The constant feeling that I cannot shake is the one that tells me to at least be doing something productive with my extra time.

But I can only watch Netflix, go for long walks and read books for so long.

If you’re feeling like getting busy with new projects, hobbies, or positive new habits these days, we’ve got some suggestions.

Here are 21 productive things to do when you’re bored:

• Start a small (or big) vegetable or herb garden – It can be as easy as planting some herbs in small pots for your balcony. Maybe you’ve got the space to plot out a big vegetable garden in the backyard? One of the most satisfying feelings in life is to pick fresh produce from the garden and use it to cook dinner.
• Find a new podcast – Search for a podcast about a topic that interests you. They’re great to listen to on your drive to work, during your afternoon walk or when you’re relaxing on the couch in the evening—one of the best things to do when bored.
• Go for a long walk – It’s incredible how a good walk or even a run can immediately lift your mood. Take your iPhone and headphones to listen to your favourite music or a podcast. In addition to the many health benefits daily exercise gives you, it offers you the chance to clear your head.
• Start a new blog – This could be about anything you’re passionate about! A blog is all about sharing your knowledge with others – perhaps you want to write about gardening, vegetarian recipes, exercise, travel or money-saving tips. Our easy step-by-step guide to starting a blog will have you set up quickly. This could be the most lucrative decision you’ve ever made. It is a serious contender for your list of productive things to do when bored.

• Try new recipes – It’s easy to stick to cooking dishes and using spices that you’re familiar with. Nowadays, there are so many great websites, blogs, recipes and free online tutorials online. These are great tools available to create fantastic new meals and experiment with new foods and flavours. We love the concept of HelloFresh. If you haven’t heard of these guys, we’d recommend you check them out.
• Organise your closet – Do it! Be ruthless and remove anything from your wardrobe that you no longer wear. Clothes, shoes, scarves, hats and accessories. Drop your unwanted clothes in a charity bin or sell them on eBay or Gumtree.
• Do an online course to Teach English Overseas – This course could be the best thing you ever do! Interested in a new career, more travel or a chance to live and work in a different country? This is the perfect opportunity for you. The best thing? Enrol now and see where it takes you!

• Video call a friend – Pick up your phone and video call that friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in ages. Trust me, it will make their day to see your face and hear your voice—one of the best things to do when bored and lonely.
• Take your neighbour’s dog for a walk – Obviously, ask for their permission first.
• Redecorate your living space – A change is as good as a holiday! Redecorate the area where you spend most of your time, maybe even rearrange the furniture. You could add some new life with some indoor plants and a bright new canvas print.

• Research dream careers – Bored with your job or career? I hear you; I always search for new, exciting opportunities. Search online or check out my post – 20 Jobs That Pay You to Travel the World.
• Try learning a new language – Many new Apps and helpful websites offer to teach you a new language. Some are provided for free, or they may ask for a small fee. Our favourite Apps are Duolingo and Babbel. It’s super awesome and one of the greatest things to do when bored. 
• Sign up for a class – Maybe you’ve seen a writing class online that piqued your interest or perhaps a new yoga or exercise class at your gym. Whatever it is, sign up and see where it takes you!
• Clean up your emails – *sigh* OK, I’m guilty of being one of those who have an untidy inbox. I always put it on my ‘I’ll get to it soon’ list and never do. Good news: I’ve recently organised my entire inbox, and I must admit that it feels terrific.
• Make lists – I believe it’s essential to have goals in life. Whether they’re personal or professional achievements you have in mind – start a list.

• Watch a documentary – You can update your knowledge about anything at all: history, world knowledge, food, health, crime. The list is endless. My favourite channel to learn about history on YouTube is called CrashCourse.
• Update your social media channels – It’s probably been a while since you’ve updated your Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram profiles. Maybe upload a new photo and brighten things up a bit.
• Start an Instagram page for your pet – People love animals! If your pet is just plain cute, has a cheeky personality or is just made for the camera, why not share them with the world?

• Clean your phone or phone case – Chances are, they’re super dirty. While at it, why not clean your computer or laptop keyboard too?
• Watch a how-to YouTube video – Remember those random things you’ve been interested in learning, building or creating? I can guarantee you’ll find out how to do it on YouTube.
• Start a DIY project – Now that you’ve watched YouTube and learned how to build or create anything, try your new skills. Better yet, check out SkillShare for some great online courses.

Tell us, what activities would you add to our things to do when bored list?

More Travel Tips

We have so many tips to help you travel more!

These 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you stretch your hard-earned dollars further.

Read our top 6 travel hacks to save money and the 20 best travel apps to make travel easier! 

For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies. And, if history is your thing, these 30 amazing historical places worldwide will fascinate you!

We have many tips to save money for travel and consider these 20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world to help you travel longer.

If you become a trusted housesitter, you can also get FREE accommodation worldwide. Read more about how this works.

Check out our ultimate packing list for travellers, and remember to pack travel insurance! We recommend these two travel insurance companies for excellent coverage.

Our 12 essential tips for safe travel in any country are worth a read. 

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling the world. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a Global eSIM if you travel to multiple countries or regions. This eSIM connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM.

The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour.

Check our Group Tours first for any upcoming trips you may be interested to join, or view these deals on worldwide group tours with Tourradar.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.