Boredom Busting Energy Outlets for All Ages

No matter the day, and no matter how old you are, some days you inevitably find yourself scratching your head, wondering just what to do with your time and energy. After the unexpected period of pandemic-imposed home imprisonment, it may seem like you’re fresh out of to-do’s to stay busy these days. And yet, there’s always an array of methods for accomplishing something worthy and fulfilling, especially when you’ve simply got nothing better to do.

Pamper Yourself

If it’s been a while since your last mani-pedi, if your bathtub is longing to be filled, or if you’ve yet to try out that new makeup look that recently caught your eye, maybe it’s time to light up those vanity bulbs (even if only figuratively) and give yourself some well-deserved TLC. If this exact moment won’t allow for it, then make a plan for your next day off, and then see it through to your heart’s content.

Pampering yourself can be as small as a foot soak on the porch, or as big as a royal spa treatment. The intention is what really matters. How good can you make yourself feel, and with relative ease? Because if it somehow creates extra stress, it may start to defeat the purpose. So take a leisurely nap in the sun, or go ahead and ask a loved one for an overdue backrub. You’re worth it.

Break a Sweat

It’s common knowledge that exercises benefit more than just our bodies. You boost your energy level, your mood, and much more when you exert yourself physically. Don’t be too hard on yourself though. Crank up your favorite playlist and start shaking out all those thoughts that have been piling up. If you’ve got your place all to yourself, see how silly you can get with it. The ensuing laughter will supersize the gains. Or, for a more zen physical activity, try looking up a guided yoga or tai chi course online.

Creative Outlets

If there’s an artistic activity that calls to you, answer it! If there’s a new art you’ve never tried, what better time than the present? With all the capacities for artistic creation these days, there’s bound to be something that piques your interest. Beyond drawing, painting, writing, and making music, there’s a wide world of original ideas to draw from (embroidery, calligraphy, scrapbooking, vision boards, macrame, sewing, salsa dancing — the options are endless).

Grow Something

Whether or not you have a green thumb, tending to plants is a fruitful practice that reaps measurable rewards. If you gradually start to love it, you could plant an entire indoor garden. Not only will this bring a fresh touch of nature and greenery to your indoor space, but it will offer you a structured, healthy hobby with big financial and flavorful payoffs. Saving money on produce tastes almost as good as the dishes you’ll cook up with it.

Retail Therapy

Sometimes the things you need have to supersede the things you want. But once in a while, it’s important to give yourself a special treat as a reward for all your hard work and discipline.

It doesn’t have to be a new luxury vehicle, but something like a sweet new pair of designer slides will swiftly put that extra pep in your step. If giving is what brings you the most satisfaction, your retail therapy can even be directed towards a loved one who you know truly deserves it. Giving is an awesomely rewarding act. Practicing this can help with putting yourself next in line to be treated.

See the Opportunities

Getting caught up in your day-to-day can make your tasks feel more like chores. If you look a little deeper, there are probably many opportunities to make more fun out of the otherwise mundane.

Are there puzzles to solve in the back of that newspaper you were going to toss? Is there a shape in the clouds passing by overhead that could inspire a quick sketch? Have the trees around you begun to shed pine cones that could easily be used to make a decorative DIY addition to your home?

There are countless chances to engage with the moment, and your surroundings, every minute, every hour, every day. When you don’t notice them readily, look a little closer. If they’re still lacking, make them up! You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have doing something entirely new.

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