Bored at Work? Check Out These Boredom Busters

These boredom busters are great to do while one is bored at work.

Not all jobs require one to be constantly working. As much as it may be taxing to have too much to do, surprisingly it can also be taxing to have too little to do. It can lead to one becoming really bored at work. These boredom busters can assist those who are stuck in a work situation where they must sit for long periods of time with no tasks or internet access. The appropriateness of these things to do while bored will vary from workplace to workplace, so they should only be used as boredom cure ideas.

Bring Arts and Crafts Projects

If one is sitting for a long period of time with no internet access, it may seem like there is nothing to do. However, a handy paper notebook and pen provide plentiful opportunities for arts and crafts projects.
The possibilities are endless with a pen and paper at hand, and one possibility is to write creatively. One may free write, plan out a novel, or write a poem. Free time gives one the option to simply sit and think for a while, which may ultimately lead to more productive writing.

Origami creation is another possibility. With a single piece of paper one can make paper boxes, cranes, balloons, among many other creative shapes.

With a notebook, one can also do more mundane, yet necessary tasks, like planning out a budget, recalling a "to-do list," or brainstorming different options when bored at work. One can feel free to cross out notes, make changes, and move comments around with arrows. The information can later be transcribed into an electronic format if organization and neatness are important.

Doodling in a notebook can also be a good way to pass free time and express oneself creatively. These doodles may later lead to a larger arts and crafts projects, such as paintings or charcoal drawings.

Bring Mini Projects from Home

Free time can also be used for mini projects from home. While doing a home project at work may not always be appropriate, it may be acceptable for some situations.

One possible project is card creation for a birthday or special occasion. The only materials required are paper and colored pens or pencils. Homemade cards can save money, and they offer a special touch for a special someone.

Another project that may be considered is making a photo album. This seems unwieldy, but it is definitely do-able if one only brings a few photos and one album. It may be helpful to keep an area sectioned off for the project so that it does not get in the way of any necessary work.

One may also want to consider bringing "mindless" tasks from home that he or she keeps putting off doing. These tasks may include organizing a file accordion, unraveling a knot, or finishing a knitting project. These simple mini projects may allow one to stay ready if needed for action.

Other Boredom Busters

There are also "old standbys" for those bored at work that offer amusement in a small package. These things to do while bored are discussed below.

A novel can transport a person out of their bored state and into another world or time. Whether one reads from a traditional paper book or an electronic one, he or she can escape from a dreary day into an exciting one. If one needs to stay alert, he or she may want to consider an "easy read" book that does not require too much analysis or interpretation.

A crossword puzzle or word search book can also offer hours of pleasure. These books can easily be put away or put down if a call comes in or work comes up. They allow one to avoid being bored without becoming too absorbed to do necessary work, no matter what the day is like.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when trying to avoid boredom is to vary activities. If one only brings a crossword puzzle book for an eight hour work day and little work comes in, he or she will likely tire of the activity. Instead, bring a variety of things to do when really bored, such as a book, notebook, and photo album. This can allow one to stay alert and awake.