We’ve all been there – stuck in a rut at work, feeling bored and unmotivated. Don’t let your downtime at work go to waste.
Instead, make the most of your time with productive and stimulating hobbies while at work.
Here are five great hobby options that will not only help you pass the time but also enhance your skills and potentially boost your career.
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Learning a New Language
Why not use your spare time at work to learn a new language?
This can be a fun, engaging, and rewarding hobby that not only stimulates your brain but also opens up new opportunities for travel and cultural experiences.
There are many online resources, apps, and language learning communities you can join to help you on your journey. Plus, being bilingual (or multilingual) can make you a more valuable asset in the workplace.
Check out a few of our favorite language-learning apps to get started:
Side Hustles
Starting a side hustle is an excellent way to turn your passion into a potential profit.
Whether it’s freelance writing, graphic design, or selling handmade crafts, a side hustle can be a productive use of your downtime at work.
It allows you to build your portfolio, make connections in your industry, and potentially earn extra income.
Note: Be sure to check your company’s policies on using work time and resources for personal projects. 😉
Check out our full post on starting a side hustle for tips, resources, and great beginner ideas.
Taking Online Courses
Continuing education is essential for personal and professional growth.
Many online platforms offer a variety of courses, from business and technology to art and personal development.
Investing in yourself by learning new skills or deepening your existing knowledge can help you stay engaged at work and make you a more well-rounded employee.
A few online learning course platforms that we recommend include:
Creative Writing
If you have a knack for storytelling or have always wanted to try your hand at writing, use your downtime at work to explore your creativity.
Writing can be an excellent stress reliever, and it helps you develop your communication skills.
Start a blog, work on a novel, journal or write poetry – the possibilities are endless. Plus, you never know when your creative writing skills might come in handy at work.
If you are tech-savvy and interested in learning AI tools, check out our article The 7 Best AI-Generative Text Tools for Writers to learn more and play around!
Meditation and Mindfulness
The workday can be stressful. Take some time to yourself and settle into some stillness with a hobby of mindfulness meditation.
Meditation can help you reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate a more positive mindset.
There are plenty of guided meditation apps and online resources that can help you get started. Practicing meditation during your breaks can help you return to work feeling refreshed and recharged.
Reading
Dive into literature by reading books, articles, or news stories.
Explore different genres, like fiction, non-fiction, or biographies, to expand your knowledge and improve your critical thinking skills.
Reading during breaks can help you unwind and develop a more extensive vocabulary, which can be beneficial in both your personal and professional life.
Check out Amazon’s 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime here and get started reading some of the best and most popular books on the market…
Walking
Taking short walks during your breaks can clear your mind, boost your creativity, and improve your overall health.
Walking not only reduces stress but also helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.
To make the most of your walking hobby, try organizing walking meetings, exploring nearby parks, or discovering new routes around your workplace.
Puzzle Solving
Solve puzzles like Sudoku, crosswords, or Rubik’s Cube to challenge your brain and improve problem-solving skills.
These activities can be done during short breaks and help keep your mind sharp, focused, and agile.
You can find puzzles in newspapers, magazines, or apps like krazydad.com and The New York Times Crossword.
Engaging in puzzle-solving activities regularly can also enhance your memory, concentration, and logical thinking abilities, which can contribute to better performance at work.
Sketching and Doodling
Practice sketching or doodling to improve your focus, express creativity, and relieve stress while at work.
Carry a small sketchbook or use drawing apps like Adobe Sketch or Procreate on your phone or tablet to create beautiful works of art in your downtime at work.
This creative hobby can help you unwind, express yourself creatively, and even enhance your visual communication skills at work.
Listening to Podcasts
Listen to podcasts on various topics like self-improvement, storytelling, industry news, or even hobbies to stay updated, engaged, and entertained.
Explore podcasts that align with your interests and goals, and listen to them during your commute, breaks, or even while working on tasks that don’t require full concentration.
Podcasts can help you stay connected to your field, gain new perspectives, and spark ideas for personal and professional growth.
Thinking about getting a new job? Check out our post, “Should You Include Hobbies on Your Resume?” before applying.
Conclusion
Don’t let boredom at work bring you down. These ten hobbies can help you stay engaged, productive, and fulfilled, both personally and professionally.
From learning a new language to starting a side hustle or taking online courses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and grow from.
Embrace the opportunities to learn and create, and you’ll find your workdays become more enjoyable and fulfilling.
