You know when you’re binging on the latest season of Netflix’s “House of Cards” and all you want to do is play Words With Friends or read a book? You know what I’m talking about — you get so caught up in the story that you end up sitting there for hours, unable to focus on anything else. But what if there was a way to keep your brain occupied while away from home, at work or school? What if there were 10 ways that could keep your mind active when you’re bored? I couldn’t think of any better way to start the new year than with these top 10 ways to keep your mind entertained when you’re bored. These aren’t just little activities that will pass the time; they’ll help you stay organized and focused – even when you don’t feel like it!
Keep learning new things
You need to keep your brain fit and healthy if you want it to function at its best. Ideally, you’d learn new things every day so that you can keep your brain juices flowing. But sometimes we need a break from the learning and just want to relax and unwind. Instead of feeling guilty for not wanting to tie yourself down with a load of new knowledge, think about how you can instead.
Learning new things is a great way to combat boredom. If you don’t like to read, there’s always the option to learn a new language. If you didn’t like to study when you were in school, there are tons of ways to keep your brain active now that you don’t have to sit in a classroom. There are a number of online courses and programs that will keep you busy while you study, or you could always pick up a book and learn along with it.
Play with your kids
If you have kids, you’ve probably found that playing with them is a great way to pass the time when you’re bored. It could be gimme-gimme, pass the ball or run around the house while your kids play with theirs. But what if there was a way to get your kids interested in learning new things too? What if there was a way to get them interested in math and science without them even knowing it? What if there was a way for kids 7-13 to enjoy advanced mathematics and physics without even realizing it?
Well, there is! There’s a ton of online club and program options for kids that make learning new things fun and easy. There’s Salki, which is for kids 8-13, and there’s Oink! Oink! Oink! Oink! Oink! Oink! Oink! Oink! Oink! Oink! which is a kid’s club focused on science. Parents can password-protect the website to prevent their kids from learning about certain topics, but otherwise, it’s kid-friendly and easy to use.
Read a book
While there are a number of ways to pass the time when you’re bored, reading can definitely be at the top of the list. Not only are books a great way to learn, you can also use them as a way to relax and get some much-needed shut-eye. Pick out a book that’s easy to start and doesn’t require a lot of mental energy. You can probably relax and read for hours, or even days on end. Not only will your brain get some much-needed shut-eye, but you’ll also be keeping yourself busy and engaged while you do it!
Try a new game
There are so many games and apps to get your brain moving that it’s easy to get bored. What if there was a new way to break the monotony? What if there was a new way to keep yourself interested and challenged? What if there was a new way to keep your brain fit and healthy? What if there was a new way to stimulate your mind?
Well, there is! There are a number of different games and apps that are great for all ages, including Scrabble, Scissorman, Scratch, Suduko, Airline and more. There’s also a kids’ section on several of the apps.
Eat healthy and exercise
When you’re feeling particularly lonely or homesick, it’s easy to eat and drink things that will make you feel bad and guilty. But what if there were ways to prevent yourself from doing those things in the first place? What if there were ways to get your body moving instead of sitting around doing nothing? What if there were ways to get your mind moving instead of playing video games or TV?
There are a number of healthy, simple ways to go about this. One way to get your body moving is to do some Active Meditation. While you may not be able to sit in silence and just process all that beautiful, soothing information that your meditation practice is capable of, you can at least try to focus a little while on each breathing in and out.
Tell a story
The more time you spend telling a story, the better it will turn out. Whether it’s an audio story, a written story or a creative visual, telling a story can pass the time very nicely. If you’re really stuck for something to tell, you could always look up some fairy tales or folktales on the Internet.
Join a club or association
There are a number of different clubs and associations that provide a social outlet for people with common interests. You could always look up clubs in your area that you like or you could always start an online club or organization. Clubs provide a great way to meet new people, learn about different interests and provide an outlet for creative problem-solving.
Quit doing that thing you hate and like doing
If you’ve always felt a little bit overwhelmed or frustrated while doing something you love, what if there was a way to change your energy and focus instead? What if there was a way to turn doing something you hate into something you enjoy? What if there was a way to shut your mind off and do something you enjoy, but it takes some mental strain?
Well, there is! There’s Googling, which you should probably avoid at all costs. There are also Google Keep and Tapping, which require you to close your eyes and tap with your fingertips.