Download Article
Explore this Article
IN THIS ARTICLE
1Enjoy the night sky.
2Practice self-care.
3Find a game for one.
4Get crafty.
5Spend time with your pet.
6Exercise.
7Explore your love of music.
8Act like a kid again.
9Decorate your clothes.
10Do a home decorating project.
11Clean or organize your home.
12Make money.
13Learn about nature.
14Write.
15Make plans for the future.
16Learn something new.
17Connect with someone.
18Think of ways to help others.
19Ask friends over.
20Head out if you don’t want to stay home.
+Show 17 more...
-Show less...
Other Sections
VideoWATCH NOW
Tips and Warnings
Related Articles
Expert Interview
References
Co-authored byDesiree Panlilioand Jessica Gibson
Last Updated: August 15, 2024Fact Checked
Download Article
ARTICLE
VIDEO
Whether you can't sleep or you've just got time on your hands, being bored at night stinks! Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to enjoy the evening without breaking the bank or relying on screens. We've put together a great list of activities you can do on your own or with friends. So what are you waiting for? Check out these fun ideas and have a blast tonight.
1
Enjoy the night sky.
Download Article
2
Practice self-care.
Download Article
Throw yourself a spa night at home to help you relax. If you're too tense to sleep, it can be hard to unwind. Soak in a soothing bath to help your muscles relax.[1] Then, do a facial, a manicure, or a pedicure—take your pick!
- As you pamper yourself, try to relax your mind. Practice mindful breathing or meditation.
- Put aside distractions and read one of your favorite books. Or, do a calming activity like brewing a pot of tea.
3
Find a game for one.
Download Article
Do a game or puzzle if you can't seem to switch your brain off. We've all been there—lying in bed with every thought keeping you awake. Instead of fighting it, get up and do a jigsaw puzzle. If cards are more your thing, play a game of solitaire.[2]
- Crossword puzzles or sudoku are also great games to play at night!
- If you don't have cards or puzzles handy, check out online games you can play alone. Just about every computer has basic games that you can play to kill some time.
Advertisem*nt
4
Get crafty.
Download Article
Work on a project to keep your mind busy. If you love to craft things, pick up your crochet or knitting needles. Maybe you like to sew, scrapbook, or press flowers. The evening is a great time to work on crafts since you can do it alone or with a few friends.[3]
- For instance, if you're having friends spend the night and you need activities to do, get the supplies for making your own candles or soap, or watch a video on how to do calligraphy and then try your hand at it.
- If you've got art skills, draw, paint, or sketch something.
Jean Railla, DIY Expert
With a stash of basic craft supplies, an open mind, and a dash of inspiration, anyone can unlock their inner crafter to make quirky home decor, gifts, accessories, and more. Embracing your creativity doesn't require talent — just a willingness to play, experiment fearlessly, and see where the night takes you.
Quiz
wikiHow Quiz: What Should I Do?
Not sure how to cure a case of boredom? Being bored can drain your energy and bring down your mood, which is why we’re here to help you out—and hopefully make your day a little more interesting. We’ve prepared a handy quiz to help you narrow down that list of activities and find a fun pastime that you’ll truly enjoy!
1 of 14
Who do you spend the most time with?
5
Spend time with your pet.
Download Article
Cuddle or groom your pet if you've got a furry friend. Chilling with your pet can help you relax, and your pet will love all the attention. If it's safe, take your dog for a nighttime walk. You could also spend time teaching your pet new tricks or giving them a much-needed bath—don't forget to reward them with treats![4]
- Sometimes, pets just want your attention! If your pet's in a playful mood, play along—get out their toys and have fun. If they're calmer, just sit close to them and unwind as you cuddle them.
- If you don't have a furry pet but you love animals, check out zoo or wildlife cameras that are online. You can see what the animals are up to in real-time.
Advertisem*nt
6
Exercise.
Download Article
Find an outlet for the energy that's keeping you awake. If it's safe in your area, go for a jog or head to the gym for a workout. If you can't leave your home, that's totally fine! Try yoga or pilates, follow along with an online workout, or just turn on some music and dance like no one's watching.[5]
- For something a little more playful, try jumping rope or playing a game of Twister.
7
Explore your love of music.
Download Article
Practice an instrument or just put on music and sing along. Soothing, gentle music can help you relax and unwind after a long day. Create your own or put on a laid-back playlist to help pass the time. If you're not sure what you're in the mood to listen to, text a friend and ask for some suggestions, or make a random playlist with all the music you've got.
- If you're not into music, put on a podcast instead. You're sure to find one on a subject or story that interests you.[6]
Advertisem*nt
8
Act like a kid again.
Download Article
Do something completely fun or silly to make the time fly. When was the last time you built a fort out of cushions?[7] Whether you're 13 or 31, let loose and do something totally fun. Make yourself a candy or dessert pizza, whip up hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows, or play dress-up for instance.
- You could also reread the books you loved as a kid or play a goofy game like the floor is lava.
9
Decorate your clothes.
Download Article
Freshen up your wardrobe to create new outfit options. You've probably got a small pile of clothes that need a little TLC. Mend any pieces that have snags, holes, or unfashionable rips. Then, update some of your clothes' looks. For a fun project, add rhinestones to a jacket or dye an old sweatshirt.[8]
- If you've got old jeans lying around, take some time to distress a few pairs.
Advertisem*nt
10
Do a home decorating project.
Download Article
Change up your space so it feels new or fresh. Maybe you've been meaning to hang pictures or paint a piece of furniture in your room—now's a good time to do it! Hang shelves, change light fixtures, or swap out soft furnishings like cushions or blankets.[9]
- Pick flowers and arrange a bouquet for your room, hang photos and create a photo wall, or hang a few strands of twinkle lights.
11
Clean or organize your home.
Download Article
Catch up on some cleaning projects you've been putting off. It may not be the most fun way to spend an evening, but you'll feel better and enjoy your space if it looks clean and tidy. As you clean, get rid of things you no longer need or find storage solutions for stuff that you may have scattered around.[10]
- For instance, sort your shoes into a shoe cubby, organize all the books on your bookshelves, or clean out all the products under your bathroom sink.
- If your wardrobe is bursting, go through your clothes, too. Set aside anything you no longer wear or fit into. Have a box nearby for clothes that you want to donate or sell.
Advertisem*nt
12
Make money.
Download Article
Work on a budget or come up with things to sell. Bonus points if you already sorted through your belongings and found lots of stuff to get rid of! List clothes, books, and anything you don't want to keep on an online auction or marketplace. This is a simple way to make money.[11]
- Check out your finances and come up with ways to save money.
- If you're business-minded, plan a business you'd like to start. Think of friends who may want to work with you.
- If you enjoy listing and selling things online, check out the free goods listings for items you can repair and flip.
13
Learn about nature.
Download Article
Research animals or climate change. Now's a great time to read up on your favorite animals—find out where they live, what they eat, and how they grow. If you're more into weather, read about climate change and write down a list of actions you can take to help the environment.[12]
- If you've got the supplies, research plants you can start growing inside or re-pot plants you've got around your home.
- Step outside with a flashlight and see what insects are drawn to the light. Can you name them all?
Advertisem*nt
14
Write.
Download Article
Jot down your thoughts or work on a creative story. If you enjoy writing, craft a sonnet, play, or short story. If you're not sure where to begin, just get out paper and start writing down ideas. You can write down any thoughts that pop into your head or journal about how the day went.[13]
- Sometimes, it can be tricky to start writing, but remind yourself that this is just for you! Don't pressure yourself into trying to write something that's perfect—just enjoy the process.
15
Make plans for the future.
Download Article
Put your thoughts down on paper and make some goals. If you can't turn off your brain, grab a piece of paper and write down what's on your mind. Jot down life goals, challenges for yourself, or volunteer activities you want to do for instance. You don't have to write in complete sentences—it's totally fine to just write down anything that pops in your head.
- For example, you might start writing about problems at school before switching to what you want to do the next day or places you want to visit.
- You can also use all this free time to write down things you're grateful for. Then, you can reread your gratitude list whenever you're bored or feel like something's missing.
Advertisem*nt
16
Learn something new.
Download Article
Use your interests as a jumping point for trying a new activity. Start a hobby that you've always wanted to do! You could watch online videos to learn a new skill like baking or gardening. Research your family tree or download a language learning program.
- There are so many ways to learn new skills! Check out some of the courses that WikiHow offers like origami folding or how to cook vegetarian food.
17
Connect with someone.
Download Article
Call or email a friend or family member you haven't talked to in a while. Don't forget to consider whether they're sleeping before you call. If it's too late, you can always write an email or handwritten letter. Either way, reaching out to someone is a great way to deal with boredom. You can catch up, find out what they've been up to, and encourage them.
- If you're not sure what to say when you call, start with something like, "Hey, I know it's been ages, but you've been on my mind. How are you doing?"
- Has someone done something nice for you lately? Now's a great time to write them a thoughtful thank you note.
Advertisem*nt
18
Think of ways to help others.
Download Article
Research charities or volunteer opportunities in your area. When you're bored, it's easy to focus on yourself. Take a break and think of how you can help people in your community or issues you care about it. Find a local group that needs help distributing food or a school that needs tutors. Learn about ways to raise awareness for an issue that matters to you like climate change or endangered animals.[14]
- If you're not sure how you can help, visit the websites of charity organizations and read up on ways to get involved.
19
Ask friends over.
Download Article
Invite a few friends so you can have some company. You don't have to be alone if you're bored at night. Ask some friends to come over and do a project together—you could bake brownies, cook dinner, or just hang out and watch a movie.
- Ask your friends what they might like to do. They may want to come over and talk about books or video games for instance.
- Play a classic game like truth or dare. If you'd rather play something a little more low-key, get out cards or board games.[15]
Advertisem*nt
20
Head out if you don’t want to stay home.
Download Article
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Advertisem*nt
Video
Tips
If you've got a backyard and the weather's nice, consider pitching a tent and spending the night outside.
Thanks
Helpful2Not Helpful0
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.
- Occupy yourself with a simple DIY project like making a bookmark or doodling a simple drawing.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisem*nt
You Might Also Like
Advertisem*nt
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about boredom, check out our in-depth interview with Desiree Panlilio.
References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reasons-to-take-a-bath
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/cognitive-development-activities/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201004/trying-new-things
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-your-puppy-these-5-basic-commands/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-start-exercising-and-stick-to-it.htm
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/music-is-number-in-space/202307/learning-to-play-a-musical-instrument-in-adulthood
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zFv7rs0jsQ
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment
More References (7)
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-do-life/202008/cleaning-out-your-home
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/06/5-easy-ways-to-take-control-of-your-personal-finances
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201803/how-do-you-make-or-maintain-friends-put-in-the-time
- ↑ https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Fun-activities-to-help-improve-your-mood
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Desiree Panlilio
Teen Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Desiree Panlilio and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Desiree Panlilio is a Teen Life Coach and the Owner of Encouraging Teens, LLC. With over three years of experience, she specializes in helping teens and young adults define roles, set goals, develop healthy academic and personal habits, grow in leadership potential, and create their life paths. Desiree holds a BSN in Nursing from The University of Victoria and an MA in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Life Coaching from Liberty University. This article has been viewed 108,788 times.
41 votes - 40%
Co-authors: 9
Updated: August 15, 2024
Views:108,788
Categories: Coping with Boredom
In other languages
Dutch
Portuguese
Spanish
- Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 108,788 times.
Reader Success Stories
Lincoln W.
May 23
"I'm always bored, so naturally, this article was a smashing success. Thank you, wikiHow."
More reader storiesHide reader stories
Did this article help you?
Advertisem*nt