What Should I Do?

Start a daily journal to record your thoughts. Journaling is a valuable habit because it helps you create a record of your life that you can look back on years in the future. It’s also a self-care tool, and it can help you work through complicated emotions when you have them.

Watch a classic (or an old favorite) movie. Classic movies are still beloved today for a reason. Make a list of all the classic movies you’re interested in and pick a couple to watch, like The Wizard of Oz, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or Casablanca. If you’d rather go with something familiar, watching one of your favorite movies (either current or from your childhood) can also be a fun pastime.

Have an impromptu spa day. Have you been stressed lately and need some R&R? Run out and grab a face mask, bath bomb, and maybe some soothing moisturizer for your spa day. If you like manicures, you could also paint your nails.

Pick up a musical instrument you’ve always wanted to try. It’s never too late to learn an instrument, and it’s a really fulfilling skill to have in life! Even if you can’t buy an instrument outright, you could always rent one or take lessons from an expert.

Make a photo album of an important event or experience. You can make a photo album out of just about anything. Its theme could be a recent vacation, a family reunion, a party with friends, or an important life event like a graduation, baby shower, or holiday.

Visit the library to find some new reading materials. A good book can keep you busy and engaged for days! If you’re not sure what to look for, do some research online to find recommended books from the genres you love, make a list, and look for them at the library.

Volunteer locally for a cause you believe in. Whether you work at a nearby animal shelter, plant trees, build a community garden, pick up trash around town, or help out at a local soup kitchen, volunteering is a great way to get out of the house and give back to the community.

Be a tourist in your own hometown. It can be refreshing to look at your town through the eyes of a newcomer. Visit the most popular tourist spots in your area—and take lots of pictures.

Check out local movie and performance listings. If you’re bored, why not see what entertainment your area has to offer? Search for movie theater listings, performance spaces that host concerts, plays and musicals, or even just restaurants with live music where you can go relax for an evening.

Plan a day trip with a friend or partner. Nothing is more refreshing than getting out of town for an adventure, even if it’s brief. Ask your friend or partner to go on a day trip somewhere neither of you have ever been, and spend the day exploring together.

Make your best friend a homemade card. Handwritten notes are an easy and meaningful way to show your friend you care about them! Grab some craft paper, pens, stickers, and anything else you’d like to use, and mail them your homemade card.

Call or message a friend you don’t see often. It’s never too late to re-establish an old connection. Call your friend if you have their number—but if you don’t, you could also look them up and shoot them a friendly message on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Plan a game night. Games are always a fun way to connect with your friends. You could try some classic board games like Clue and Monopoly, play party games like Truth or Dare and Codenames, or try a tabletop game like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. There’s also nothing wrong with spending a night relaxing by yourself and playing video games.

Organize a picnic or barbeque. Want to spend a little time enjoying the great outdoors with friends? Invite a few of your best pals and pick a space for the occasion, whether it’s a picturesque park or your own backyard.