Boredom strikes us all at some point. Whether you’re procrastinating on a task or simply find yourself with unexpected free time, your computer is a gateway to not just mindless ‘doom scrolling’ through social media, but also productivity. So, here are ten things you can do on your computer when boredom hits.
1. Organise Your Digital Workspace
When work is hectic, it’s easy to keep saving everything to your desktop. And, of course, you’ll get around to filing everything very soon. But before you know it, there are 200 seemingly unrelated files staring at you and your desktop looks like a complete mess. So, take the time to organise your files, delete what you don’t need, and sort the rest into clearly labelled folders. A tidy digital workspace can significantly enhance your focus and productivity.
2. Boost Productivity – Learn Something New
The web is your oyster! Whether it’s a quick tutorial or a full course on a site like edX, Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy. These platforms offer courses in everything from coding to cooking. It’s an investment in your brain and productivity that’s more fulfilling than an aimless internet dive. Get your endorphins flowing again!
3. Backup Your Data
Data loss is a nightmare. Prevent it. Trouble is, we often don’t think about backing up our data until it’s too late. So, use your downtime to back up important files, photos, and documents to an external drive or cloud service.
4. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Even if you’re not actively job searching, keeping your resume and LinkedIn profile up to date is good practice. After all, you never know when an opportunity might arise! Being able to react quickly to a vacancy can give you a significant advantage.
5. Start a Blog to Improve Productivity
Writing is therapeutic and blogs are a fantastic way to share your knowledge or interests with the world. So, consider Platforms like WordPress and Medium. They make it easy to start a blog. And who knows, what starts as a hobby could turn into a super rewarding and maybe lucrative side hustle.
6. Decluttering Your Inbox Improves Productivity
An overflowing email inbox can be overwhelming. So, chase that satisfying feeling of an empty inbox. Unsubscribe, delete and achieve a zen-like email state.
7. Plan Your Finances
Money matters. Take a look at your expenses via a nifty app or a spreadsheet. It will set you on a path to financial security. Plus, watching your savings grow is pretty rewarding!
8. Start a Digital Art Project
Unleash your inner artist by experimenting with digital art. Apps like Adobe Creative Cloud, Procreate or Adobe Spark transform your ideas into visual reality.
9. Altruistic Productivity – Volunteer Virtually
Why not turn your boredom into helping out? Did you know you can volunteer your skills from the comfort of your office or home? Websites like Catchafire connect professionals with nonprofits in need of specific skills, from graphic design to SEO.
10. Research Your Family Tree
Curious about where you come from? Well, exploring your ancestry can be a fascinating journey. Check out websites like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. They allow you to build a family tree and uncover stories from your past. It’s incredible what you can find out! This engaging activity can connect you with distant relatives and deepen your sense of identity.
