Stuck at home, but don’t want to spend money shopping online?
You don’t have to be bored or, worse, actually finish the items on your to-do list. Instead, there are many other fun things that you can do online to pass the time … and without spending a bundle.
The internet is an endless source of free and low-cost entertainment and education that you can take advantage of in your downtime.
Whether you’d like to sharpen skills or just kill some time, I’ll share nine fun things that you can do online that won’t hurt your budget.
9 Budget-Friendly Things to Do When Bored
1. Join virtual workouts
Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean that you can’t stay fit. Join in on virtual workouts groups or create your own. Live Streaming Fitness offers daily live stream workouts for $9.90 per month. Its classes range from pilates, strength, all the way to Afrobeats.
At that price, it’s a steal from a traditional gym membership with the comforts of being at home.
Looking to save even more? DoYogaWithMe.com offers free online yoga classes that you can take on-demand.
Virtual workouts are a fun way to stay fit while also saving money.
2. Test your typing skills
One of my favorite things to do when I was learning how to type in grade school was to play online typing games. This pastime is just as fun as an adult.
Typing is a valuable skill to have, so why not have fun sharpening it?
Typing.com offers some fun games that will test both your speed and accuracy. You could literally spend hours playing these games, all while getting better at your typing skills.
Being proficient at typing could even open up opportunities for you to make money online as a transcriptionist.
3. Learn another language
Diversify your language skills with free online classes on Duolingo. Currently, the site offers 35 languages that you can learn.
I was able to test my Spanish language skills on the site and found the lessons to not only be fun and interactive, but very easy to follow. Not only is this site free, but you don’t even have to create a login to use it. Simply visit the site and start learning!
When thinking about the languages that you can learn, don’t forget about sign language. You can find free online classes teaching American Sign Language as well.
4. Follow along with cooking videos
Now is as good a time as ever to learn some culinary skills. In fact, my best dishes have come from this tried and true pastime. The great thing is that you can find an endless amount of cooking videos for free on YouTube.
My favorite cooking channel to follow along with is Divas Can Cook. Her videos have helped me through many Thanksgiving meals.
If you want to get even more creative, try searching for recipes based on ingredients that you already have in your house. Not only will you learn a new recipe, but you’ll save money on ingredients and by not creating food waste.
You’ll want to couple this activity with those virtual workouts.
5. Sing karaoke
Singing into your hairbrush is always a great option for entertainment. If this kind of fun is up your alley, then try doing online karaoke.
Sing to your heart’s content with free online karaoke from sites like Karafun.
This site allows you to get a snippet of their catalog of 35,000 songs for free or get their full access, 2-day party pass for $5.99.
I personally enjoy karaoke because, in addition to the entertainment, I can finally learn the correct lyrics to popular songs.
6. Learn to build an app
Did you know that you can build your own mobile app? The great thing is that you don’t even have to know how to code to do so. It’s as simple as drag and drop!
Many codeless app platforms have free trials that you can sign up for and start learning. Just remember to cancel your trial before it ends.
The great thing about learning how to build apps is that you can turn this skill into a business. Once you’ve mastered it, you can market your skills on freelance marketplaces like Fiverr or even Upwork.
It’s not only a great way to entertain yourself, but it may be the path to a profitable online business.
7. Color
Adult coloring books have been wildly popular over the last few years. You can join in on the fun online as well.
Coloring.com offers free online coloring for adults that will entertain you for hours. It’s completely free to use and you don’t have to create an account.
You may be surprised to learn that coloring has greater benefits beyond just entertaining, though. Art therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety while helping you focus.
It’s the perfect combination of entertainment and relaxation.
8. Binge listen to audiobooks
If you’ve ever made the statement, “I don’t have time to read,” then this idea is for you.
With today’s technology, you no longer have to have a physical book to read. You can listen to books instead!
If you have a public library card, you may be able to check out books for free with Hoopla. Participating libraries allow you to use this site to access audiobooks, ebooks, and even movies.
You can check out up to seven titles per month and, just like the library, you’ll also be given a date by which they have to be returned.
My binge-listening hack is to listen at 1.5X speed. This forces me to concentrate on what’s being said while being able to finish a book quicker.
The great thing about Hoopla is that you can also download their mobile app and pick up where you left off.
Make this more fun by joining or starting your own online book club. It’s a great way to enjoy the book with others and to build new relationships.
9. Sell your unused clothes & household items
Nothing is more fun to do online than to make money. One way to do this is by selling your unused household items and clothes online.
Getting rid of things that you don’t need is a great way to declutter while making some extra cash.
Don’t worry if you don’t have an online boutique. There are free platforms available that will allow you to sell.
You can list items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and even apps like Poshmark or Mercari. All you need to do is to create an account on any of these platforms and have a phone that can take clear pictures of your items.
Don’t forget to ship the items once they sell!
Are you still bored?
You don’t have to be bored when there are tons of fun, entertaining, and productive things that you can do online.
Be sure to save this list so that you’re never short on ideas.
What are some other things that you do online when you’re bored?
–By Fo Alexander
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