PauselyThings to do when bored at work
Things to do when bored at work include clearing your inbox, reviewing your to-do list, doing a quick desk stretch, learning a micro-skill, or organising your digital workspace.
Work boredom usually signals that you need a task switch, not more entertainment. A 10-minute admin sprint or a skill micro-lesson resets your focus better than browsing Reddit ever could.
Bored-at-work activities
13 activities
- creative
Write a 10-minute journal entry
10–15 minlow - productive
Declutter 50 photos on your phone
10–20 minmedium - creative
Brain-dump 20 future ideas
10–20 minhigh - productive
Clear 20 emails from your inbox
5–10 minlow - productive
Review and tidy your to-do list
5–10 minlow - creative
Write a 5-item gratitude list
3–5 minlow - productive
Do a 5-minute desk tidy
4–7 minlow - learning
Read one long-form article
10–20 minlow - productive
Set your intention for the week
10–15 minlow - productive
Sort your browser bookmarks
10–20 minlow - productive
Reply to all pending messages
10–20 minmedium - productive
Delete unused apps from your phone
10–15 minmedium - fun
Plan a catch-up with someone you miss
10–15 minmedium
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop being bored at work?
Switch task types. If you've been doing creative work, switch to admin (emails, organising). If you've been doing admin, switch to learning (a micro-lesson, an article). Boredom at work usually means the current task type is depleted, not that there's nothing to do.
More idea lists
- ⚡
5-minute activities for when you're bored
- ⏱️
10-minute things to do with your free time
- 🕒
15-minute activities for free time