50 Things to Do When You’re Bored at Home (And Why It Can Help Your Mood + Well-Being)
Warm, practical ideas for teens & young adults feeling stuck, restless, or overwhelmed at home.
Whether you’re bored because you have to stay home or you just got stuck inside, that blank feeling of “nothing to do” can be really draining.
Sometimes boredom feels like a lack of choice… but it can also be an opportunity to slow down, move your body, soothe your nervous system, and reconnect with things that make you feel grounded and calm.
Below you’ll find 50 gentle, doable ideas inspired by the video “BORED AT HOME!? Here’s 50 things to do to make time go faster!” that do more than just fill time— they help you feel a little better along the way.
You can pick one, a few, or cycle through these when you’re feeling restless or overwhelmed.
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🌿 Comfort Through the Senses with Self-Soothing Activities
Sometimes boredom is really your nervous system asking for connection, comfort, or calm.
These are simple ways to care for your body and senses.
1. Read Something
2. Look at Old Photos
3. Coloring
4. Puzzles
5. Scrolling Social Media
6. Follow Therapists on Instagram *I’m @mallorygrimste
7. Clean
8. Declutter and Organize
9. Wear Your Favorite Perfume
10. Smell a Loved One’s Cologne
11. Essential Oils
12. Light a Scented Candle
13. Sage
14. Cook or Bake
15. Take a Shower
✨ These ideas help you feel grounded and present in your body as a gentle first step out of that bored, “empty” feeling.
☕ Comfort Food + Physical Comfort
Food, warmth, and cozy sensations can calm your nervous system and create a sense of safety in your space.
16. Drink Hot Cocoa or Tea
17. Healthy Snack
18. Comfort Food
19. Use Mint
✨ These aren’t about distraction— they’re about soothing your body so your brain feels supported, too.
Want to save this list for later? You can pin your favorite ideas here.
🎶 Connection Through Sound & Interaction
Humans are wired for connection. Whether it’s with others or with music and nature, sound can change your mood fast.
20. Listen to Music
21. Create Music
22. Listen to Audiobooks
23. Talk to Friends
24. Talk in a Funny Voice
25. Practice Accents
26. Listen to Nature
27. Listen to Stillness
✨ These help you shift out of “stuck” energy and bring your awareness into the present moment through rhythm, voice, and ultimately connection to yourself and others.
🐾 Cozy Comfort & Self-Care
These are tiny comforting habits that can feel grounding when you’re inside and looking for warmth or softness.
28. Play or Snuggle Pets
29. Cozy Blankets
30. Wear Comfy Clothes
31. Wear Pajamas
32. Apply Lotion
33. Self Massage
34. Paired Progressive Muscle Relaxation
✨ Self-care isn’t indulgent… it’s emotional regulation. Simple physical comfort can ease overthinking and tension.
🏃 Movement & Body Awareness
Movement shifts energy! *even small motions can help your mood, focus, and nervous system regulation.
35. Run
36. Walk Your Dog
37. Dance
38. Stretch
39. YouTube Fitness Videos
40. Pace in Your Room
✨ Movement releases tension and helps you feel more rooted in your body rather than in your restless thoughts.
🎨 Creative Expression & Play
Creativity is a form of emotional expression and curiosity— and it doesn’t have to be perfect.
41. Painting
42. Drawing
43. Do Your Make-up
44. Do Your Hair
45. Paint Nails
46. Create New Outfits
47. Writing
48. Sing Karaoke
49. Play an Instrument
50. Watch this video next: Self Care BINGO for Teens!
✨ Creativity connects you with your inner world, curiosity, and joy, which can be especially grounding when your emotions feel heavy, flat, or really intense.
💬 How These Activities Actually Help You Feel Better
When you’re bored, your brain might feel like it’s “empty.” It’s usually actually seeking engagement, novelty, or calm.
These activities do more than pass time:
They ground your body and senses in the present moment…
They create small predictable actions you choose instead of scrolling or zoning out…
They tap into connection, movement, comfort, and creativity— all things that soothe your nervous system and reduce overwhelm so you can….
That’s why this list isn’t just random activities, it’s a mental health therapist created list of things you can add to your toolkit for feeling a little more regulated when your body and mind feel stuck at home.
💗 How to Use This List When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed or Restless
Instead of thinking “I’ll try all 50,” start with these simple steps:
Step 1: Pick just one thing that feels doable right now
Step 2: Do it for 10–20 minutes
Step 3: Notice how your body feels before and after
Step 4: If your mood has shifted even a little, great 💛 If not, that’s okay… pick another one
Boredom doesn’t have to be a trap. It can be a moment of choosing something that actually feels good for you.
This is emotional care in small doses, and it matters because you matter 💗.
Save this post so you have ideas ready the next time boredom hits.
If boredom often turns into anxiety, overthinking, or emotional overload…
You’re not broken… your nervous system just needs support that actually fits you.
Your Calm Code helps you create simple, DBT-informed ways to calm your body, understand your emotions, and respond instead of spiraling… without forcing yourself into coping skills that don’t work for you.
🔗 Related Reads to Keep You Going
While you’re here, you might also find these helpful:
Learn more about calming emotional overwhelm with Your Calm Code
