Creative boredom busters that don’t require talent (or time)
Because you don’t need a studio (or skills) to get out of a rut.
Quick! Someone get her some markers and a coloring book. STAT!
Boredom hits differently when you’re an adult.
It’s not the “I’ve finished my chores and I don’t know what to do” kind of boredom. It’s the understimulated, emotionally flat, maybe-scrolling-too-much kind. The “I feel restless but I don’t have the energy to do anything big” kind.
And let’s be honest: when you’re drained, stressed, or stuck in a routine, most traditional creative hobbies feel like a lot.
You want to feel more alive… but you don’t want to learn a whole new skill set or go buy a bunch of supplies.
Here’s the good news: Creative expression doesn’t have to take talent, time, or a trip to the craft store.
Sometimes it just takes a little permission to play.
Why creativity helps with that “blah” feeling
Creativity doesn’t just keep your hands busy, it gives your brain a new channel to work with.
Even low-effort creative acts can:
Interrupt stress or rumination cycles
Boost your mood
Help you feel more like yourself again
Give you a sense of accomplishment, even if it’s small
Spark new ideas or energy for things that do matter to you
Don’t do it to create a piece of art. Do it to shift something inside you.
A while ago, I caught myself in a familiar spiral: too tired to do anything meaningful, but too restless to scroll for one more second. So I grabbed some junk mail and an old notebook and made a tiny collage while listening to BTS. I didn’t have a goal or even an idea of what I wanted to create. I just grabbed whatever looked interesting to me.
I thought it would feel pointless. But honestly? After ten minutes, my brain felt clearer. And I remembered that this is what I used to do for fun. So I just played.
Read: How creative expression improves your mental health
Not sure where to start? Try one of these.
Here are a bunch of creative boredom busters that are quick, easy, and don’t require any prior experience. Just pick one and go.
Make a themed playlist
Pick a mood, a color, a fictional character, or your current weather and make a playlist around it. Bonus: give it a weirdly specific title.
Take five photos with a theme
Choose a theme like "blue," "shadows," or "textures" and take five quick phone photos around your home or neighborhood. No editing required.
Write a one-line poem
Just one sentence. That’s it. About your mood. Or your lunch. Or the spider in your shower. Doesn’t have to rhyme—just capture a moment.
Doodle with your non-dominant hand
It’ll be awkward and funny. That’s kind of the point. Let it be messy.
Create a fake product or event
Design a poster, name a company, or write a ridiculous ad for something totally made up. Like “Introvert Parade: everyone stays home but we’re all connected.”
Rearrange something small
One drawer. A bookshelf. Your phone home screen. Add a little flair that makes it feel new again.
Make a short voice note
Instead of journaling, record a voice note. Talk like you’re explaining your day to a friend, or to future you. It’s creativity through storytelling.
Sing badly on purpose
Seriously. Pick a dramatic song, close the door, and go full karaoke-mode. It counts.
Read: How to make space in your week to experiment with creativity
Want more low-pressure creative ideas?
Sometimes you need a little structure to make the magic happenn.
What did you like to create when you were a child? Drop it in the comments.
New around here? Welcome.
At Intendify, we break life down into 12 key areas and offer guided paths to help you reflect, plan, and take action—so you can start living more intentionally, one step at a time.
It’s like having a life coach in your pocket, minus the awkward eye contact.
The Creativity life area can help you reconnect, experiment, and make space for joy. No talent or big projects required.