99 Things to Do When Bored at Work: How to Stay Active and Engaged

• Jack Manager
• January 22, 2025
• No Comments

Things to do when bored at work? We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a lull in tasks or simply needing a break from the grind, knowing what to do when boredom strikes can not only help you feel more productive but also enhance creativity, learning, and social interaction. By using these spare moments wisely, you can re-energize, regain focus, and get more out of your day.

List of Things to Do When Bored at Work

Here are some things to do when bored at work that will keep you sharp, engaged, and refreshed.

Productivity Hacks

These small tasks can boost efficiency and make you feel accomplished while still giving your brain a break.

1. Organize Your Inbox: Clear out your emails and sort them into folders.
2. Clean Your Desktop: Delete old files or create an organized system for your documents.
3. Plan Tomorrow’s Schedule: Write down your tasks and goals for the next workday.
4. Update Your To-Do List: Refresh your list with any new tasks or deadlines.
5. Declutter Your Workspace: Tidy up your desk to improve focus and efficiency.
6. Learn a New Shortcut: Discover a new keyboard shortcut to speed up your workflow.
7. Sync Your Devices: Make sure your phone, tablet, and computer are up to date.
8. Write Down Monthly Goals: Set clear objectives for the month ahead.
9. Back-Up Your Files: Save important documents to the cloud for extra security.
10. Review Old Projects: Revisit past work to improve or update when necessary.

Physical Activities

Physical movement during the workday can boost your energy levels, making it a great option when you’re feeling restless. These things to do when bored at work will get your blood flowing, helping you stay sharp.

11. Stretch at Your Desk: Do a few light stretches to release tension in your body.
12. Take a Walk Around the Office: Step away from your desk and get some fresh air.
13. Practice Seated Yoga: Try a few yoga poses while seated to keep your body active.
14. Do Deep Breathing Exercises: Focus on slow, deep breaths to reduce stress.
15. Walk the Stairs: Use the office stairs to get in some quick cardio.
16. Desk Exercises: Do discreet leg or arm exercises while seated.
17. Stand and Move: Get up from your desk for a short standing break.
18. Visit a Colleague: Walk over and chat with a coworker instead of sending an email.
19. Try Desk Push-Ups: Sneak in a few push-ups using your desk for support.
20. Mindful Walking: Take a quiet walk while focusing on your breathing.

Learning and Skill-Building

Use your bored moments to learn something new or improve your skills. These activities will help you turn downtime into productive learning opportunities.

21. Watch a TED Talk: Gain new insights by watching a quick, thought-provoking video.
22. Read an Industry Article: Stay up to date by reading about trends in your field.
23. Practice a New Language: Use an app to improve your language skills during a break.
24. Learn a New Excel Trick: Find a shortcut or formula that will boost your productivity.
25. Listen to a Podcast: Tune into a work-related podcast for fresh ideas.
26. Take a Mini-Course: Join an online class to pick up a new skill.
27. Read Current Events: Stay informed with the latest news in your industry.
28. Write Down Takeaways: Reflect on key lessons from a recent project.
29. Explore a Software Tutorial: Watch a tutorial for a tool you use at work.
30. Read a Book Summary: Get a quick overview of a book related to your profession.

Creative Exercises

Getting creative is a fantastic way to break the monotony of your workday. It helps stimulate your mind and can even improve problem-solving skills. If you find yourself with some downtime, these creative things to do when bored at work will help you recharge.

31. Doodle on a Notepad: Let your imagination flow with simple doodles during downtime.
32. Create a Digital Collage: Gather inspiring images and make a visual collage on your computer.
33. Brainstorm for Hobbies: Jot down new ideas for a personal project or side hustle.
34. Write a Short Story: Use your break to create a fun short story or poem.
35. Design a Desktop Background: Craft a motivational wallpaper to keep you inspired.
36. Experiment with Photography: Use your phone to snap creative shots around the office.
37. Make a Vision Board: Plan out your future goals with a digital or paper-based vision board.
38. Try Writing Prompts: Challenge your creativity by trying out different writing prompts.
39. Plan Your Workspace Layout: Reimagine how your workspace could be more functional.
40. Play with Color Palettes: Explore fun color combinations for design projects or mood boards.

Social and Team-Building Activities

Feeling bored at work doesn’t mean you have to stay in isolation. Interacting with others can make your day more engaging and fun, strengthening relationships along the way.

41. Send a Friendly Message: Reach out to a colleague with a quick check-in.
42. Share a Helpful Article: Pass along an interesting read to your coworkers.
43. Organize a Brainstorm Session: Gather your team to come up with creative ideas.
44. Ask About Projects: Learn more about a coworker’s latest project.
45. Plan a Team Lunch: Suggest a group outing for lunch or coffee.
46. Collaborate on a Fun Task: Work together with a colleague on something light-hearted.
47. Set Up a Virtual Coffee: Catch up with a remote coworker through a virtual chat.
48. Share a Fun Meme: Lighten the mood by sending a funny gif or meme to the team.
49. Offer a Helping Hand: Assist a coworker with a small task to build camaraderie.
50. Plan a Team-Building Activity: Organize a fun event or challenge for your team.

Organizing and Tidying Up

A clutter-free space often leads to a clutter-free mind. When you need a mental break, organizing your environment can be both satisfying and productive.

51. Rearrange Your Desk: Refresh your workspace by moving things around for better flow.
52. Clean Out Desk Drawers: Get rid of old items and organize your supplies.
53. Organize Office Supplies: Neatly arrange your pens, papers, and other tools.
54. Delete Old Files: Clear out unnecessary files from your computer.
55. Refresh Your Stationery: Take stock of your pens, notepads, and office accessories.
56. Reorganize Your Bookshelf: Tidy up books and materials in your workspace.
57. Create a New System: Design a better system for your to-do lists and reminders.
58. Wipe Down Your Desk: Give your desk a quick clean to create a fresh environment.
59. Sort Through Papers: Toss any papers you no longer need.
60. File Away Documents: Organize important documents into folders or binders.

Mindfulness and Mental Breaks

When you’re bored, sometimes the best thing to do is take a moment to clear your mind and reset. These things to do when bored at work can help you feel calm, focused, and ready to tackle the next task.

61. Practice Quick Meditation: Take a few moments to relax and clear your mind.
62. Do a Body Scan: Mentally check in with different parts of your body to release tension.
63. Listen to Calming Music: Put on a relaxing playlist to ease stress.
64. Focus on Deep Breaths: Practice slow, deep breathing to calm your nerves.
65. Look Out the Window: Take a moment to observe your surroundings outside.
66. Write Down Gratitudes: List a few things you’re thankful for in the moment.
67. Visualize Success: Spend a minute imagining yourself achieving your goals.
68. Write a Positive Affirmation: Jot down a short affirmation to stay motivated.
69. Daydream for a Minute: Let your mind wander and explore new ideas.
70. Picture a Relaxing Place: Close your eyes and envision a peaceful environment.

Fun and Entertainment

Sometimes, you just need to let loose and have a little fun. These light-hearted things to do when bored at work are perfect for bringing a smile to your face..

71. Play a Quick Game: Try an online puzzle or brain teaser.
72. Watch a Funny Video: Take a break and laugh with a short clip.
73. Solve a Crossword: Sharpen your mind with a quick puzzle.
74. Read a Fun Book: Dive into a few pages of a light-hearted book.
75. Send a Meme to a Friend: Share a laugh with a funny meme or gif.
76. Try a Trivia Quiz: Test your knowledge with an online trivia challenge.
77. Look Up Fun Facts: Browse interesting trivia or random fun facts.
78. Browse a Light Article: Find a fun blog or article to read.
79. Try a Doodle Challenge: Test your creativity with a quick doodling game.
80. Create a New Playlist: Build a fresh music playlist with your favorite songs.

Personal Development

Your downtime at work is the perfect opportunity to invest in your personal growth. These things to do when bored at work can help you reflect on your goals and plan for self-improvement.

81. Write in a Journal: Reflect on your personal goals and progress.
82. Set a New Goal: Think of a new personal or career-related goal to work on.
83. Plan a Vacation: Take some time to plan out your next vacation or getaway.
84. Write to Your Future Self: Pen a letter to yourself with words of wisdom.
85. Think of a New Skill: Reflect on a new skill you’d like to develop.
86. Set a Fitness Goal: Jot down a fitness or wellness goal to work toward.
87. Look for Volunteer Opportunities: Research ways to give back in your community.
88. Plan a Self-Care Routine: Create a self-care schedule to ensure you’re taking care of yourself.
89. Reflect on Personal Growth: Take a moment to think about your recent achievements.

Networking and Career Building

If you’ve got extra time at work, why not use it to advance your career? These things to do when bored at work are ideal for networking and building professional connections.

90. Update LinkedIn: Refresh your LinkedIn profile with new achievements or skill.
91. Write a LinkedIn Post: Share an insightful post or article with your network.
92. Connect with a New Contact: Reach out to someone new in your industry.
93. Endorse a Colleague: Recommend a coworker’s skills on LinkedIn.
94. Send a Thank-You Note: Write a note of gratitude to a mentor or former boss.
95. Research Industry Trends: Stay informed on the latest trends in your field.
96. Join a Professional Group: Get involved in a new industry-related group or association.
97. Message a Connection: Send a quick message to reconnect with a professional contact.
98. Comment on an Article: Engage with industry content by leaving a thoughtful comment.
99. Start a Personal Blog: Begin drafting ideas for a professional blog or portfolio.

Benefits of Things to Do When Bored at Work

Finding things to do while bored at work not only helps pass the time but also brings a wide range of benefits to your workday. Here’s how staying engaged during those slow moments can positively impact your productivity and well-being:

• Boosts creativity: Engaging in different activities during moments of boredom helps spark fresh ideas. When your mind is relaxed, it can find creative solutions to work problems you might not have thought of otherwise.
• Improves focus: Taking short breaks to do something different can actually help regain focus. After stepping away for a few minutes, you’ll likely return to your tasks with a clearer mind and better concentration.
• Reduces stress: Doing simple things to break the monotony at work can reduce feelings of frustration or stress. Even a small distraction can calm your mind, leaving you feeling more at ease.
• Enhances productivity: It might seem counterintuitive, but taking short, purposeful breaks to do things while bored at work can lead to higher productivity. When your mind gets a brief rest, you can tackle your tasks with more energy.
• Encourages learning: Using downtime wisely is a great way to pick up new skills. Whether it’s reading a quick article, watching a tutorial, or learning something unrelated to work, every moment spent learning helps you grow.
• Boosts morale: Doing enjoyable things during boring stretches at work can simply make your day more enjoyable. It keeps your mood up, which can positively impact your performance and overall job satisfaction.

How to Incorporate These Activities into Your Workday

Integrating these activities into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to find small gaps in your day to do something different, without losing focus on your primary tasks. For instance, take a 5-minute break between meetings to stretch, walk around, or complete a quick fun activity. If you feel your productivity slipping, that’s a perfect time to refresh by trying a new thing to do while bored at work.

You can also plan these things to do when bored at work ahead of time. Whether it’s scheduling a few minutes to read a fun article or setting a reminder to do a brain game, little habits like this can break the monotony without disrupting your flow.

Staying Productive While Taking Breaks

Taking breaks doesn’t mean you have to stop being productive. In fact, doing things to stay occupied when you’re bored at work can keep your mind active and fresh. You can use short breaks to work on smaller tasks that are unrelated to your main work but still beneficial. For example, organizing your workspace, responding to non-urgent emails, or brainstorming new ideas for future projects can keep you moving forward without losing momentum.

Breaks can be productive if you view them as a way to recharge. Whether you’re learning something new or clearing your head with a creative activity, you’re doing something that keeps you mentally engaged.

Balancing Fun and Professionalism at Work

There’s a fine line between having fun during boring moments and staying professional in a work setting. Engaging in things to do while bored at work can boost your mood and relieve stress, but it’s essential to stay mindful of your work environment. Always make sure that whatever you do fits the tone of your workplace. For example, activities that can be done quietly or without disrupting others are usually a safe choice.

Remember, it’s about finding activities that not only refresh your mind but also respect your workspace. You can enjoy quick distractions or fun tasks while still being mindful of your professional image. Staying aware of the balance helps ensure you’re having fun without straying too far from your work responsibilities.

Closing Thoughts

Finding things to do when bored at work isn’t just about passing time—it’s about making the most of every moment. Whether you’re boosting creativity, improving focus, or simply lifting your mood, small activities throughout the day can make a big difference in how you feel and perform at work.

By turning boredom into an opportunity for growth, relaxation, or even fun, you can transform your workday into something more fulfilling and productive. So the next time boredom strikes, see it as a chance to recharge and get back to your tasks with a fresh perspective.