Feeling bored? Here are 25 healthy things you can do instead.
Being bored isn’t fun, it’s basically in its definition. And for those of us who are trying to lose weight, boredom can be a serious enemy. Have you ever noticed how you mindlessly eat when you’re bored? Or how snacks suddenly become somehow irresistible? It’s actually proven that boredom increases calorie consumption and the desire to snack, so if any of this sounds like you, just know that there are many healthy things you can do when you’re bored to avoid unhealthy habits.
The next time you find yourself mindlessly eating, digging through your pantry, or simply lounging around for a little too long, turn to this list to help cure your boredom and keep up your healthy lifestyle.
Here are 25 healthy things to do when you’re bored:
1. Go for a walk. Soak in some vitamin D and get a little bit of exercise in. If you have a pet, take them along!
2. Read a book. Diving into a book offers a variety of benefits toward your health and happiness – it improves focus, memory, mood, and communication skills. It also empowers you to empathize with others.
3. Start journaling. Writing in a journal is seriously such a healthy habit. It encourages you to achieve your goals, it reduces stress and anxiety, improves mental clarity, and facilitates personal growth.
4. Do an online workout. There are plenty of workout videos you can do from the comfort of your own home. We love YouTube because it’s free and for its wide selection to choose from – yoga, pilates, core, strength training, and more.
5. Meal plan for the week. Preparing simple and delicious meals in advance will ensure you are eating the right foods in the right portions. Meal planning is also great if you are trying to lose weight, or if you’re sticking to a limited diet.
RELATED: 30+ Healthy Dinners to Meal Prep This Week
6. Challenge your mind. Whether you reach for a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or Hidato, your mind will surely benefit from being challenged. Each helps you develop quick-thinking skills, improves your memory and concentration, and reduces stress.
7. Take a warm bubble bath. Light some candles, dim the lights, and finally use some of those fancy products you’ve been saving. Bubble baths are relaxing, great for your health, and a wonderful way to cleanse and detoxify your skin.
8. Declutter your space. Decluttering = a clean and healthier space. When you declutter, you reduce the dust, mold, and mildew that are responsible for poor air quality. Clearing your environment also clears your mind, decreasing your stress and anxiety levels.
9. Prepare a healthy meal. Choose a healthy recipe to make today. Preparing healthy meals at home will give you more energy, improve your sleep, and lead to overall better health.
10. Listen to a podcast. We love podcasts that promote a healthy body and mind. We suggest listening to Balanced Bites, The Dumbbells, and Food Heaven if you want to tune into something that will help you start living healthier.
11. Practice yoga. Some deep breaths, stretching, and fluent movements are an amazing way to keep yourself occupied. Yoga is a great way to reduce stress, lose weight, and gain mental clarity.
12. Try a new recipe. We love trying new delicious recipes we can make at home. Cooking or baking something new is pretty fun, and it can also make you more mindful about what exactly it is you’re eating.
RELATED: 25 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes You Need To Try Now
13. Put on a face mask. For a little you time, apply a face mask for glowing and healthy skin. There is one for everyone too – oily skin, dry skin, a dull complexion, and more.
14. Have a dance party. Dancing is an incredibly fun way to boost your heart rate and rock out to your favorite music.
15. Organize your pantry. Having an organized pantry allows you to prep, cook, and clean efficiently. Knowing what you have also helps you mix and match ingredients, inspiring you to cook more and try new recipes.
16. Play with your pet. Spending time with your pet has a calming effect – it reduces stress and boosts your overall mood. And, of course, they love it as well!
17. Sell your clothes online. Selling your clothes not only clears your space, but offering secondhand items helps others save money and helps the environment.
18. Learn a new language. Learning a new language is both exciting and challenging. It is essentially exercise for your brain, and also promotes a better working memory.
19. Play a board game. Playing old favorites like Trouble, Sorry!, and Candy Land is an extremely fun way to pass the time while having fun with friends and family. We also love this game night favorite that is best for adults only!
20. Relax and make some tea. Drinking tea is a healthy habit. Some teas increase immunity while others help reduce the risk of cancer and disease. Others are known for promoting glowing skin.
RELATED: 10 Healthy Drinks That Are Great for Your Skin
21. Go for a bike ride. Enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise in. Cycling improves your mental well-being, strengthens your immune system, and boosts your stamina.
22. Do a puzzle. Puzzles are a great way to pass the time. We love these jaw-dropping jigsaw puzzles that are not only insanely fun, but insanely beautiful.
23. Organize your cleaning supplies. When all your essential cleaning tools are in order, you are much more likely to clean regularly which promotes a healthy home.
RELATED: 10 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Cleaner in Under 10 Minutes
24. Do some crafts. Coloring and painting are a creative way to relax and escape from screens. It’s creative, relaxing, and just plain fun. We love these coloring books for their intricate designs and wide selection of themes.
25. Clean your makeup brushes. We are pro healthy and radiant skin. Keeping your makeup tools clean will keep harmful bacteria from getting on your face and causing acne, blemishes, and redness. If you don’t have a brush cleaning solution, simply use a mild soap with warm water to wash your tools.
INTELLIGENT CHANGE
The Five Minute Journal
Using the Five-Minute Journal every morning will allow you to establish a daily gratitude practice in your life, and more importantly, to stay as positive as you possibly can.
PHIL FRAAS
Crossword Puzzles for Adults
We love a beautiful book with fun crossword puzzles inside that keep our mind sharp and active.
CAUDALIE
Instant Detox Mask
We love this highly-rated mask for keeping our pores tight and clean. After use, expect to a visibly refined and radiant complexion.
OFF TOPIC
Adult Party Game
We are all for fun board games that cause laughter that makes our stomach hurt. They also make one for a girls night and for kids.
This post was all about healthy things to do when you’re bored.