like to paint and draw, but aren't sure what to draw, try going outside and painting/drawing a still life of what you see. You can also draw or paint something interesting around your house.
    • You can also draw or paint your favorite book or movie character if you want to use your imagination.
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  3. Coloring is a great way to lessen boredom. Try digging out some crayons and markers and then find a coloring book lying around. Coloring for a few hours can help lessen boredom. You can try playing music in the background or have the TV on. [3]
    • If you don't have anything to color, try coloring in the pictures in a black and white newspaper or magazine. You can also draw your own pictures and color them in.
    • There are also coloring books for adults. Try picking such a book up at your local bookstore and coloring that.
  4. Lists are fun ways to pass the time. You can make a list of places you want to visit, books you want to reach, or goals you want to achieve. You can also make a silly list without a serious purpose. [4]
    • Make a list that challenges you to think of a variety of ideas. For example, try to write down 50 different Christmas songs or 50 girl's names that start with the letter "A."
    • You can also make lists of your favorite things. For example, you can have a list of your favorite movies in a particular genre, your favorite books, or your favorite travel destinations.
  5. You don't even have to be a great writer to do this. A little creative writing can be personally challenging and result in lessening your boredom. Writing will help distract your mind. You will focus on what you are writing, rather than thinking about how bored you are. [5]
    • If you're struggling to start, just do a free write. Write down anything that comes to mind without filtering yourself. If you strike on anything interesting, try developing that idea further. You can even start by writing something like, "I'm so bored" and describing your boredom.
    • If you enjoy creative writing, start writing that novel, poem, or short story you've always wanted to find the time to write.
    • Start a blog. If it feels a little silly to write with no particular goal, start blogging about a subject that interests you. For example, you can start blogging about music if you love going to concerts. [6]
  6. Write a letter or email . If you're bored, think about someone you haven't seen in awhile. Try writing that person a letter or email. This can help you do something productive by reaching out to someone and will also lessen your boredom. [7]
    • Express something positive to a friend or family member. In addition to lessening your boredom, you will feel better about yourself. Tell someone you're grateful that they helped you with something, for example, or that you admired how they handled a situation.
    • Consider writing a letter to a soldier overseas, disaster victims, or an elderly person at a hospice. There are many organizations that collect such letters and then mail them for you. If you join this kind of organization, you will always have something to do when you're bored.
  7. If there's a holiday coming up, or if you're just feeling generous, make some gifts. You don't have to be a master crafter to make something cute and meaningful for a loved one. [8]
    • Try something simple like painting a clay flower pot, making a photo collage, or using construction paper and stickers to make a handmade card.
    • If you like to knit or crochet, try making a scarf or arm warmers. They are easy and can usually be completed within one day.
    • Try making a scrapbook for someone. Get a scrapbook album, or an empty notebook, and some photos, paper, glue, and other embellishments. You can make pages based around a theme. For example, on one page you could include photos and mementos from a particular holiday. [9]
  8. If you're bored because you're stuck at home, there are a lot of crafts you can do with objects lying around the house. This can help lessen your boredom without forcing you to spend extra money or make an extra trip. [10]
    • You can make a fun night light by filling a mason jar with old Christmas lights. You can also glue the lights along the side of the mason jar in a fancy design.
    • Do you have sewing supplies and old pillows? Try sewing several pillows together to make a long body pillow. If you have young children, this can be fun at sleepovers.
    • Do you have a lot of keys for your home? Take some nail polish and paint the end of each key a different color. This will make it easier to grab the key you need in a hurry.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Being Productive When Bored

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  1. Being bored can cause you to feel listless, or unmotivated. This can make matters worse, especially if you are trying to complete an important task for school or work. To be productive when boredom is affecting your motivation, try to focus on your end goal for completing a project. [11]
    • For example, if you are trying to write a paper for school, but you are feeling unmotivated to do it, then think about why you want to do well on the paper. You might focus on your academic goals, such as improving your GPA. Or, you might focus on professional goals, such as doing well enough in the course to get a letter or recommendation from the teacher.
  2. Keeping your body active will help keep your mind active. This may help ease up the boredom. You don't have to do a strenuous activity, such as playing basketball, in order to get active. It can be as simple as taking a walk. If you're bored, making the most of the time by getting some exercise in can help. [12]
    • Go to the park and skateboard, play basketball or soccer/football, jog, or practice tennis.
    • If you don't like being very active, or haven't been active in awhile, go for a walk around the block, downtown, or to the park. If you are the artistic sort, you can also bring a camera or sketchbook to capture interesting moments.
    • If it is warm, go for a swim.
    • If it is rainy, try doing some stretches inside. This can easily be done indoors and will keep your body toned and healthy.
  3. Yoga can easily build up your strength. It can also help alleviate boredom. The yoga mindset is centered around embracing and tuning into the present. Being more aware of yourself and your surroundings can reduce boredom. You can find many guided yoga routines online. [13]
    • Be careful if you're new to yoga. Be sure to pick a beginner's routine.
    • You should also listen to your body. If you feel any strain, stop what you're doing right away.
  4. This is great if you find yourself getting bored on a regular basis. Devoting yourself to a new hobby or craft will give you the promise of many busy hours to come. [14]
    • If you aren't very artistic, consider learning how to paint, draw, or sculpt. You can find many tutorials online. You can also teach yourself a craft, like knitting.
    • If you aren't musically talented, consider learning how to sing or play an instrument. When you're bored, you can practice your instrument at home.
    • If you enjoy cooking, buy a cookbook and make a new meal every day. Try cooking from a cuisine that is completely new to you, such as French or Thai.
  5. If you're feeling bored, try taking up gardening. A garden can be good for your physical and emotional wellbeing, as it will get you outside and moving around on a regular basis. [15]
    • Stop by a local greenhouse and buy a variety of plants and seeds that are currently in season. Ask a worker for pamphlets and information on how to plant and care for your seeds. You can also purchase some books on beginning gardening.
    • You can try starting a herb garden. You can grow your own herbs, like basil, and use them in cooking.
    • If you don't have a backyard, many people keep fruit and vegetable plants on a balcony. You can also grow small potted plants indoors.
  6. If you don't have anything to do, you might as well plan ahead. When you find yourself bored, plan for anything upcoming trips and events. If you, say, have not solidified your Christmas plans yet, look over flights and review your calendar. [16]
    • You can also make small plans. For example, maybe you and your friends have been talking about going bowling. Make a Facebook event inviting everyone out.
  7. If you're bored, there's almost always something around your house that needs work. Maybe your bookshelf is not alphabetized. Maybe you have a lot of clothing you've yet to hang up in your closet. If you're bored, do a little reorganizing in your home. This will give you a real feeling of accomplishment in addition to lessening your boredom. [17]
    • If you need inspiration on how to best reorganize, trying looking up articles online for fun, creative ways you can reduce clutter in your home.
  8. Everyone puts off certain tasks. Avoiding something you need to do while feeling bored is a lose-lose scenario. You might as well get those chores done. You'll keep your mind busy, and you'll get something you're dreading over and done with. [18]
    • If you're a student, do your homework. Doing your homework will allow you to occupy your time in a productive way.
    • Is there a chore you've been putting off? Maybe you hate doing laundry, but you have piles of it building up. If you're feeling bored, you might as well do your laundry.
    • Many people put off important things, like paying bills. If you're bored, why not pay your cable, health insurance, or credit card bill early? You'll feel better knowing these bills are taken care of for the month.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Interacting with Others

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  1. Some games, such as chess, checkers, or Monopoly, require other players. If you don't have anyone around, many phone apps and gaming consoles allow you to play with your friends online. You can also go online and find games to play. Many people play card games online, for example. [19]
    • Try some card games. Some can be played solo, such as Solitaire. Others, such as Uno or Slap Jack, require more people.
    • Use your smartphone. Maybe all your friends have been playing a Trivia Game via your smartphone. Try seeing if any friends want to play right now.
    • Reach out to friends via your game console. Many video game consoles allow you to play interactive games with other players.
  2. If you have people over, play games with them. If you don't have any supplies, not all games require a board or a stack of cards. Some games require only your voice and a little bit of imagination.
    • You can play a game like I-Spy, Truth-or-dare, or 20 Questions
    • Try telling a story together. Have each person add one line to the story. This can be verbal or written.
    • Play improvisation games such as charades.
    • Try finding shapes in the clouds (or rocks, if you are in a rocky, mountainous area). This is a simple game, and exercises the creative mind.
  3. If you're feeling lonely and bored, get out of the house and meet up with someone. See if a friend wants to grab coffee. You don't have to spend a ton of money to simply chat with your friend over a cup of coffee, and good conversation can be a great means to lessen boredom. [20]
    • If no one's around to meet up, hit up a local coffee shop alone. You may find someone else hanging out solo and you can try striking up a conversation. This can both alleviate your boredom and help you make a new friend. You can make a comment on the shop. For example, "Wow, I really love the atmosphere in this place."
  4. If you're hanging out with people around your age group, try finding some old movies or DVD's you have lying around. Re-watching childhood or adolescent favorites can be a great way to indulge in some nostalgia while lessening boredom. If you don't have any old DVD's online, you can stream many movies for free through services like Netflix and Hulu. [21]
    • If you don't have people around to watch old movies with, see if a friend wants to watch the same movie you're watching and chat about it via text. This can feel like having someone over.
  5. Oftentimes, people feel bored with friends because they lack the funds to do something. However, you don't need a lot of money to go shopping. If you're bored, but a little broke, hit up your local thrift store. You can find a variety of new clothing items for a relatively low price. [22]
    • Even if you don't end up buying anything, it can be fun to simply try on funny outfits you find at a thrift store.
  6. If you and your friends can't think of anything to do, pretend you've never been to your town before. Plan a day seeing all the local attractions and eating at local restaurants. This is a chance for you and your friends to revisit places in your town you may take for granted. [23]
    • Think of things to do that tourists frequently do in your town. Go to a local museum or go hiking on local nature trails.
    • Is there a staple restaurant or diner in your city? Try hitting that up for something to eat.
  7. If you and your friends can't think of anything to do, put on some fancy clothes and makeup and have a photo-shoot. You can use a camera or smartphone to take pictures of you and your friends in a variety of poses. You can even go outside and take fun outdoor pictures. [24]
    • You don't have to do a serious photo shoot if you're not in the mood. You can take funny pictures to laugh at later.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Finding Ways to Have Fun

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  1. The internet can be a great way to entertain yourself. Try googling something like, "Cute pug photos" and spend some time looking at adorable pictures of dogs. You can also browse videos of cute animals or babies to pass the time. [25]
    • If you're talking to a friend who is also bored, you guys can share video clips and photos you find of cute things online.
  2. If you're at a loss for what to do, browse your cabinet. You probably have some flour and sugar. See what baking supplies you have and find a recipe online you can easily make. Doing some baking can be a fun and productive way to pass the time. [26]
    • If someone you know has a birthday coming up, you can try baking them something.
  3. If you have blank CDs lying around, try making some mixes. You can make mixes for friends, or make CDs for yourself. You can, for example, make a CD to listen to while driving. [27]
    • Go for creative mixes, as these will keep you thinking about what to add. For example, don't do a mix like, "Best Songs of the Summer." Instead, try something like "Best Songs of the Summer of 1997."
    • You can also just try mixes centered around a random topic or feeling. For example, you can make a mix of songs about animals, songs that make you sad, or songs that make you want to get moving.
  4. Turn on some music and start dancing around your living room. You don't have to worry about looking silly if no one is watching. Even if you don't usually like dancing, you may have more fun than you expect if you're just dancing alone for fun. [28]
    • If you're interested in learning how to dance, try watching someone online dancing videos and imitating the moves.
  5. Old photographs can be fun to revisit. You may be surprised, for example, to see how much you've changed since 8th grade. You may laugh when looking through pictures from your freshmen year of college, as you'll be amazed by how different your style is now. [29]
    • If you don't have physical pictures lying around, look through old digital albums. You can browse your oldest Facebook album, for example.
  6. There are many comedians who operate YouTube channels and post funny content. You can also watch clips of standup comedians online. If you're feeling bored, try looking at funny content online. Laughter will make the hours pass by more easily. [30]
    • If you don't know where to start, a simple Google search for something like "best online comedians" or "funny videos" should yield plenty of results to keep you busy.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Avoiding Boredom

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  1. You might associate boredom with a dull environment or feeling sleepy and lethargic, but people can also appear to be bored when they are overwhelmed by outside stimuli or when they are feeling really energetic on the inside and cannot focus as a result. [31]
    • For example, you might feel bored if you are at a busy café with loud music and lots of people talking around you. This might be the result of external stimulation from all of the noise overwhelming you or distracting you from completing a task. [32]
    • Or, you might think you are bored because you are bursting with energy and you can't seem to focus on one thing for more than a minute or two. Excess energy can come from normal sources, such as being well-rested or feeling nervous about an upcoming flight. When you feel this internal overstimulation, you might mistake it for boredom.
    • If you are feeling overwhelmed by outside stimuli, then try to reduce it. For example, if your environment is too loud, then you could put on headphones and listen to some music or white noise. Or, you could try to go somewhere with fewer distractions.
    • If you are overly energetic, then try doing something to expend some of your energy, such as going for a walk. Then, return to what you were doing after the walk.
  2. Unless you've got a show you really want to watch, avoid using TV or social media to fill time. This can lead you to start fantasizing about what you'd rather be doing. Studies have shown that this can make boredom seem more intense. [33]
  3. Daydreaming about other places and more desirable activities will intensify boredom rather than alleviate it. Catching yourself in the middle of a daydream will likewise give you the impression that the activity you're engaging in is boring, even if you would normally find it stimulating. [34]
    • If you enjoy the occasional daydream, repetitive tasks like scrubbing the floor or mowing the lawn are a good opportunity for daydreaming. Tasks that require little "presence" won't be noticeably affected by daydreaming.
  4. If you notice any large gaps in your schedule, try to fill them in with something that interests you. You may notice you feel bored and frustrated around the same times each day. It's a good idea to try to schedule in a particular activity during these times to prevent boredom. [35]
  5. Be social . You can join a club or a youth group to have structured time or make plans with friends on your own. If you're feeling like there's nothing to do, there's no better way to overcome idle boredom than being with people. Call your friends and organize an outing, or bug one of your neighbors for a pickup game of basketball . Even if you're just walking downtown together, or getting coffee, you're doing something new. Hang out with your regular friends, or reconnect with old acquaintances to shake up your routine. [36]
    • There's no substitute for face-to-face socializing. Avoid using social media sites to replace socializing, and meet with people in person.
    • Go to camps. What's coming up? Spring Break? Christmas Break? Summer? Look up fun camps to plan to go to during free time such as Cpacstudios.com.
  6. A recent study found that subjects who took two-minute breaks in the middle of a boring 50-minute task felt more focused, relaxed, and productive at the end of the task. [37] If you're setting out on a long project, give yourself something to look forward to by queuing up a YouTube video, song, or article you're looking forward to reading and reward yourself for thirty minutes of work with a short two-minute break.
    • Get out of your workspace for a quick minute. Even if you just walk to the kitchen for a glass of water, those few minutes can be refreshing. Go out to the garden and smell the flowers to get some fresh air.
  7. It's a common misconception that leaving the radio or television on quietly in the background will create a relaxing and productive workplace. Unfortunately, this tends to divide your attention on a subconscious level. You end up feeling more bored than if you were to work in total silence. Focusing on one task entirely, even if that activity is "boring," is a smarter idea than dividing your brain with competing stimuli.
    • Use music or radio as a reward, rather than a distraction. Taking measured breaks over the course of a boring activity will end up making you more productive than trying to push through without one, but letting radio chatter along in the background throughout.
  8. [38] When your blood-sugar levels drop, you'll start noticing that it's increasingly difficult to pay attention to your work. Keep healthy snacks like nuts or fruit available in your work desk to keep your brain functioning at its highest level. Reward yourself with a bit of chocolate for finishing a particularly difficult homework assignment or series of memos at the office.
    • Energy drinks and other caffeine sources are popular, but the "crash" associated with high-sugar caffeine drinks will end up affecting your productivity in the long run. Avoid these stimulants to keep from falling back in the bored rut.
  9. Some people like working on exercise balls instead of computer chairs, or using other ergonomic office gear to stay active, but you don't have to spend a lot of money to get moving. Popping out of the office for a quick walk, or taking fifteen minutes to do a light stretching routine in the bathroom will increase your energy levels and keep your attention from waning. [39]
    • If you have a treadmill, try working on a treadmill desk. Standing up and working has proven to be a healthy and efficient way to stay focused.
  10. If you consistently find yourself with too much free time, consider getting a part-time job or volunteering. Making money or helping people will fill up your free time in a productive way that leaves you feeling fulfilled. Here are some ideas to get you started: [40]
    • Retail, such as stores and cafes, are great places to get a part-time job. They tend to offer flexible working hours, making them ideal for students.
    • Hospitals, nursing homes, soup kitchens, and animal shelters are almost always looking for volunteers. Aside from being rewarding and emotionally fulfilling, volunteer work like this looks very attractive on resumes or college applications.
    • Consider being self-employed. You can offer to mow people's lawns for them, walk their dogs, or babysit. If you are crafty, you can even make things, such as scarves or bags, and sell them online.
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  • Question
    Why exactly do we get bored?
    Community Answer
    The human brain and body crave stimulation and new experiences. People generally get bored from doing the same thing over and over again, or from doing nothing at all.
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  • Question
    Can drugs be the answer?
    Community Answer
    No. Using substances to alleviate boredom can lead to troubles with substance abuse. Avoid drug use as a means to lessen boredom.
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    What if you're in the mood for doing something specific but can't figure out what it is, and nothing else seems to interest you at the time?
    Community Answer
    Think through all the different categories of things you could possibly want to do, then think through different activities in those categories one by one. You're bound to come across it eventually.
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      Tips

      • Avoid finding fault in everything. Usually, people find life boring when they find fault in it.
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      • If asked to do something or asked to participate in something go for it. Don't decide it is boring before you do it.
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      • Try a change in scenery. Sit or go somewhere else altogether; this can often alleviate boredom.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Whenever restlessness strikes, consciously shift attention fully onto the activity at hand rather than letting your mind wander elsewhere. Single-tasking prevents boredom.
      • If boredom becomes a chronic problem, commit regular blocks of time to helping others via part-time work or volunteering. Serving the community energizes and uplifts you.
      • Add structure to typically empty parts of your day by planning set activities you enjoy. Prevent aimlessness from even arising by eliminating wide gaps on your calendar.
      • Schedule breaks every 30 minutes when tackling tedious tasks. Even a short walk or stretch revitalizes focus. Quietly reward concentration spurts with brief diversions.
      • Avoid just passively surfing the internet or TV during downtime. Mindlessly flipping channels often worsens boredom instead of relieving it. Seek active pursuits.
      • Keep healthy snacks on hand while working or studying. Spiking and crashing blood sugar severely sabotages attention span, demolishing productivity.
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      Warnings

      • Don't be depressed about boredom, everyone feels bored. Take it as a challenge.
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      • Many people tend to eat to overcome boredom. Try to avoid doing this. If you really are hungry, however, try using this as a chance to eat healthy foods, such as fruits or vegetables.
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      • Try not to get too cranky. It might hurt those around you. If you find yourself getting cranky because you are bored, consider going for a walk, reading a book, or doing some yoga. Do not take your frustrations out on other people.
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      • Make of list of things that you find fun
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      • Avoid the temptation to experiment with drugs or do anything illegal to pass the time. This is counterproductive and self-destructive.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/psychology-yesterday/202307/the-psychology-of-reading
      2. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-thinking-benefits-of-doodling-2016121510844
      3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/road-trip.html
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/trouble-in-mind/201304/creative-writing-and-your-brain
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/trouble-in-mind/201304/creative-writing-and-your-brain
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/memory-medic/201303/why-writing-hand-could-make-you-smarter
      7. ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/businessletter/
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      9. ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/academic-scrapbooking-photographs-journals
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      2. ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/07-08/dull-moment.aspx
      3. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-start-exercising-and-stick-to-it.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga
      5. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/understanding
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      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/romantically-attached/202207/vacation-stress-youre-not-alone
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-resilient-brain/202302/the-many-mental-benefits-of-decluttering
      9. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/self-image/
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      11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ienvironment/201406/environmental-psychology-and-the-coffee-shop
      12. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-watching-movies-can-benefit-our-mental-health
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      14. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261517714001587
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      20. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-everyday-unconscious/202009/why-nostalgia-the-amazing-power-reminiscing
      21. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563215004343
      22. ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/07-08/dull-moment.aspx
      23. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ulterior-motives/201209/what-is-boredom
      24. ↑ https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/02/social-media-body-image
      25. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/maladaptive-daydreaming
      26. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6378489/
      27. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/conversation-starters-topics/
      28. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010027710002994
      29. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3741536/
      30. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm
      31. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm

      About This Article

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      To overcome boredom, try doing something creative like painting a picture or practicing some creative writing. You could also try getting in some exercise by taking a walk, playing basketball, or looking up yoga videos online. Alternatively, pick something that you’ve been putting off, like laundry or homework, and get it done so you’ll have a sense of accomplishment. If you can’t leave the house, call some friends to come over and re-watch some favorite movies or play a game to take your mind off your boredom. For tips on how to learn a new skill, like cooking or gardening, to combat boredom, read on!

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