

Boredom has a way of creeping up on us out of nowhere. We can be on our phones, scrolling through countless videos and venturing down endless rabbit holes before we ever notice the hours that have escaped us. With all the access we have to information, places to go, and new things to see, it makes you wonder how we ever find ourselves in a pit of boredom, roaming between our phone and fridge in the first place. So when the “blah” of life strikes, we all need a few antidotes to add color back into our most mundane moments.
July is Anti-Boredom Month which targets the subjective, yet commonly shared emotion of feeling a lack of stimulation or interest in their current activities or surroundings. While the cause and motive behind boredom differ from person to person, the common thread that ties most stints of boredom together is repetition and monotony.
From having a routine with no spontaneity to going from work to back home with no third place in between. Or the lack of hobbies or new interests, and only leaning on your phone for excitement and entertainment. All these factors and more can lead a person to feel unchallenged and even disconnected from a sense of purpose or meaning.
But life isn’t supposed to be dull and predictable. It should be spent doing the things that make us feel most alive and connected to adventure and novelty. And to help you combat boredom head-on, we’ve put together a list of fun and easy anti-boredom activities to spice up your life — no phone necessary.
1.Go For A Bike Ride.
One of the benefits of living in a city is that you don’t have to go far to grab a bike and ride through the city with your hair blowing in the air. Taking a bike ride not only allows you to connect with your inner child, but it allows you to see your city from a totally new perspective, all while moving your body. Let it rip!
2.Take A Class That Speaks To Your Interest.
With sites like ClassPass and Eventbrite, you’re only a click away from exploring your next hobbies. Search for classes that let you tap into old or budding interests like pottery, wine tasting, sewing, Pilates, or even trampoline jumping. The world is your oyster.
3.Binge-Watch A Cult Classic TV Series.
Have you ever had to sit on the internet sidelines while your mutuals debate about the storyline of a TV show you just never got into? Well, now’s your chance to see what all the hype was about. Shows like Succession, Game of Thrones, Snowfall, The Wire, Girlfriends, Scandal, and Grey’s Anatomy are must-see TV when boredom strikes — grab some popcorn and wine and tune in.
4.Do A Closet Cleanout/Refresh.
You’ve probably been eyeing the pill of unworn clothes in the back of your closet for some time now, and we’re not judging. All we’re suggesting is, why not take a casual Saturday morning to declutter, toss out, and reorganize your space to let in new things? You’ll feel lighter, and you may even get to give away those things to a good cause or get a couple of bucks from selling them. It’s a win-win.
5.Learn How To Do A New Braided Hairstyle.
Sure, not every Black woman was born with the superpower to braid her own hair, but that’s what YouTube University is for. If you’re not in the mood to drop $500 on a new knotless braid style and just want to try it out on yourself at home, pull up a YouTube tutorial and get to braiding away. You’ll get a new hairdo out of it, and you’ve killed some time.
6.Teach Yourself How To Crochet.
One skill that tends to get overlooked is crocheting. Not only is it a hobby that’s easy to follow and pick up, but you end up being able to create one-of-its-kind pieces that you can keep to yourself or gift to your loved one. The flow of the technique will put your mind at ease, and you’ll be only a few hours away from your next knitted creation.
7.Pamper Yourself With An At-Home Mani/Pedi.
We’re in a recession, so with the cost of most things going up, why not take one thing off yourmaintenance budget and try it at home? Run some warm water, select your colors, grab your tools, and get to the glam.
8.Start A Book You’ve Been Meaning To Read.
It’s safe to say that we all have a mini library growing in our apartment of books we bought with full intentions to read but never quite got around to it. Then we bought another for the cover art and another because BookTok recommended it. We get it. Now’s your chance to take your pick from your at-home bookstore and get lost in the pages of a new story.
9.Draw In An Adult Coloring Book.
The beautiful thing about coloring books is that there is no age limit to who can use one. Grab one with intricate details or one with your favorite childhood characters in it. You can never go wrong with a coloring session.
10.Cook Or Bake A New Recipe.
Is the “recipes” folder saved in your TikTok getting a little full? Well, there’s no time like the present to hit up the grocery store to buy your favorite ingredients and wipe up a new baked good or full-course meal. Treat yourself.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Having a morning routine is a crucial aspect of adulting, often setting the foundation for the rest of the day. Slow mornings, especially have gained popularity for its mindful approach to starting the day versus waking up frantic and in a rush. It appears our beloved creative, Issa Rae, is team slow mornings and shared her morning routine with It Takes a Village podcast.
The Insecure creator revealed that she was a part of the 4 AM club. After waking up, she dedicates an hour or hour and a half to exercise. Next, she prepares coffee and engages in what she calls her version of meditation.
"Coffee listening to news, sitting in the dark on the couch, sometimes I'll light a candle and sometimes journaling," she said. Waking up early and adopting a slow morning routine offer numerous benefits. Below, we delve into some of these advantages and provide guidance on how to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Waking Up Early
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Waking up at 4 AM might be too early for some, but waking up early overall has many benefits. As per Healthline, some of these advantages include improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, better skin, and the most evident benefit, accomplishing more tasks. If you begin work at 8 AM, consider waking up at 5 or 6 AM to dedicate time to your mental well-being before diving into the day's demands.
Exercising
There’s no better way to boost endorphins than through exercise. Starting your day with exercise can have a positive impact on your mood, which can, in turn, influence the rest of your day.
One advantage of going to the gym early is fewer people, so you don't have to wait to use your favorite machine. If you prefer at-home workouts, you can turn on a 30 minute workout video from a fitness trainer on YouTube or finally use the walking pad that's been stashed away in the corner.
Meditation
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Meditating involves sitting in silence (unless you're listening to a guided meditation) and being one with yourself. While Issa mentioned enjoying her meditation with coffee and a candle, you can create your own peaceful atmosphere. This could involve lighting sage, sitting with crystals, or using essential oils.
Regardless of the time you have, whether it’s 30 minutes or just five, incorporating meditation into your morning routine can help you begin your day with a tranquil mindset.
Journaling
Journaling can be done anytime of the day, but starting your day with it in the morning can provide clarity. There are several types of journaling that can be beneficial morning practices.
Dream journaling involves writing about your dreams the night before to gain transparency about them. Gratitude journaling involves writing about things you’re grateful for, while mindful journaling allows you to express your thoughts and feelings.
All of these practices can contribute to a successful day. By consistently practicing them, you may notice positive changes in your attitude and overall well-being.
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