10 Ways to Kill Boredom

Lying motionless on your couch? Counting the cracks in the ceiling? Here are ten things you can do when staring boredom in the face, and none of them involve checking your e-mail, your MySpace, your FaceBook, those gossip Web sites, or that dating site you belong to.

In no particular order:

1. Perform an act of community service.

If you have time on your hands and don't know what to do with it, why not donate it to someone in need? Your local senior center, homeless shelter, food pantry, or animal rescue might be a good place to start. Maybe there is a community cleanup you can get involved in. Like the one you start when you go out and decide to clean up your immediate community.

2. Cook a nice meal.

I should really take my own advice on this one. Sandwiches, anyone?

3. Watch your favorite movie.

Nothing breaks the monotony for me better than kicking back and popping in "The Karate Kid," despite the fact that I know pretty much every line. It's like slipping on a favorite sweater.

4. Read a book.

There's probably one you've been meaning to pick up for the last few months. Or one you'd like to read again. So rather than click "Get Mail" 17 times in 20 minutes and hope for something new, open up a good book and get lost in another world.

5. Make a to-do list of short-term goals.

It often feels like there's not enough time to look past right now, or later today. But if you're bored, you clearly have time, so why not make a list of things you'd like to accomplish in the near future?

6. Clean out your closet and drawers.

This may not sound like fun, but it actually is kind of refreshing once you get into it, and the feeling you have at the end is worth it. Throw away all your clutter, get organized, and donate those pants you haven't worn in six years to Good Will.

7. Load music onto your i-Pod or MP3 player.

Pretty self-explanatory, but it's a good way to spend your time that doesn't involve reading up on Britney Spears' latest mishap.

8. Call or write that person you've been meaning to call or write.

There's always that one person you know you need to get in touch with but never seem to get around to contacting. "I'm so busy," you say. "I don't have time." Well now that you have time, get in touch. They'll be glad you did, and you'll thank yourself afterwards.

9. Work Out

Always a good choice when you're feeling a little sluggish. Pass the time and perfect your physique in one swift motion.

10. Take a Walk

Sometimes it's just nice to get out and take a look at what's around you. Exercise and nature are cool.