These Comforting Things Will Help Lift Your Spirits, No Matter How Bored You Are

Boredom is running rampant right now, especially when you’re forced to stay at home for the majority of your days. When it's just so dang cold outside, you need to find ways to entertain yourself within the confines of your own four walls. Never fear — we're here to help lift your spirits and get you out of that funk. Keep reading for some fun and exciting activities, tricks, and resources to kick boredom out the door.

Learning something new not only takes up lots of time in your day, but it also helps keep your brain sharp and clear. Take a moment to indulge in whatever hobby you've been dreaming of picking up forever, but have never had the time to do. Maybe you sign up for virtual guitar lessons, or some other instrument you've been dying to get your hands on. Finally put your mind to learning that second language so you're ready to travel as soon as we're cleared to do so. Don't be afraid to go big, or keep it simple — perhaps you take it slow and try out a needlepoint pattern or watercolor paint project. If you put your mind to it, you can learn anything.

This doesn't necessarily mean you need to go all out with buying new furniture or accessories. Why not play with what you already have? Try rearranging your living room or bedroom into a new configuration. Read up on feng shui principles and model your home to manifest your most prosperous life. You could even embark on a paint project — either try a totally different color on all your walls, or even just paint one bright accent wall. If paint is too permanent, you could try your hand at putting up some removable wallpaper to add some personality to your space.

It's time to finally watch all those critically acclaimed movies that everyone talks about that you've never seen. Do a proper movie marathon with all the greats — whether you go by genre or award wins, you'll have a long list to choose from. FYI, if you need a place to start, the American Film Institute has a list of the 100 greatest movies of all time. If movies aren't your thing, the same principle applies to books!

There's nothing more satisfying than getting all the dust bunnies out from those neglected corners of your home. Take this time to do a serious deep clean of your entire space. That means vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces; cleaning out or organizing your closet; tackling your junk drawers; and anything in between. Blast some tunes and get to it!

No matter your level of cooking expertise, there's nothing more comforting and happiness-inducing than cooking a meal you truly love. So much emotion is tied to food, so it's only natural that the warm feelings that come from eating your favorite pasta would break the gloom of boredom for good. Try out all-time go-tos like this Three-Cheese Pasta Bake or this oh-so-yummy Easy Chicken Pot Pie made in a skillet.

There's nothing better to beat boredom than working up a good old-fashioned sweat. Moving your body will get those endorphins pumping and get you out of any funk. If you're cool with the cold, head out on a brisk run or walk around the neighborhood, or bring your yoga mat outside and do some sun salutations in the fresh air. If you're working out at home, try and change up your scenery — if you've been watching TV in bed all day, do some jumping jacks in the living room. And hey, any movement counts — even a solo dance party!

Letter writing is such a lost art — remember when you used to go all out on fun postcards as a kid? Tap back into that same simple fun and put a pen to paper. Write to friends or family, even if they live just down the street. They'll be delighted to get a handwritten note, and maybe they'll even write you back.

Design: Mia Coleman; Images: Shutterstock