The title of this post is self-explanatory. What you see below is my best list of things you can do when you find yourself lying on the couch bored out of your mind – a new idea for every week of the year.

Hopefully, the ideas on this list are things you’ll actually want to try. I think the ideas are great because they all take a little bit of time, and because some of the ideas actually benefit those around you.

I’ve bolded my favorites for easy scrolling. Enjoy!

1. Read a book. Never underestimate the power of a good book!

2. Write a letter. With texting and social media at the forefront of our world of communication, letter-writing has become an art of the past. Perhaps that makes it extra special, when you find among your stack of bills and catalogs a handwritten note from a dear friend.

3. Call someone purely for the sake of being an encouragement.

4. Try a new recipe.

5. Use your adventure list and go on an adventure! I keep my own adventure list posted right on my fridge. You can learn more about making your own adventure list here.

6. Memorize scripture by putting post-it notes around the house with your favorite verses. This won’t just help you overcome your present boredom; it’ll provide you with ongoing encouragement in your daily tasks. For example, I posted a prayer above the kitchen sink because I tend to get agitated while doing dishes.

7. Go for a walk.

8. Make cookies for your neighbors.

9. Go to the mall or grocery store with the goal of saying kind words to at least three people who seem overwhelmed.

10. Journal – about your life, your feelings, your testimony… anything, really. I love words. I find putting things down on paper to be healing, rewarding, and an ever-beneficial use of extra time.

11. Try something you’ve never done before, whether it’s a game of tennis or making a bar of handmade soap.

12. Do “boring” things in a new, exciting environment. A lot of times, I feel bored but I know there are lots of things I should be doing. Maybe you have a paper to write or a book to finish reading. In that case, try going somewhere new – a park, or maybe a new coffee shop – and get it done there. A change of scenery can work wonders on your mind.

13. Clean and organize your space.

14. Go to the gym.

15. Do an online workout video. You can find workout videos on YouTube that are as short as five to ten minutes long, or as long as an hour or more. Working out can help reduce stress, make you feel happier, and boost your productivity!

16. Clean out your email inbox.

17. Spring cleaning! This might not sound super fun to you, but try it. Maybe you’ll be surprised by how free you feel after getting rid of those things you don’t need.

18. Stretch.

19. Delete old photos on your phone and free up some space.

20. Made a homemade movie or music video. Seth and I have made several music videos in our free time. It’s fun, and it gives you something to laugh about later.

21. Think of a new side gig you could start up, and then list the pros and cons.

22. Get a library card.

23. Pick a new language and start learning!

24. Write a letter to your future self. When I was in high school, one of my English teachers had us all write a note to our future selves. I just got mine in the mail last month. It’s fun to be able to look ahead to your goals and aspirations, and then read the letter years later to see how God has worked in your life.

25. Treat yourself to a bubble bath! This might be my favorite. Our old house didn’t have a bathtub, and now that we have one, I’m taking advantage of it. I know baths aren’t for everyone, but I think they’re super relaxing.

26. Build a blanket fort and watch a movie.

27. Research your family tree.

28. Go for a walk and take some artsy photos of things you wouldn’t normally notice.

29. Paint your nails.

30. Go thrift-shopping or find a yard sale.

31. Make homemade ice cream.

32. Reminisce with old photo albums.

33. Write your own bucket list.

34. Surprise your stressed-out friend by making and bringing her dinner (don’t forget dessert!). I’ve never done this, but my mom is my inspiration for this idea. She’s the best at caring for others in times of need. And let’s be real – how happy would you be if your friend showed up tonight with free food?

35. Take a trip back to your childhood and fly a kite!

36. Find an inspirational sermon or podcast.

37. Learn to play a new instrument.

38. Do a good deed for a neighbor without expecting anything in return.

39. Give yourself a spa day.

40. Try a DIY craft on Pinterest and hope for the best.

41. Buy an old piece of furniture and find a way to make it your own.

42. Pay for someone else’s food anonymously at a restaurant. Maybe you notice an elderly woman eating all alone, or a stressed-out mother trying to scrounge up enough change from her purse to pay for the meal. Pull the waiter aside, and ask to cover their bill. They don’t need to know it was you, but maybe one day they’ll pay it forward.

43. Make a scrapbook for an old friend.

44. Color a page in an adult coloring book.

45. Go out to eat. Leave your waiter/waitress an encouraging note to go along with an extra generous tip. This is an easy way to absolutely make someone’s day and be a real blessing.

46. Plan out a trip for an upcoming holiday or extended weekend.

47. Go for a bike ride.

48. Watch a documentary and learn something new.

49. Soak up some vitamin D (with sunscreen, of course).

50. Pay a surprise visit to a family member you haven’t seen in a while.

51. Go to a store with free samples (food, makeup, lotion, whatever you’re feeling) and have some fun! Maybe you’ll end up finding your new favorite eye shadow!

52. Take a nap, and reenergize! I’m not a nap person, but we all need rest. Sometimes, our bodies need a break and it’s important to recognize that. If you’re bored and you’re feeling burnt out, it’s okay to take a nap. Don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself.

And in all of this, never forget one thing… you are onederfully created in Christ.

Love,
Becca