🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 163 (from laksa150)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa163.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://armycadets.com/feature/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://armycadets.com/feature/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/","crawl_time":1775935255,"first_indexed_time":1754461125,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,armycadets!\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/ s443","src_root_hash":"7500512207348575763","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"10 Ideas For Things To Do When You Are Bored | Army Cadets UK","meta_descriptions":["Discover our top 10 ideas of what to do when you are bored, from starting a new hobby to volunteering for the ACF. Learn more about Army Cadets now."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Boredom isn’t limited to teenagers or tired children asking ‘are we there yet?’ in the car. Grown-ups get bored too. You might be recently retired and looking for something to fill your new free time. You might have just moved to a new area and are looking for fun activities to build your social life. Or, you might have simply found yourself wanting to shake up your normal routine. Whatever the reason, here are some ideas for things to do when you are bored.\nWhat to do when you are bored\nStart a hobby\nBoredom presents the perfect opportunity to take up a new hobby. Revisit one from your younger years, like piano lessons or riding bicycles, or try something new, like Japanese lessons or yoga. You can challenge your brain with the strategic game of chess or develop your artistic potential with painting. The internet is a fantastic resource of ideas for new hobbyists, with all the support, help and inspiration you could ever need among like-minded communities found on sites like Reddit and Facebook. Just remember to\nstay safe online\n.\nJoin a local sports team\nTeam sports are a great blend of\nphysical and social activity\n. Netball, cricket, football, rugby – the list is endless. Playing on a sports team engages your competitive nature while also strengthening your team-building skills. And, most importantly, you’ll exercise and keep fit. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the\nAdventurous Training\ncourse provided by the Army Cadets.\nVolunteer with the Army Cadet Force\nWe’re one of the largest youth organisations in the UK, but we’re not just for young people. We have over 9,500 adult volunteers either instructing and training young cadets or managing organisational processes. The ACF has a lot to offer adult volunteers: stopping boredom, staying\nactive outdoors\n, mentoring young people,\nlearning new skills\n,\nbuilding your confidence\nand meeting likeminded people.\nStart a book or movie club\nClubs are an excellent way to get together with your friends and spend time doing something you enjoy. If you’re a book-lover, start a regular monthly book club, hosted at your home or a nice café. If you’re more of a cinephile, a movie club is perfect. You’ll save money on cinema tickets, and while making your popcorn is mandatory (and deliciously simple), you can also liven up the night with some other food ideas. You can find more inspiration among the pages of our digital magazine. For example, the February 2023 issue has a\ngreat recipe for smoothies\non page 26.\nReconnect with an old friend\nAmidst work and family obligations, it’s easy to lose touch with friends. If you need something to do when you’re bored, why not reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Invite them over for tea or out for a run and spend some quality time catching up. If they live far away, suggest a video call. Whatever you do, they’ll be glad to hear from you.\nDeclutter your house\nClearing up your home is one of the most productive ways to fight boredom and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start small: pick a single category of stuff – shoes, books, photos – and lay them all out. Decide which to keep, which to throw away and which to donate. Then you can store them in a neat and organised way. You will be surprised by what you find that you don’t need anymore, and the things you loved which you have forgotten about.\nPlan your next holiday\nStudies have shown that a lot of the pleasure you get from holidays comes from the planning and anticipating before you go. Researching flights or train tickets, choosing accommodation, reading up on all the restaurants, museums and attractions – these all increase the overall satisfaction your holiday gives you. And you’ll be extra prepared for when you go! Making a plan for the future is also a great way to help you stay focused because you know you have something to look forward to.\nSend a letter\nEmail and smartphones have made it easy to stay in touch, but there’s still no better feeling than getting a handwritten letter. It’s a lovely old-school gesture that shows you care. Even if they live nearby, write letters to family and friends or people in need of companionship, like senior citizens in elderly care. Don’t forget you will need to buy stamps!\nSign up for an online course\nThere is a wealth of educational material available online, much of it free of charge and some offering certifications that can help your professional career. Websites like Coursera, edX, and uDemy offer a mix of free and paid online courses in a wide range of subjects. Some websites specialise in one subject area, like Codecademy for computer coding. Many universities also have online videos or podcasts of lectures that you can access for free:\nOpen culture compiled a list of 1,700 free courses here\n.\nCook a new recipe\nWhen you’re bored, escape your routine of cooking the same or very similar meals every night and try a brand-new recipe. Instead of ordering a takeaway to satisfy your curry cravings, make your own. Whip out that wok that’s been gathering dust in your cupboard and make an authentic stir fry. Or if you’re usually a meat-lover, try a healthy and hearty vegetarian recipe. You’ll be surprised just how easy and cheap some dishes are to make. Once you’ve tried\nmaking your own pizza dough\n(with just two ingredients!) you’ll never want to spend money on a takeaway again!\nDiscover more about becoming a cadet or adult volunteer, by\nfinding your nearest detachment\n.","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=198266823848290&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\n[Skip Main Navigation](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/#main-content)\n\n- [MyCadet app](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/mycadet-app\/)\n- [Cadet portal](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadet-portal\/)\n- [Safeguarding & wellbeing](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/safeguarding-wellbeing\/)\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/contact-us\/)\n- Language\n\n[Arabic](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/ar\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Bengali](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/bn\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Chinese](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/zh\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [English](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [French](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/fr\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Gujarati](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/gu\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Panjabi](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/pa\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Polish](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/pl\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Portuguese](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/pt\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Scottish Gaelic](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/gd\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Spanish](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/es\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Ukrainian](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/uk\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Urdu](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/ur\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/) [Welsh](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cy\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n\n[![Army Cadets logo](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Army-Cadets-logo.webp)](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/)\n\n- [Activities](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n  Open the submenu for Activities\n  - [Cadet Syllabus](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/activities\/cadet-syllabus\/)  Learn about the core Cadet training programme\n  - [Duke of Edinburgh’s Award](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/activities\/duke-of-edinburghs-award\/)  Learn about achieving the DofE Award with us\n  - [Adventurous training activities & qualifications](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/activities\/adventurous-training-activities-qualifications\/)  Discover our wide range of amazing activities\n  - [Our National Training Centres](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/activities\/our-national-training-centres\/)  Explore our dedicated training centres\n  - [Join now](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/join-now\/)\n  \n  > “At Cadets, we do loads of fun stuff like navigation, learning first aid, obstacle courses, and even fieldcraft. There’s always something exciting to do—I never get bored and I learn new things all the time.”\n- [Cadets](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n  Open the submenu for Cadets\n  - [I’m interested in becoming a Cadet](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/im-interested-in-becoming-a-cadet\/)  Learn about becoming a Cadet (Age 12-18)\n  - [What Cadets do](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/what-cadets-do\/)  Our training programmes & activities\n  - [Cadets area](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/cadets-area\/)  Photos, cadet portal & progression opportunities\n  - [Cadets success stories](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/cadets-success-stories\/)  Be inspired by other cadets\n  - [Cadets FAQs](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/faqs\/#cadet-faqs)\n  \n  ![Three male cadets pose with arms around each other's shoulders](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20128%20128'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n  \n  ![Three male cadets pose with arms around each other's shoulders](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/42320240513ten-tors24_medium-1-1-aspect-ratio-128-128-1-128x0-c-default.webp)\n  \n  > “Joining the Army Cadets was the best thing ever! I’ve made loads of friends, learned cool stuff like map reading and fieldcraft, and it’s really helped me feel more confident. Every week is fun!”\n- [Adult volunteers](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n  Open the submenu for Adult volunteers\n  - [I’m interested in becoming a volunteer](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/adult-volunteers\/im-interested-in-becoming-a-volunteer\/)  Learn about becoming a Volunteer with us (18+)\n  - [Volunteer roles & opportunities](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/adult-volunteers\/volunteer-roles-opportunities\/)  Learn about how you can help as a volunteer\n  - [Volunteer success stories](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/adult-volunteers\/volunteer-success-stories\/)  Be inspired by other volunteers\n  - [Volunteers FAQs](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/faqs\/#adult-volunteer-faqs)\n  \n  ![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20128%20128'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/WebImage-20230726_SW-London-Annual-Camp_-21-aspect-ratio-128-128-128x0-c-default.webp)\n  \n  > “I have been a volunteer for nearly 13 years. Best thing I ever did! ”\n- [Parents & guardians](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n  Open the submenu for Parents & guardians\n  - [Parents & guardians information](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/parents-guardians-information\/)  Practical information for parents & guardians\n  - [Safeguarding & wellbeing](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/safeguarding-wellbeing\/)  Safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion & support info\n  - [Cadets success stories](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/cadets-success-stories\/)  Be inspired by other cadets\n  - [Parents & guardians FAQs](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/faqs\/#parent-and-guardian-faqs)\n  - [MyCadet app](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/mycadet-app\/)  Access the MyCadet app\n  \n  ![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20128%20128'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/20230731bravaria-monday26_medium-1-aspect-ratio-128-128-128x0-c-default.webp)\n  \n  > “My son has flourished as a cadet and learned so much. He loves everything about cadets! Joining was the best choice he's ever made.”\n- [News & media](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n  Open the submenu for News & media\n  - [Latest news](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/latest-news\/)  Latest news from Army Cadets\n  - [Army Cadet Magazine](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/army-cadet-magazine\/)  Read current & past issues of our magazine\n  - [Inspiring feature articles](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/inspiring-feature-articles\/)  Be inspired by our amazing articles & guides\n  - [Galleries & event coverage](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/galleries-event-coverage\/)  Photos & videos from cadet events\n  - [Press & media](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/press-media\/)  Press & media hub\n  \n  ![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20128%20128'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/image-4-aspect-ratio-128-128-128x0-c-default.webp)\n  \n  > “Best thing I ever did as a child! It made me age gracefully, taught me a lot, and it was something I thoroughly enjoyed looking forward to each week.”\n- [About us](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n  Open the submenu for About us\n  - [About our organisation](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/about-our-organisation\/)  Mission, vision, structure & partners\n  - [Our history](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/our-history\/)  Army Cadets' history from 1859 to today\n  - [Our people](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/our-people\/)  Meet our staff & ambassadors\n  - [Safeguarding & wellbeing](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/safeguarding-wellbeing\/)  Safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion & support info\n  - [Our charity](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/our-charity\/)  Army Cadet Charitable Trust\n  - [Work with us](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/work-with-us\/)  Job Vacancies at Army Cadets\n  \n  ![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20128%20128'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n  \n  ![](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Wordpress-20241112Remembrance-Sunday-Lon240259-aspect-ratio-128-128-128x0-c-default.webp)\n  \n  > “I was one of the first female cadets enrolled back in the 90's and had a great time! Just filled in an application for my son, who just turned 12. Hope he has as much fun as I did. ”\n\nClose Search\n\nEnter your search term here…\n\n#### Suggested searches\n[Cadets](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/search\/?_search=Cadets) [Volunteers](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/search\/?_search=Volunteers) [About Army Cadets](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/search\/?_search=About%20Army%20Cadets)\n\nFind a Detachment\n\nJoin us\n\nMenu\n\n- Join us\n  Find a Detachment\n- Activities\n  - Back to main menu\n  - [Cadet Syllabus Learn about the core Cadet training programme](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/activities\/cadet-syllabus\/)\n  - [Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Learn about achieving the DofE Award with us](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/activities\/duke-of-edinburghs-award\/)\n  - [Adventurous training activities & qualifications Discover our wide range of amazing activities](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/activities\/adventurous-training-activities-qualifications\/)\n  - [Our National Training Centres Explore our dedicated training centres](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/activities\/our-national-training-centres\/)\n  - [Join now](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/join-now\/)\n    > “At Cadets, we do loads of fun stuff like navigation, learning first aid, obstacle courses, and even fieldcraft. There’s always something exciting to do—I never get bored and I learn new things all the time.”\n- Cadets\n  - Back to main menu\n  - [I’m interested in becoming a Cadet Learn about becoming a Cadet (Age 12-18)](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/im-interested-in-becoming-a-cadet\/)\n  - [What Cadets do Our training programmes & activities](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/what-cadets-do\/)\n  - [Cadets area Photos, cadet portal & progression opportunities](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/cadets-area\/)\n  - [Cadets success stories Be inspired by other cadets](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/cadets-success-stories\/)\n  - [Cadets FAQs](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/faqs\/#cadet-faqs)\n  - ![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20524%20524'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n    \n    ![](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/42320240513ten-tors24_medium-1-1-aspect-ratio-128-128-1.png)\n    \n    > “Joining the Army Cadets was the best thing ever! I’ve made loads of friends, learned cool stuff like map reading and fieldcraft, and it’s really helped me feel more confident. Every week is fun!”\n- Adult volunteers\n  - Back to main menu\n  - [I’m interested in becoming a volunteer Learn about becoming a Volunteer with us (18+)](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/adult-volunteers\/im-interested-in-becoming-a-volunteer\/)\n  - [Volunteer roles & opportunities Learn about how you can help as a volunteer](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/adult-volunteers\/volunteer-roles-opportunities\/)\n  - [Volunteer success stories Be inspired by other volunteers](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/adult-volunteers\/volunteer-success-stories\/)\n  - [Volunteers FAQs](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/faqs\/#adult-volunteer-faqs)\n  - ![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20683%20683'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n    \n    ![](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/WebImage-20230726_SW-London-Annual-Camp_-21-aspect-ratio-128-128.jpg)\n    \n    > “I have been a volunteer for nearly 13 years. Best thing I ever did! ”\n- Parents & guardians\n  - Back to main menu\n  - [Parents & guardians information Practical information for parents & guardians](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/parents-guardians-information\/)\n  - [Safeguarding & wellbeing Safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion & support info](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/safeguarding-wellbeing\/)\n  - [Cadets success stories Be inspired by other cadets](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadets\/cadets-success-stories\/)\n  - [Parents & guardians FAQs](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/faqs\/#parent-and-guardian-faqs)\n  - [MyCadet app Access the MyCadet app](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/mycadet-app\/)\n  - ![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20450%20450'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n    \n    ![](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/20230731bravaria-monday26_medium-1-aspect-ratio-128-128.png)\n    \n    > “My son has flourished as a cadet and learned so much. He loves everything about cadets! Joining was the best choice he's ever made.”\n- News & media\n  - Back to main menu\n  - [Latest news Latest news from Army Cadets](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/latest-news\/)\n  - [Army Cadet Magazine Read current & past issues of our magazine](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/army-cadet-magazine\/)\n  - [Inspiring feature articles Be inspired by our amazing articles & guides](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/inspiring-feature-articles\/)\n  - [Galleries & event coverage Photos & videos from cadet events](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/galleries-event-coverage\/)\n  - [Press & media Press & media hub](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/press-media\/)\n  - ![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20300%20300'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n    \n    ![](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/image-4-aspect-ratio-128-128.png)\n    \n    > “Best thing I ever did as a child! It made me age gracefully, taught me a lot, and it was something I thoroughly enjoyed looking forward to each week.”\n- About us\n  - Back to main menu\n  - [About our organisation Mission, vision, structure & partners](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/about-our-organisation\/)\n  - [Our history Army Cadets' history from 1859 to today](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/our-history\/)\n  - [Our people Meet our staff & ambassadors](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/our-people\/)\n  - [Safeguarding & wellbeing Safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion & support info](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/safeguarding-wellbeing\/)\n  - [Our charity Army Cadet Charitable Trust](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/our-charity\/)\n  - [Work with us Job Vacancies at Army Cadets](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/work-with-us\/)\n  - ![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201201%201201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n    \n    ![](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Wordpress-20241112Remembrance-Sunday-Lon240259-aspect-ratio-128-128.jpg)\n    \n    > “I was one of the first female cadets enrolled back in the 90's and had a great time! Just filled in an application for my son, who just turned 12. 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[Inspiring feature articles](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/inspiring-feature-articles\/)\n3. \\>\n4. 10 Ideas For Things To Do When You Are Bored\n\nNews & Media\n\n13 May 2016\n\n###### Share:\n[share via email](<mailto:?subject=10 Ideas For Things To Do When You Are Bored&body= Hi there, Check out this article: https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/>)\n\nshare via link\n\n[share via twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=10%20Ideas%20For%20Things%20To%20Do%20When%20You%20Are%20Bored:https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n\n[share via linkedin](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/sharing\/share-offsite\/?url=https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n\n[share via facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n# 10 Ideas For Things To Do When You Are Bored\n![IMG 20191012 130821](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_20191012_130821_2021-01-28-113949-840x480-c-default.webp)\n\nBoredom isn’t limited to teenagers or tired children asking ‘are we there yet?’ in the car. Grown-ups get bored too. You might be recently retired and looking for something to fill your new free time. You might have just moved to a new area and are looking for fun activities to build your social life. Or, you might have simply found yourself wanting to shake up your normal routine. Whatever the reason, here are some ideas for things to do when you are bored.\n\n## What to do when you are bored\n### **Start a hobby**\nBoredom presents the perfect opportunity to take up a new hobby. Revisit one from your younger years, like piano lessons or riding bicycles, or try something new, like Japanese lessons or yoga. You can challenge your brain with the strategic game of chess or develop your artistic potential with painting. The internet is a fantastic resource of ideas for new hobbyists, with all the support, help and inspiration you could ever need among like-minded communities found on sites like Reddit and Facebook. Just remember to [stay safe online](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/how-to-stay-safe-online\/).\n\n### Join a local sports team\nTeam sports are a great blend of [physical and social activity](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/the-physiological-and-social-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-adults\/). Netball, cricket, football, rugby – the list is endless. Playing on a sports team engages your competitive nature while also strengthening your team-building skills. And, most importantly, you’ll exercise and keep fit. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the [Adventurous Training](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/what-we-do\/adventurous-training-at\/) course provided by the Army Cadets.\n\n### [Volunteer with the Army Cadet Force](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/volunteer-with-us\/)\nWe’re one of the largest youth organisations in the UK, but we’re not just for young people. We have over 9,500 adult volunteers either instructing and training young cadets or managing organisational processes. The ACF has a lot to offer adult volunteers: stopping boredom, staying [active outdoors](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/great-outdoor-adventure-activities-for-adults\/), mentoring young people, [learning new skills](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/ten-ways-you-can-try-something-new\/), [building your confidence](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/how-to-build-confidence\/) and meeting likeminded people.\n\n### Start a book or movie club\nClubs are an excellent way to get together with your friends and spend time doing something you enjoy. If you’re a book-lover, start a regular monthly book club, hosted at your home or a nice café. If you’re more of a cinephile, a movie club is perfect. You’ll save money on cinema tickets, and while making your popcorn is mandatory (and deliciously simple), you can also liven up the night with some other food ideas. You can find more inspiration among the pages of our digital magazine. For example, the February 2023 issue has a [great recipe for smoothies](https:\/\/issuu.com\/salt-media\/docs\/army_cadet_magazine_digital_february?fr=sNWRmODU1ODQ2MzI) on page 26.\n\n### Reconnect with an old friend\nAmidst work and family obligations, it’s easy to lose touch with friends. If you need something to do when you’re bored, why not reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Invite them over for tea or out for a run and spend some quality time catching up. If they live far away, suggest a video call. Whatever you do, they’ll be glad to hear from you.\n\n### Declutter your house\nClearing up your home is one of the most productive ways to fight boredom and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start small: pick a single category of stuff – shoes, books, photos – and lay them all out. Decide which to keep, which to throw away and which to donate. Then you can store them in a neat and organised way. You will be surprised by what you find that you don’t need anymore, and the things you loved which you have forgotten about.\n\n### Plan your next holiday\nStudies have shown that a lot of the pleasure you get from holidays comes from the planning and anticipating before you go. Researching flights or train tickets, choosing accommodation, reading up on all the restaurants, museums and attractions – these all increase the overall satisfaction your holiday gives you. And you’ll be extra prepared for when you go! Making a plan for the future is also a great way to help you stay focused because you know you have something to look forward to.\n\n### Send a letter\nEmail and smartphones have made it easy to stay in touch, but there’s still no better feeling than getting a handwritten letter. It’s a lovely old-school gesture that shows you care. Even if they live nearby, write letters to family and friends or people in need of companionship, like senior citizens in elderly care. Don’t forget you will need to buy stamps\\!\n\n### Sign up for an online course\nThere is a wealth of educational material available online, much of it free of charge and some offering certifications that can help your professional career. Websites like Coursera, edX, and uDemy offer a mix of free and paid online courses in a wide range of subjects. Some websites specialise in one subject area, like Codecademy for computer coding. Many universities also have online videos or podcasts of lectures that you can access for free: [Open culture compiled a list of 1,700 free courses here](https:\/\/www.openculture.com\/freeonlinecourses).\n\n### Cook a new recipe\nWhen you’re bored, escape your routine of cooking the same or very similar meals every night and try a brand-new recipe. Instead of ordering a takeaway to satisfy your curry cravings, make your own. Whip out that wok that’s been gathering dust in your cupboard and make an authentic stir fry. Or if you’re usually a meat-lover, try a healthy and hearty vegetarian recipe. You’ll be surprised just how easy and cheap some dishes are to make. Once you’ve tried [making your own pizza dough](https:\/\/www.bbcgoodfood.com\/user\/4089011\/recipe\/2-ingredient-pizza-dough) (with just two ingredients!) you’ll never want to spend money on a takeaway again\\!\n\nDiscover more about becoming a cadet or adult volunteer, by [finding your nearest detachment](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/find-a-detachment\/).\n\nShare this\n\n[share via email](<mailto:?subject=10 Ideas For Things To Do When You Are Bored&body= Hi there, Check out this article: https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/>)\n\nshare via link\n\n[share via twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=10%20Ideas%20For%20Things%20To%20Do%20When%20You%20Are%20Bored:https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n\n[share via linkedin](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/sharing\/share-offsite\/?url=https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n\n[share via facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/armycadets.com\/feature\/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored\/)\n\n[![Army Cadets home](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20194%2055'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![Army Cadets home](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/logo.png)](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/)\n\n[follow us on youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/cadetsarmy)\n\n[follow us on instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/armycadetsuk\/)\n\n[follow us on facebook](https:\/\/en-gb.facebook.com\/Armycadetforce\/)\n\n[follow us on LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/army-cadets-force)\n\nContact & Support\n\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/contact-us\/)\n- [Find a detachment](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/find-a-detachment\/)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/faqs\/)\n- [Leave positive feedback](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/leave-positive-feedback\/)\n- [Withdraw Media Consent](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/withdraw-media-consent\/)\n\nQuick Links\n\n- [MyCadet app](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/mycadet-app\/)\n- [Cadet portal](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cadet-portal\/)\n- [Army Cadet webstore](https:\/\/armycadetswebstore.com\/rt\/p\/home-page)\n- [Job vacancies](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/job-vacancies\/)\n- [Cadets Brand Hub](https:\/\/cadetsbrand.co.uk\/)\n- [Press & media](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/news-media\/press-media\/)\n- [Donate to ACCT UK](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/donate-to-accuk\/)\n\nExplore Army Cadets\n\n- [Battalions, Counties & Sectors](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/battalions-counties-sectors\/)\n- [Army Cadets Scotland](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/army-cadets-scotland\/)\n- [Army Cadets Wales](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/army-cadets-wales\/)\n- [Army Cadets Northern Ireland](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/army-cadets-northern-ireland\/)\n- [Our charity ACCT UK](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/about-us\/our-charity\/)\n\nOur Policies\n\n- [Safeguarding & wellbeing](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/parents-guardians\/safeguarding-wellbeing\/)\n- [Data protection](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/data-protection\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/accessibility\/)\n- [Cookies](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/cookies\/)\n\n© 2026 Crown Copyright\n\nCookie settings\n\n[Sitemap](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/sitemap)\n\nWebsite by [Studio Republic](https:\/\/www.studiorepublic.com\/)\n\nClose\n\n## Did you mean?","attrs_readable_markdown":"Boredom isn’t limited to teenagers or tired children asking ‘are we there yet?’ in the car. Grown-ups get bored too. You might be recently retired and looking for something to fill your new free time. You might have just moved to a new area and are looking for fun activities to build your social life. Or, you might have simply found yourself wanting to shake up your normal routine. Whatever the reason, here are some ideas for things to do when you are bored.\n\n## What to do when you are bored\n### **Start a hobby**\nBoredom presents the perfect opportunity to take up a new hobby. Revisit one from your younger years, like piano lessons or riding bicycles, or try something new, like Japanese lessons or yoga. You can challenge your brain with the strategic game of chess or develop your artistic potential with painting. The internet is a fantastic resource of ideas for new hobbyists, with all the support, help and inspiration you could ever need among like-minded communities found on sites like Reddit and Facebook. Just remember to [stay safe online](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/how-to-stay-safe-online\/).\n\n### Join a local sports team\nTeam sports are a great blend of [physical and social activity](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/the-physiological-and-social-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-adults\/). Netball, cricket, football, rugby – the list is endless. Playing on a sports team engages your competitive nature while also strengthening your team-building skills. And, most importantly, you’ll exercise and keep fit. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the [Adventurous Training](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/what-we-do\/adventurous-training-at\/) course provided by the Army Cadets.\n\n### [Volunteer with the Army Cadet Force](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/volunteer-with-us\/)\nWe’re one of the largest youth organisations in the UK, but we’re not just for young people. We have over 9,500 adult volunteers either instructing and training young cadets or managing organisational processes. The ACF has a lot to offer adult volunteers: stopping boredom, staying [active outdoors](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/great-outdoor-adventure-activities-for-adults\/), mentoring young people, [learning new skills](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/ten-ways-you-can-try-something-new\/), [building your confidence](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/features\/how-to-build-confidence\/) and meeting likeminded people.\n\n### Start a book or movie club\nClubs are an excellent way to get together with your friends and spend time doing something you enjoy. If you’re a book-lover, start a regular monthly book club, hosted at your home or a nice café. If you’re more of a cinephile, a movie club is perfect. You’ll save money on cinema tickets, and while making your popcorn is mandatory (and deliciously simple), you can also liven up the night with some other food ideas. You can find more inspiration among the pages of our digital magazine. For example, the February 2023 issue has a [great recipe for smoothies](https:\/\/issuu.com\/salt-media\/docs\/army_cadet_magazine_digital_february?fr=sNWRmODU1ODQ2MzI) on page 26.\n\n### Reconnect with an old friend\nAmidst work and family obligations, it’s easy to lose touch with friends. If you need something to do when you’re bored, why not reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Invite them over for tea or out for a run and spend some quality time catching up. If they live far away, suggest a video call. Whatever you do, they’ll be glad to hear from you.\n\n### Declutter your house\nClearing up your home is one of the most productive ways to fight boredom and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start small: pick a single category of stuff – shoes, books, photos – and lay them all out. Decide which to keep, which to throw away and which to donate. Then you can store them in a neat and organised way. You will be surprised by what you find that you don’t need anymore, and the things you loved which you have forgotten about.\n\n### Plan your next holiday\nStudies have shown that a lot of the pleasure you get from holidays comes from the planning and anticipating before you go. Researching flights or train tickets, choosing accommodation, reading up on all the restaurants, museums and attractions – these all increase the overall satisfaction your holiday gives you. And you’ll be extra prepared for when you go! Making a plan for the future is also a great way to help you stay focused because you know you have something to look forward to.\n\n### Send a letter\nEmail and smartphones have made it easy to stay in touch, but there’s still no better feeling than getting a handwritten letter. It’s a lovely old-school gesture that shows you care. Even if they live nearby, write letters to family and friends or people in need of companionship, like senior citizens in elderly care. Don’t forget you will need to buy stamps\\!\n\n### Sign up for an online course\nThere is a wealth of educational material available online, much of it free of charge and some offering certifications that can help your professional career. Websites like Coursera, edX, and uDemy offer a mix of free and paid online courses in a wide range of subjects. Some websites specialise in one subject area, like Codecademy for computer coding. Many universities also have online videos or podcasts of lectures that you can access for free: [Open culture compiled a list of 1,700 free courses here](https:\/\/www.openculture.com\/freeonlinecourses).\n\n### Cook a new recipe\nWhen you’re bored, escape your routine of cooking the same or very similar meals every night and try a brand-new recipe. Instead of ordering a takeaway to satisfy your curry cravings, make your own. Whip out that wok that’s been gathering dust in your cupboard and make an authentic stir fry. Or if you’re usually a meat-lover, try a healthy and hearty vegetarian recipe. You’ll be surprised just how easy and cheap some dishes are to make. Once you’ve tried [making your own pizza dough](https:\/\/www.bbcgoodfood.com\/user\/4089011\/recipe\/2-ingredient-pizza-dough) (with just two ingredients!) you’ll never want to spend money on a takeaway again\\!\n\nDiscover more about becoming a cadet or adult volunteer, by [finding your nearest detachment](https:\/\/armycadets.com\/find-a-detachment\/).","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	10 Ideas For Things To Do When You Are Bored \| Army Cadets UK
Meta Description	Discover our top 10 ideas of what to do when you are bored, from starting a new hobby to volunteering for the ACF. Learn more about Army Cadets now.
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Boilerpipe Text	Boredom isn’t limited to teenagers or tired children asking ‘are we there yet?’ in the car. Grown-ups get bored too. You might be recently retired and looking for something to fill your new free time. You might have just moved to a new area and are looking for fun activities to build your social life. Or, you might have simply found yourself wanting to shake up your normal routine. Whatever the reason, here are some ideas for things to do when you are bored. What to do when you are bored Start a hobby Boredom presents the perfect opportunity to take up a new hobby. Revisit one from your younger years, like piano lessons or riding bicycles, or try something new, like Japanese lessons or yoga. You can challenge your brain with the strategic game of chess or develop your artistic potential with painting. The internet is a fantastic resource of ideas for new hobbyists, with all the support, help and inspiration you could ever need among like-minded communities found on sites like Reddit and Facebook. Just remember to stay safe online . Join a local sports team Team sports are a great blend of physical and social activity . Netball, cricket, football, rugby – the list is endless. Playing on a sports team engages your competitive nature while also strengthening your team-building skills. And, most importantly, you’ll exercise and keep fit. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the Adventurous Training course provided by the Army Cadets. Volunteer with the Army Cadet Force We’re one of the largest youth organisations in the UK, but we’re not just for young people. We have over 9,500 adult volunteers either instructing and training young cadets or managing organisational processes. The ACF has a lot to offer adult volunteers: stopping boredom, staying active outdoors , mentoring young people, learning new skills , building your confidence and meeting likeminded people. Start a book or movie club Clubs are an excellent way to get together with your friends and spend time doing something you enjoy. If you’re a book-lover, start a regular monthly book club, hosted at your home or a nice café. If you’re more of a cinephile, a movie club is perfect. You’ll save money on cinema tickets, and while making your popcorn is mandatory (and deliciously simple), you can also liven up the night with some other food ideas. You can find more inspiration among the pages of our digital magazine. For example, the February 2023 issue has a great recipe for smoothies on page 26. Reconnect with an old friend Amidst work and family obligations, it’s easy to lose touch with friends. If you need something to do when you’re bored, why not reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Invite them over for tea or out for a run and spend some quality time catching up. If they live far away, suggest a video call. Whatever you do, they’ll be glad to hear from you. Declutter your house Clearing up your home is one of the most productive ways to fight boredom and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start small: pick a single category of stuff – shoes, books, photos – and lay them all out. Decide which to keep, which to throw away and which to donate. Then you can store them in a neat and organised way. You will be surprised by what you find that you don’t need anymore, and the things you loved which you have forgotten about. Plan your next holiday Studies have shown that a lot of the pleasure you get from holidays comes from the planning and anticipating before you go. Researching flights or train tickets, choosing accommodation, reading up on all the restaurants, museums and attractions – these all increase the overall satisfaction your holiday gives you. And you’ll be extra prepared for when you go! Making a plan for the future is also a great way to help you stay focused because you know you have something to look forward to. Send a letter Email and smartphones have made it easy to stay in touch, but there’s still no better feeling than getting a handwritten letter. It’s a lovely old-school gesture that shows you care. Even if they live nearby, write letters to family and friends or people in need of companionship, like senior citizens in elderly care. Don’t forget you will need to buy stamps! Sign up for an online course There is a wealth of educational material available online, much of it free of charge and some offering certifications that can help your professional career. Websites like Coursera, edX, and uDemy offer a mix of free and paid online courses in a wide range of subjects. Some websites specialise in one subject area, like Codecademy for computer coding. Many universities also have online videos or podcasts of lectures that you can access for free: Open culture compiled a list of 1,700 free courses here . Cook a new recipe When you’re bored, escape your routine of cooking the same or very similar meals every night and try a brand-new recipe. Instead of ordering a takeaway to satisfy your curry cravings, make your own. Whip out that wok that’s been gathering dust in your cupboard and make an authentic stir fry. Or if you’re usually a meat-lover, try a healthy and hearty vegetarian recipe. You’ll be surprised just how easy and cheap some dishes are to make. Once you’ve tried making your own pizza dough (with just two ingredients!) you’ll never want to spend money on a takeaway again! Discover more about becoming a cadet or adult volunteer, by finding your nearest detachment .
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[Inspiring feature articles](https://armycadets.com/news-media/inspiring-feature-articles/) 3. \> 4. 10 Ideas For Things To Do When You Are Bored News & Media 13 May 2016 ###### Share: [share via email](<mailto:?subject=10 Ideas For Things To Do When You Are Bored&body= Hi there, Check out this article: https://armycadets.com/feature/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored/>) share via link [share via twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=10%20Ideas%20For%20Things%20To%20Do%20When%20You%20Are%20Bored:https://armycadets.com/feature/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored/) [share via linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://armycadets.com/feature/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored/) [share via facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://armycadets.com/feature/10-ideas-for-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored/) # 10 Ideas For Things To Do When You Are Bored ![IMG 20191012 130821](https://armycadets.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_20191012_130821_2021-01-28-113949-840x480-c-default.webp) Boredom isn’t limited to teenagers or tired children asking ‘are we there yet?’ in the car. Grown-ups get bored too. You might be recently retired and looking for something to fill your new free time. You might have just moved to a new area and are looking for fun activities to build your social life. Or, you might have simply found yourself wanting to shake up your normal routine. Whatever the reason, here are some ideas for things to do when you are bored. ## What to do when you are bored ### Start a hobby Boredom presents the perfect opportunity to take up a new hobby. Revisit one from your younger years, like piano lessons or riding bicycles, or try something new, like Japanese lessons or yoga. You can challenge your brain with the strategic game of chess or develop your artistic potential with painting. The internet is a fantastic resource of ideas for new hobbyists, with all the support, help and inspiration you could ever need among like-minded communities found on sites like Reddit and Facebook. Just remember to [stay safe online](https://armycadets.com/features/how-to-stay-safe-online/). ### Join a local sports team Team sports are a great blend of [physical and social activity](https://armycadets.com/features/the-physiological-and-social-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-adults/). Netball, cricket, football, rugby – the list is endless. Playing on a sports team engages your competitive nature while also strengthening your team-building skills. And, most importantly, you’ll exercise and keep fit. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the [Adventurous Training](https://armycadets.com/what-we-do/adventurous-training-at/) course provided by the Army Cadets. ### [Volunteer with the Army Cadet Force](https://armycadets.com/volunteer-with-us/) We’re one of the largest youth organisations in the UK, but we’re not just for young people. We have over 9,500 adult volunteers either instructing and training young cadets or managing organisational processes. The ACF has a lot to offer adult volunteers: stopping boredom, staying [active outdoors](https://armycadets.com/features/great-outdoor-adventure-activities-for-adults/), mentoring young people, [learning new skills](https://armycadets.com/features/ten-ways-you-can-try-something-new/), [building your confidence](https://armycadets.com/features/how-to-build-confidence/) and meeting likeminded people. ### Start a book or movie club Clubs are an excellent way to get together with your friends and spend time doing something you enjoy. If you’re a book-lover, start a regular monthly book club, hosted at your home or a nice café. If you’re more of a cinephile, a movie club is perfect. You’ll save money on cinema tickets, and while making your popcorn is mandatory (and deliciously simple), you can also liven up the night with some other food ideas. You can find more inspiration among the pages of our digital magazine. For example, the February 2023 issue has a [great recipe for smoothies](https://issuu.com/salt-media/docs/army_cadet_magazine_digital_february?fr=sNWRmODU1ODQ2MzI) on page 26. ### Reconnect with an old friend Amidst work and family obligations, it’s easy to lose touch with friends. If you need something to do when you’re bored, why not reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Invite them over for tea or out for a run and spend some quality time catching up. If they live far away, suggest a video call. Whatever you do, they’ll be glad to hear from you. ### Declutter your house Clearing up your home is one of the most productive ways to fight boredom and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start small: pick a single category of stuff – shoes, books, photos – and lay them all out. Decide which to keep, which to throw away and which to donate. Then you can store them in a neat and organised way. You will be surprised by what you find that you don’t need anymore, and the things you loved which you have forgotten about. ### Plan your next holiday Studies have shown that a lot of the pleasure you get from holidays comes from the planning and anticipating before you go. Researching flights or train tickets, choosing accommodation, reading up on all the restaurants, museums and attractions – these all increase the overall satisfaction your holiday gives you. And you’ll be extra prepared for when you go! Making a plan for the future is also a great way to help you stay focused because you know you have something to look forward to. ### Send a letter Email and smartphones have made it easy to stay in touch, but there’s still no better feeling than getting a handwritten letter. It’s a lovely old-school gesture that shows you care. Even if they live nearby, write letters to family and friends or people in need of companionship, like senior citizens in elderly care. Don’t forget you will need to buy stamps\! ### Sign up for an online course There is a wealth of educational material available online, much of it free of charge and some offering certifications that can help your professional career. Websites like Coursera, edX, and uDemy offer a mix of free and paid online courses in a wide range of subjects. Some websites specialise in one subject area, like Codecademy for computer coding. Many universities also have online videos or podcasts of lectures that you can access for free: [Open culture compiled a list of 1,700 free courses here](https://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses). ### Cook a new recipe When you’re bored, escape your routine of cooking the same or very similar meals every night and try a brand-new recipe. Instead of ordering a takeaway to satisfy your curry cravings, make your own. Whip out that wok that’s been gathering dust in your cupboard and make an authentic stir fry. Or if you’re usually a meat-lover, try a healthy and hearty vegetarian recipe. You’ll be surprised just how easy and cheap some dishes are to make. Once you’ve tried [making your own pizza dough](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/user/4089011/recipe/2-ingredient-pizza-dough) (with just two ingredients!) you’ll never want to spend money on a takeaway again\! Discover more about becoming a cadet or adult volunteer, by [finding your nearest detachment](https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/). 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Readable Markdown	Boredom isn’t limited to teenagers or tired children asking ‘are we there yet?’ in the car. Grown-ups get bored too. You might be recently retired and looking for something to fill your new free time. You might have just moved to a new area and are looking for fun activities to build your social life. Or, you might have simply found yourself wanting to shake up your normal routine. Whatever the reason, here are some ideas for things to do when you are bored. ## What to do when you are bored ### Start a hobby Boredom presents the perfect opportunity to take up a new hobby. Revisit one from your younger years, like piano lessons or riding bicycles, or try something new, like Japanese lessons or yoga. You can challenge your brain with the strategic game of chess or develop your artistic potential with painting. The internet is a fantastic resource of ideas for new hobbyists, with all the support, help and inspiration you could ever need among like-minded communities found on sites like Reddit and Facebook. Just remember to [stay safe online](https://armycadets.com/features/how-to-stay-safe-online/). ### Join a local sports team Team sports are a great blend of [physical and social activity](https://armycadets.com/features/the-physiological-and-social-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-adults/). Netball, cricket, football, rugby – the list is endless. Playing on a sports team engages your competitive nature while also strengthening your team-building skills. And, most importantly, you’ll exercise and keep fit. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the [Adventurous Training](https://armycadets.com/what-we-do/adventurous-training-at/) course provided by the Army Cadets. ### [Volunteer with the Army Cadet Force](https://armycadets.com/volunteer-with-us/) We’re one of the largest youth organisations in the UK, but we’re not just for young people. We have over 9,500 adult volunteers either instructing and training young cadets or managing organisational processes. The ACF has a lot to offer adult volunteers: stopping boredom, staying [active outdoors](https://armycadets.com/features/great-outdoor-adventure-activities-for-adults/), mentoring young people, [learning new skills](https://armycadets.com/features/ten-ways-you-can-try-something-new/), [building your confidence](https://armycadets.com/features/how-to-build-confidence/) and meeting likeminded people. ### Start a book or movie club Clubs are an excellent way to get together with your friends and spend time doing something you enjoy. If you’re a book-lover, start a regular monthly book club, hosted at your home or a nice café. If you’re more of a cinephile, a movie club is perfect. You’ll save money on cinema tickets, and while making your popcorn is mandatory (and deliciously simple), you can also liven up the night with some other food ideas. You can find more inspiration among the pages of our digital magazine. For example, the February 2023 issue has a [great recipe for smoothies](https://issuu.com/salt-media/docs/army_cadet_magazine_digital_february?fr=sNWRmODU1ODQ2MzI) on page 26. ### Reconnect with an old friend Amidst work and family obligations, it’s easy to lose touch with friends. If you need something to do when you’re bored, why not reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Invite them over for tea or out for a run and spend some quality time catching up. If they live far away, suggest a video call. Whatever you do, they’ll be glad to hear from you. ### Declutter your house Clearing up your home is one of the most productive ways to fight boredom and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start small: pick a single category of stuff – shoes, books, photos – and lay them all out. Decide which to keep, which to throw away and which to donate. Then you can store them in a neat and organised way. You will be surprised by what you find that you don’t need anymore, and the things you loved which you have forgotten about. ### Plan your next holiday Studies have shown that a lot of the pleasure you get from holidays comes from the planning and anticipating before you go. Researching flights or train tickets, choosing accommodation, reading up on all the restaurants, museums and attractions – these all increase the overall satisfaction your holiday gives you. And you’ll be extra prepared for when you go! Making a plan for the future is also a great way to help you stay focused because you know you have something to look forward to. ### Send a letter Email and smartphones have made it easy to stay in touch, but there’s still no better feeling than getting a handwritten letter. It’s a lovely old-school gesture that shows you care. Even if they live nearby, write letters to family and friends or people in need of companionship, like senior citizens in elderly care. Don’t forget you will need to buy stamps\! ### Sign up for an online course There is a wealth of educational material available online, much of it free of charge and some offering certifications that can help your professional career. Websites like Coursera, edX, and uDemy offer a mix of free and paid online courses in a wide range of subjects. Some websites specialise in one subject area, like Codecademy for computer coding. Many universities also have online videos or podcasts of lectures that you can access for free: [Open culture compiled a list of 1,700 free courses here](https://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses). ### Cook a new recipe When you’re bored, escape your routine of cooking the same or very similar meals every night and try a brand-new recipe. Instead of ordering a takeaway to satisfy your curry cravings, make your own. Whip out that wok that’s been gathering dust in your cupboard and make an authentic stir fry. Or if you’re usually a meat-lover, try a healthy and hearty vegetarian recipe. You’ll be surprised just how easy and cheap some dishes are to make. Once you’ve tried [making your own pizza dough](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/user/4089011/recipe/2-ingredient-pizza-dough) (with just two ingredients!) you’ll never want to spend money on a takeaway again\! Discover more about becoming a cadet or adult volunteer, by [finding your nearest detachment](https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/).
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