Bored at home? Not anymore! Check out this list of the most productive things to do at home in your free time.
Staying at home has tons of benefits: it allows you to save money, enjoy your personal space, and more. Still, just because you're home doesn't mean you want to slack off in your spare time.
There are plenty of productive things to do at home. In fact, you can even find productive things to fill your free time in a fun way! Here are the best ways to fill that spare time.
The Most Productive Things to Do At Home
1. Listen to a Podcast
An easy productive thing anyone can do at home is listen to a podcast. To keep it constructive, listen to something educational or aimed toward self-development. If you really want to double down on productivity, you can listen while you do something else, like cleaning or working on a DIY project.
2. Map Out Your Time
If you know you need to be productive but you just don't feel like doing too much, it's always a good idea to spend some time planning. Look ahead at your tasks for the week as well as how much time you have, then map out how you'll get it all done.
There's no item too small for this list of productive things you'll get done. For example, you can plan to make a list for grocery shopping, look up time management strategies, watch TED talks, or cook your favorite meal. It's important to schedule fun into your day as well as the bigger tasks.
*Increase your productivity by planning your day using this printable daily planner.
3. Build New Skills
Perhaps one of the most productive things to do at home is work on a new skill. Whether you want to learn a new language, dig into a new hobby, figure out a side hustle, or master a talent so you can earn money online, you can do all of these things from the comfort of your own home. No matter what you do, your future self will thank you.
4. Journal
Caring for your mental health takes constant work. One easy and relaxing way to practice self-care is journaling. You can get your own journal to start with here and make it a part of your daily morning routine.
Not sure where to start? Check out my article on the 9 different types of journaling for mental health.
5. Declutter a room
One of the most satisfying and productive things to do when bored at home is to declutter your home. To avoid getting overwhelmed, pick just one room to work on at a time. You can even start as small as a junk drawer. Then, move through the rooms in your home as your free time allows.
6. Get Digitally Organized
If you have a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone, chances are you could use some digital decluttering. Whether you save all the files you download on your desktop or your social media accounts need revamping with new passwords, now is a great time to work through your digital to-do list and clean it all up. Organize files, unfollow people, and do whatever else you need to do to free up more energy.
7. Do a Home Workout
Home workout videos bring the gym to your doorstep – plus, exercise is a great idea for your physical and mental health. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, just search Youtube videos for the time allotment you have and the type of workout you want to do.
It's these small steps that build up a healthy lifestyle. What's important is that you get your blood pumping.
*Keep track of your fitness goals by using this fitness journal to track your progress!
8. Preserve Memories
Everyone has a bucket of photos lying around – or a million images saved on their phone. One productive thing to do at home is to sort through those photos.
Spend time selecting the photos you love and creating albums. You can also order photos to be printed online, so you never have to leave home. Bonus tip: these photo albums make great gifts for your best friend or family members.
9. Take an Online Course
You can work on creating new skills or boosting your professional development from the comfort of your own home by taking an online course. You'll find plenty of options with a simple Google search of your desired skill. In fact, even super successful people start by learning online! There are even great resources that are completely free – you just need to search for them.
10. Respond to Emails or Texts
We all do this – leave emails and texts unanswered, intending to reply later when you have more mental bandwidth. However, those can pile up quickly. Whether you need to reply to a friend, your online community, or your professional network, take some time now to get those responses written and sent.
11. Meal Prep
Whether you've created a meal plan or just have some ingredients lying around, meal prepping is one of those good habits that just keeps giving. Not only does it help you stay productive, but it also saves you money by not eating out and could be a form of self-care. Plus, it's one of those fun things you can get a family member involved in. If you aren't sure how to start, the internet is a great resource for ideas.
*Plan out all of your meals using this printable meal planner.
12. Deep Clean
We all have those areas of our homes that could use a good deep cleaning. Whether that's your fridge or your entire bedroom, take this time to get scrubbing. Maybe even open a window for some fresh air while you're at it!
13. Call a Loved One
You can use anytime you feel bored as an excuse to reach out to a loved one and spend quality time with them, even if just by phone. Although it might not seem like the most productive thing to do, talking to someone you care about can also be a form of self-care. You can even walk around the house and get physical activity while you're chatting.
14. Start a Garden
Work on your green thumb by starting a garden! If you're not sure where to start, you can find a Youtube channel online to help you learn the basics. Plus, you'll save extra money on groceries by growing your own veggies. Win-win.
Related: 8 Mental Health Benefits of Plants: How Gardening and Plants Can Improve Your Mental Health
15. Practice Goal Setting and Planning
One of the most relaxing and productive activities is planning. Take some time to think about your life – where do you want to go? Are you headed in the right direction?
Once you set some goals, create a plan of action. Maybe you need to make a vision board to get visual inspiration daily. Or, perhaps you want to remap your morning routine. There's no wrong way to do this activity.
*This goal setting journal is perfect to write down all of your plans.
Next time you're feeling bored at home, remember to check out this list of productive things you can do no matter how much time or mental space you have. Whether you're learning a new language, writing a bucket list, chatting with like-minded people, making a meal plan, crafting a new skill, or caring for your mental health, you'll be glad you spent your time wisely on productive things to do at home.
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