Lockdown boredom: 7 simple things to do around the house when you’re bored

Now that we're all spending more time at home, finding things to do around the house when you're bored is top of everybody's list. Getting you (or the kids) away from the computer or even saving yourself from the two hundredth scroll on social media is more important than ever.

Whether you’re at a loose end on a weekend or currently feeling the effects of lockdown and in need of a few more interesting ideas, these 7 simple things will help cure even the most stubborn housebound boredom.

1. No gym days? No problem

   If you’re used to hitting the gym even just once a week usually, you may be feeling the effects of the lack of endorphins, but not to fear! There are currently more online instructors than ever ready to help you get your gym fix at home – and think of that monthly saving.

   Whether you’re craving an intense workout or you’d prefer to stretch the day away with a Pilates or Yoga session, there’s plenty of choice.

   Tip: If you’re with the kids and can’t find the time to work out alone, maybe take up something you can do together. PE with Joe is live Monday to Friday at 9am and he’s donating the proceeds of each YouTube video to the NHS. Win-win.

2. Get lost in a film marathon

   Remember watching a video and reciting ‘video piracy is a crime, do not accept it, demand a genuine cassette from your video store’ – just us?

   And then there’s the task of rewinding!

   Now, with a host of streaming services to choose from, it won’t be too difficult to find a few good films to keep you busy during a lockdown lull.

   The old ones are the best according to the Radio Times. They’ve compiled a list of 11 movie marathons to complete while staying at home, including Marvel greats as well as a classic Indiana Jones adventure – the movie world is your oyster (we’ll stick with the popcorn).

   Tip: If films aren’t your thing you could swap out your movie marathon for a good box set binge – maybe it’s time to find out: just who is Carole Baskin?

3. Get to grips with game day

   Was it Colonel Mustard in the kitchen with a candlestick, or maybe Miss Scarlet with the rope in the dining room? Nothing cures boredom like a good board game!

   Maybe it’s been a while since you whizzed around a Monopoly board like a pro, or you just haven’t got round to that 500-piece jigsaw puzzle yet – time to get back to basics and enjoy a game day.

   Tip: If you haven’t got any board games to hand or perhaps don’t have anyone to play with, there are some fab free games available to download on your phone or tablet too – be sure to check out Scrabble GO, or maybe it’s time to resurrect the Candy Crush craze?

4. Does it bring you joy?

   Whether it’s sorting through old clothes or that room you haven’t managed to get to yet, now is a great time to get to grips with the Marie Kondo effect!

   Marie Kondo became a household name a couple of years ago with her KonMarie method, sharing some easy hacks for decluttering, by simply asking yourself, ‘does this bring me joy?’

   So, why not use your new found spare time to delve into your wardrobe, clear the kitchen cupboards and sort through the kids’ soft toys. You’ll know exactly what you’ve got and it’ll save you time and money in the future.

   Tip: Call this a bonus activity. If you’re the type of person that likes to save cards (birthday, Christmas etc), don’t throw them away. If they’re sentimental you can photograph them along with the messages and keep them digitally - you can then even create birthday/Christmas tags out of the fronts.

5. Something for the Kids

   While the kids can join in with any of the activities we’ve mentioned in this blog, they’ve usually got the catchphrase ‘I’m bored’ down to a fine art (after, ‘are we there yet?’), so here’s a suggestion just for them.

   Ask them to write a list of the things they would like to do (simple things like build a fort, paint a picture, bake a cake etc.), put them in a jar and use it as a lucky dip that you draw from each day. As well as helping save a few tears of boredom it also means you don’t always need to come up with new ideas on the spot.

   Tip: If you’re currently working from home and homeschooling, this a great way to give yourself a break as well as help the kids understand that while you may be working, this activity hour is especially for you to enjoy together.

6. Get lost in a book

   You may be stuck indoors, but a great book can take you almost anywhere. Whether you’re keen to learn something new about your favourite celebrity or destination, or perhaps you want to get lost in a good old romcom, let your imagination run away with you - even when the furthest you can run is the garden!

   Tip: Not into reading? You can still immerse yourself in a new world or get lost in a far-away place by listening to an audiobook, and because you can save your new story on your phone, you can easily take it with you when we’re finally able to get out and about again.

7. Time to learn a new skill

   Is there something you’ve always thought about learning but just haven’t had the time? This is a perfect opportunity to use the time to pick up a new skill or perfect a new hobby.

   You and the kids could even try for a Guinness World Record! kids.guinnessworldrecords.com is a great resource for some of the wackiest records around. Maybe you fancy trying for the most spoons balanced on the body? Or perhaps you’d like a go at blowing the largest bubblegum bubble!

   Tip: Whatever it is you decide to learn, there’s sure to be a fantastic amount of online resources available. Or, if you’re in need of inspiration, you can simply join the millions getting creative on TikTok – whatever your decision, it’s a great way to while away a few hours and tick something off your bucket list.

Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you pick up a few new ways to pass the time at home, and who knows what you’ll be able to achieve by the time lockdown has ended.

If lockdown has meant that you're saving more money at the moment, take a look at the complete guide to savings accounts to find the right type of account for your savings.