🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 88 (from laksa111)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa088.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://theeverygirl.com/things-to-do-when-youre-bored/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://theeverygirl.com/things-to-do-when-youre-bored/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/things-to-do-when-youre-bored\/","crawl_time":1776731808,"first_indexed_time":1627052623,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,theeverygirl!\/things-to-do-when-youre-bored\/ s443","src_root_hash":"15242896837219961888","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"15 Things To Do When You're Bored | The Everygirl","meta_descriptions":["If you want to break the endless cycle of watching reality TV and scrolling on your phone, here are some things to do when you're bored:"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"October 3, 2021\nThe Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.\nWhen I was young, one of my most favorite pastimes was to whine a desperate, “I’m bored,” to just about anyone who would listen. Though I don’t declare my boredom to the universe as dramatically as I used to, it usually and silently manifests as a ton of screen time and a whole lot of blue light. Last weekend, while I was on my eighth episode of half-watching Love Island and scrolling\nTikTok\nat the same time, a lightbulb went off in my head. What if I could replace mindlessly swiping and barely binge-watching with activities that actually inspire me? So I etched up a list of things to do while I’m bored.\nDiscovering little (or large) pockets in the day where you find yourself with a lack of entertainment or duty is the perfect opportunity to get to that ever-growing list of\nhobbies\nyou want to try, random tasks you want to check off your list, or pastimes you want to revisit. The next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling or audibly sighing, “I’m bored,” turn to this list of 15 things to do—that doesn’t include scrolling on your phone.\n1. Paint\nChannel your inner Picasso, get a canvas, grab your paintbrushes, and let’s get artsy. Painting can be such a great way to flex your creative muscle and to do something that doesn’t involve screen time. Whether you opt for paint-by-numbers or freehand on a canvas, you’re bound to get inspired and create something that you’re proud of.\n2. Deep clean your bathroom\nListen, I never said that tackling boredom was glamorous. Deep cleaning your bathroom can be a task and one that is tough to achieve during the hectic ongoings of a busy week. If you ever have an extra hour or two, it might just be the perfect time to bite the bullet, grab some gloves, and get to scrubbing. Once you get in the groove and get it done, you’ll be so happy that you did it.\n3. Journal\nJournaling is one of the easiest ways to fill the void that comes with free time and one that can really help you clear your head, get in tune with your emotions, set goals for your future, practice gratitude, and manifest what you want your future to look like. Whether you invest in\na prompting journal\n, answer\nonline prompts\non a napkin, or write your stream of consciousness in a sketchbook, this is a great activity. Getting your pen to paper and your thoughts out into the universe can really help you think and evaluate your reality.\n4. Make a playlist\nI can appreciate a good playlist, but truth be told, I’ve never made my own. The next time you find yourself with a few extra minutes, organize your music into playlists to streamline future listening. Make personal playlists for working out, crying about an ex, dancing the night away after a few glasses of wine, and oldies that’ll take you right back to the prime of your high school years. Who knows, maybe creating your own soundtracks will turn into a one-woman dance party that you definitely won’t be mad about.\n5. Organize your closet\nI don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to\nclean your closet\n. Again. I know, it feels like you just did it yesterday, but let’s be real: Since you last cleaned it out, styles have been deemed “\ncheugy\n,” you’ve accumulated new pieces, and, surprise, you didn’t touch those three items that you swore you’d wear this summer. Reorganize your clothes, bag up what you don’t need, and either sell it or donate it to make getting ready a bit smoother.\n6. Start a new book\nYour ever-growing to-read list is calling, and it’s finally time for it to shine! If you’re feeling inspired and looking to improve your bad self,\ngive one of these reads a go.\nIf you’re just looking for the simple joy of getting lost in a\ngreat novel\n, crack open one of these.\n7. Give yourself a manicure\/pedicure\nA self-care activity that can help us save money? Sign us up. Give your nails the TLC that they deserve and treat yourself to an at-home mani or pedi. We’re talking the whole nine yards—cuticle care, shaping, painting, and even nail art. With these\ntips from the cofounder of OPI\n, you’ll absolutely nail your next at-home manicure situation.\n8. Do an online workout\nOne of the best things to come out of quarantine was the fact that so many of our favorite workout avenues now offer virtual workout sessions. Whether you’re a fan of\nyoga, pilates, weightlifting, or a quick cardio session\n, there’s an online workout with your name on it. Getting your sweat on and subjecting yourself to that post-workout endorphin rush? Sounds like our idea of a good time.\n9. Go for a walk and listen to a podcast\nIf it’s nice out, getting some fresh air, getting some steps in, and listening to your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook is a recipe for time well spent. You’re exercising, you’re finally able to catch up on your favorite podcast, and you’re not scrolling on your phone while becoming one with your couch. Talk about a win-win situation.\n10. Call a friend\nIn the hustle-and-bustle of day-to-day life, it can be tough to keep up with what our friends and fam are up to. If you find some extra time, rekindling relationships, checking in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a minute, or catching up with a family member can help you feel connected to others. FaceTime, call, or send a text to experience the magic of maintaining and growing your relationships.\n11. Try to recreate your favorite restaurant meal\nI’m looking at you, Carmine’s vodka pasta. In the chaos of a normal week, we often lean on our go-to, quick-and-easy recipes. While we hold them in the highest regard, the automation and repetition of eating the same things over and over can take the fun out of cooking. Fall in love with cooking again by going all out, stepping out of your comfort zone, and recreating your favorite restaurant meal. Bon appétit!\n12. Organize\/back up your photos\nTake a trip down memory lane and go deep into your archives because when you’re bored is the best time to go through your photos, organize them into albums, and back them up to ensure they’re stored safely. Who knows, you might find some forgotten hidden gems in the process.\n13. Plan your next vacation\nWhether you have a vacation coming up or just want to daydream about getaways you’ve always wanted to experience, planning your next (or dream) vacation is a fun and productive way to pass time. Research where you’ll be going, where you would stay, what attractions you want to see, places you want to eat, and give in to your wanderlust.\n14. Learn a new language\nI downloaded\nDuolingo\nlast year to brush up on my Spanish (really wish I would have paid more attention during my high school language course), and I’ve found it to be one of the most productive ways to kill time. Here’s an idea: Commit to\nlearning a new language\nwith a friend, practice together, and plan to book a trip overseas so that you can “refine the language.”\n15. Clean your makeup brushes\nQ: When was the last time you\ncleaned your makeup brushes\n? A: We can’t remember, but we’re probably long overdue. While you should be cleaning your makeup brushes every few weeks, it can definitely take a backseat to all of the higher-priority tasks that we deal with in our daily lives. If you find a few free minutes in your day, it’s 100 percent worth your time to clean your brushes that have likely built up a good amount of bacteria since the last time you gave them some love.\nOctober 2, 2021\nThe bizarre and unnerving story of\nGabby Petito\n—a YouTuber who went missing while traveling across the country with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie—sent the media into a frenzy. Like many popular true crime cases, various theories emerged about what took place, and internet sleuths poured over Petito’s and Laundrie’s YouTube videos and social media accounts looking for clues. In the midst of the unfolding story, an important and often forgotten realization resurfaced: Black women are missing too. Petito’s case has shed more light on the reality that, compared to missing white women, missing Women of Color do not receive the same media attention. This is known as “missing white woman syndrome,” a phrase coined by late journalist\nGwen Ifill\n.\nMissing White Women Syndrome Excludes Women of Color\nPut simply, media platforms and individuals express greater interest in stories about missing white women. If you think about it, you can probably recall a list of white women and girls who received considerable media attention around their missing status—\nNatalee Holloway\n,\nLaci Peterson\n,\nLauren Spirier\n,\nCaylee Anthony\n, and\nJonBenét Ramsey\nare just a few names. In contrast, do any names of missing Women or Girls of Color come to mind? If so, how many?\nThe statistics for missing Black women and girls is staggering. According to the National Crime Information Center, 268,884 women and girls were reported missing in 2020, and\n34 percent\nof them were Black. This figure is outrageous since Black women and girls only make up 15 percent of the U.S. population. NPR reports that the media is\nfour times as likely\nto report on missing white people than missing people of color. Moreover, media outlets are more likely to have\nrepeated coverage\nof missing white women than they are Black women.\nHistory Says to Keep White Women Safe At All Costs\nDifferential treatment of Black and white women is a historic, established practice in the U.S. The disparity first began during enslavement of African people, where African women were often tortured, raped, and brutalized, a far different experience than that of the enslavers’ wives, who were seen as delicate and pristine.\nAttempting to maintain white women’s perceived “purity” has routinely led to difficulty for Black people, as demonstrated in life and in art. In 1915, a film called\n“Birth of a Nation”\nwas released as a groundbreaking, first of its kind feature-length film about the Civil War and Reconstruction Era in the South. In addition to the glorification of the Ku Klux Klan and other racist archetypical portrayals, was the depiction of Black men as lustful brutes who would tarnish white women. This idea stemmed directly from racism, and it reflected beliefs that Black men were barbaric and that white women needed constant protection.\nAs the saying goes, art imitates life. There are innumerable accounts of Black men being captured, tortured, and killed for things as trivial as looking at white women. In 1955, 40 years after “Birth of a Nation” was released, a 14-year-old boy from Chicago named\nEmmett Till\nwas kidnapped and tortured while visiting his uncle in rural Mississippi. Till allegedly flirted with a white woman in a store, and the woman’s husband and brother kidnapped him a few nights later. He was beaten, shot, and his eye was gouged out, leaving his body unrecognizable when it was recovered from the Tallahatchie River. Years later, the woman who Till reportedly flirted with admitted that he never even spoke to her, let alone flirted with her. Essentially, Till was murdered by men trying to “protect the honor” of a white woman.\nPortraying white women as beings who need protecting, and scapegoating Black people as infringers of said protection, contributes to the outrage felt when white women go missing and the deafening silence when Black women go missing.\nGiving Equal Airtime to Missing Black Women\nWhen it comes to missing persons, receiving media attention can literally be the difference between life and death. Naturally, the more people who know that someone is missing, the more opportunity there is in finding the person because more people are in position to call in tips, report sightings, or provide information. That was one of the reasons behind starting the\nAmber Alert\nsystem for missing children in 1996.\nThe Missing Persons Advocacy\nNetwork refers to media as a “great asset” and provides suggestions for media engagement when someone is missing.\nEven if media coverage doesn’t lead to the safe return of a missing person, it can, at least, direct law enforcement to crime scenes where remains could be found, as was the case with Gabby Petito. Keeping this in mind, disparity in media attention for missing Black women is more than an issue of exposure and cannot be chalked up to mere requests for publicity; it is a sinister omission that silences and ignores Black women, Black families, and the Black community.\nMWWS Affects Various Minority Communities\nLimited media coverage of missing persons expands beyond Black women. Indigenous women, transgender and gender fluid people, and minority children do not receive adequate media attention when they go missing, either. In Wyoming, where Gabby Petito’s remains were found, more than 700 Indigenous women have been reported missing since 2011. For Indigenous peoples, it is perplexing that major efforts went into locating Petito after two weeks when some families have\nneeded assistance\nlocating their loved ones for years. The\nMurdered and Missing Indigenous Women’s Movement\n(MMIWM) began in 2015 and is aimed at raising awareness about the issues of under-reporting, minimal search efforts, and lackluster media attention surrounding missing Indigenous women in the U.S. and Canada.\nSimilarly, transgender and gender fluid people go missing and experience violence at alarming rates, yet there is little media coverage about them. Individuals and organizations like\nGLAAD\nhave been extremely vocal, especially in the last few years, about the violence that members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience. The statistics around missing transgender and gender fluid people aren’t even gathered sufficiently enough to accurately represent the issue, which contributes to the problem. The LGBTQIA+ community largely communicates within itself through social media and\nprivate organizations\nto alert others about those who are missing or experience violence. Because the LGBTQIA+ community tends to be siloed by the media and community at large, they are also silenced.\nSilence is also a reality for\nmissing children of color\n. Of the 424,066 children who were reported missing in 2018 (the most recent figure), 37 percent of them were Black. A 2015 study found that media covered only seven percent of cases involving missing Black children, who, at the time, made up 35 percent of reported missing children. The details around missing children are a bit more tricky for various reasons—some families are fearful of reporting their children missing and some children are categorized as runaways. But, given that many people can list instances of missing white children and not missing Black children, the issue is still apparent.\nTaking Action Against MWWS\nGetting rid of MWWS will take collective and individual action. You can report missing Black women and girls to the Black and Missing Foundation\nhere\nand to the Our Black Girls website\nhere\n. Social media is also an immediate, engaging option that most of us have at our disposal. It doesn’t take much to share and repost alerts of missing Black women and girls, and it can really be effective. In 2014, 276 Nigerian girls were\nkidnapped from their school\nby local terrorist group Boko Haram. There was minimal media coverage of the mass kidnapping until the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag went viral on social media. Of the 276 girls, more than half have been found, but 112 are still missing.\nEliminating MWWS is not an attempt to pit Women of Color against white women. It is a matter of equal treatment. The issue, here, isn’t that stories of missing white women make the news, but rather, that stories of missing Black women do not. This disparity might seem benign or insurmountable; some argue that, given the sheer number of missing people in the U.S., it’s difficult to give equal air time to everyone. But the media can give more attention to missing Black women without diverting attention away from missing white women by diversifying their newsrooms and being active agents in seeking out stories of missing Black women. Balance is achievable.","attrs_markdown":"\n\n\n\n[![The Everygirl](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/themes\/theeverygirl\/images\/core\/the-everygirl-logo.png)](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/ \"The Everygirl\")\n\n[![The Everymom](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/themes\/theeverygirl\/images\/core\/the-everymom-logo.png)](https:\/\/theeverymom.com\/ \"The Everymom\")\n\n- [Podcast](https:\/\/www.theeverygirlpodcast.com\/episodes)\n- [Book Club](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/book-club\/)\n- [The Everygirl Shop](https:\/\/theeverygirlshop.com\/)\n- [CAMP EVERYGIRL](https:\/\/www.campeverygirl.com\/)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/advertise\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/about\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/contact\/)\n- [Join Our Team](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/careers\/)\n\n#### Read\n- [Career & Finance](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/career-finance\/)\n- [Fashion](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/fashion\/)\n- [Beauty](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/beauty\/)\n- [Living](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/living\/)\n- [Wellness](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/wellness\/)\n- [Sex & Relationships](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/sex-relationships\/)\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/entertainment\/)\n- [Tech Backgrounds](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/tech-backgrounds\/)\n\n#### Learn\n- [Podcast](https:\/\/www.theeverygirlpodcast.com\/episodes)\n- [Book Club](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/book-club\/)\n- [The Everygirl Shop](https:\/\/theeverygirlshop.com\/)\n- [CAMP EVERYGIRL](https:\/\/www.campeverygirl.com\/)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/advertise\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/contact\/)\n- [Join Our Team](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/careers\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/about\/)\n\n- [Career & Finance](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/career-finance\/)\n  - 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Here Are 15 Things You Can Do RN\n\nOctober 3, 2021\n\nwritten by  [ASHLEY SELLEKE](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/contributor\/ashley-selleke\/)\n\nThe Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.\n\n![Bored? Here Are 15 Things You Can Do RN](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/things-to-do-when-bored-the-everygirl-3.jpg)\n\n*Source:  [Sincerely Media \\| Unsplash](https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/ssDczX9Fbek)*\n\n![Bored? Here Are 15 Things You Can Do RN](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/things-to-do-when-bored-the-everygirl-3.jpg)\n\n*Source:  [Sincerely Media \\| Unsplash](https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/ssDczX9Fbek)*\n\nWhen I was young, one of my most favorite pastimes was to whine a desperate, “I’m bored,” to just about anyone who would listen. Though I don’t declare my boredom to the universe as dramatically as I used to, it usually and silently manifests as a ton of screen time and a whole lot of blue light. Last weekend, while I was on my eighth episode of half-watching Love Island and scrolling [TikTok](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/viral-tiktok-products\/) at the same time, a lightbulb went off in my head. What if I could replace mindlessly swiping and barely binge-watching with activities that actually inspire me? So I etched up a list of things to do while I’m bored.\n\n![STEVE MADDEN](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/the-everygirl-feature-bold-spring-pieces.jpg)\n\nSponsored by \/   [STEVE MADDEN](https:\/\/bit.ly\/4cvySmU \"Visit STEVE MADDEN\")\n\n[The 15 Bold Pieces on Our Fashion Writer’s Spring Wishlist](https:\/\/bit.ly\/4cvySmU \"Read more about The 15 Bold Pieces on Our Fashion Writer’s Spring Wishlist\")\n\nquiet luxury who?\n\n[CLICK TO READ](https:\/\/bit.ly\/4cvySmU \"Learn more about The 15 Bold Pieces on Our Fashion Writer’s Spring Wishlist\")\n\nDiscovering little (or large) pockets in the day where you find yourself with a lack of entertainment or duty is the perfect opportunity to get to that ever-growing list of [hobbies](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/hobbies-at-home\/) you want to try, random tasks you want to check off your list, or pastimes you want to revisit. The next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling or audibly sighing, “I’m bored,” turn to this list of 15 things to do—that doesn’t include scrolling on your phone.\n\n## 1\\. Paint\nChannel your inner Picasso, get a canvas, grab your paintbrushes, and let’s get artsy. Painting can be such a great way to flex your creative muscle and to do something that doesn’t involve screen time. Whether you opt for paint-by-numbers or freehand on a canvas, you’re bound to get inspired and create something that you’re proud of.\n\n## 2\\. Deep clean your bathroom\nListen, I never said that tackling boredom was glamorous. Deep cleaning your bathroom can be a task and one that is tough to achieve during the hectic ongoings of a busy week. If you ever have an extra hour or two, it might just be the perfect time to bite the bullet, grab some gloves, and get to scrubbing. Once you get in the groove and get it done, you’ll be so happy that you did it.\n\n> [View this post on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CQrmU8BJTCs\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n> \n> [A post shared by Studio McGee (@studiomcgee)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CQrmU8BJTCs\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n## 3\\. Journal\nJournaling is one of the easiest ways to fill the void that comes with free time and one that can really help you clear your head, get in tune with your emotions, set goals for your future, practice gratitude, and manifest what you want your future to look like. Whether you invest in [a prompting journal](https:\/\/rstyle.me\/+j48Tx-IYf3wlTvYrlzFtjg), answer [online prompts](https:\/\/witanddelight.com\/2020\/03\/20-journaling-prompts-i-swear-by-to-get-you-out-of-your-head\/#:~:text=Journaling%20Prompts%20for%20Self-Discovery,can%20wait%20until%20next%20week%3F) on a napkin, or write your stream of consciousness in a sketchbook, this is a great activity. Getting your pen to paper and your thoughts out into the universe can really help you think and evaluate your reality.\n\n## 4\\. Make a playlist\nI can appreciate a good playlist, but truth be told, I’ve never made my own. The next time you find yourself with a few extra minutes, organize your music into playlists to streamline future listening. Make personal playlists for working out, crying about an ex, dancing the night away after a few glasses of wine, and oldies that’ll take you right back to the prime of your high school years. Who knows, maybe creating your own soundtracks will turn into a one-woman dance party that you definitely won’t be mad about.\n\n## 5\\. Organize your closet\nI don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to [clean your closet](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/7-questions-to-ask-when-cleaning-out-your-closet\/). Again. I know, it feels like you just did it yesterday, but let’s be real: Since you last cleaned it out, styles have been deemed “[cheugy](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/cheugy-things-we-love\/),” you’ve accumulated new pieces, and, surprise, you didn’t touch those three items that you swore you’d wear this summer. Reorganize your clothes, bag up what you don’t need, and either sell it or donate it to make getting ready a bit smoother.\n\n## 6\\. Start a new book\nYour ever-growing to-read list is calling, and it’s finally time for it to shine! If you’re feeling inspired and looking to improve your bad self, [give one of these reads a go.](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/best-books-for-your-new-years-resolutions\/) If you’re just looking for the simple joy of getting lost in a [great novel](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/editors-favorite-books\/), crack open one of these.\n\n## 7\\. Give yourself a manicure\/pedicure\nA self-care activity that can help us save money? Sign us up. Give your nails the TLC that they deserve and treat yourself to an at-home mani or pedi. We’re talking the whole nine yards—cuticle care, shaping, painting, and even nail art. With these [tips from the cofounder of OPI](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/at-home-manicure\/), you’ll absolutely nail your next at-home manicure situation.\n\n> [View this post on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CQy44ATnO5B\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n> \n> [A post shared by Brooke & Meggan (@somewherelately)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CQy44ATnO5B\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n## 8\\. Do an online workout\nOne of the best things to come out of quarantine was the fact that so many of our favorite workout avenues now offer virtual workout sessions. Whether you’re a fan of [yoga, pilates, weightlifting, or a quick cardio session](https:\/\/theeverymom.com\/free-at-home-workouts-you-can-stream-right-now\/), there’s an online workout with your name on it. Getting your sweat on and subjecting yourself to that post-workout endorphin rush? Sounds like our idea of a good time.\n\n## 9\\. Go for a walk and listen to a podcast\nIf it’s nice out, getting some fresh air, getting some steps in, and listening to your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook is a recipe for time well spent. You’re exercising, you’re finally able to catch up on your favorite podcast, and you’re not scrolling on your phone while becoming one with your couch. Talk about a win-win situation.\n\n## 10\\. Call a friend\nIn the hustle-and-bustle of day-to-day life, it can be tough to keep up with what our friends and fam are up to. If you find some extra time, rekindling relationships, checking in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a minute, or catching up with a family member can help you feel connected to others. FaceTime, call, or send a text to experience the magic of maintaining and growing your relationships.\n\n## 11\\. Try to recreate your favorite restaurant meal\nI’m looking at you, Carmine’s vodka pasta. In the chaos of a normal week, we often lean on our go-to, quick-and-easy recipes. While we hold them in the highest regard, the automation and repetition of eating the same things over and over can take the fun out of cooking. Fall in love with cooking again by going all out, stepping out of your comfort zone, and recreating your favorite restaurant meal. Bon appétit\\!\n\n> [View this post on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CRDNGCwM2uw\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n> \n> [A post shared by Tieghan Gerard (@halfbakedharvest)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CRDNGCwM2uw\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n## 12\\. Organize\/back up your photos\nTake a trip down memory lane and go deep into your archives because when you’re bored is the best time to go through your photos, organize them into albums, and back them up to ensure they’re stored safely. Who knows, you might find some forgotten hidden gems in the process.\n\n## 13\\. Plan your next vacation\nWhether you have a vacation coming up or just want to daydream about getaways you’ve always wanted to experience, planning your next (or dream) vacation is a fun and productive way to pass time. Research where you’ll be going, where you would stay, what attractions you want to see, places you want to eat, and give in to your wanderlust.\n\n> [View this post on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/COGZLlbFG0N\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n> \n> [A post shared by Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger (@titispassion)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/COGZLlbFG0N\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n## 14\\. Learn a new language\nI downloaded [Duolingo](https:\/\/www.duolingo.com\/) last year to brush up on my Spanish (really wish I would have paid more attention during my high school language course), and I’ve found it to be one of the most productive ways to kill time. Here’s an idea: Commit to [learning a new language](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/how-to-actually-learn-a-new-language\/) with a friend, practice together, and plan to book a trip overseas so that you can “refine the language.”\n\n## 15\\. Clean your makeup brushes\nQ: When was the last time you [cleaned your makeup brushes](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/cleaning-makeup-brushes\/)? A: We can’t remember, but we’re probably long overdue. While you should be cleaning your makeup brushes every few weeks, it can definitely take a backseat to all of the higher-priority tasks that we deal with in our daily lives. If you find a few free minutes in your day, it’s 100 percent worth your time to clean your brushes that have likely built up a good amount of bacteria since the last time you gave them some love.\n\nWant More Like This?\n\nExclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.\n\n##### Read Next\n- [![easy hobbies to pick up](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/easy-hobbies-to-pick-up-the-everygirl-feature-474x316.jpg)](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/easy-hobbies-to-pick-up\/)\n  [Things to Do](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/living\/things-to-do\/)\n  #### [15 Easy Hobbies You Can Pick Up on a Whim](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/easy-hobbies-to-pick-up\/)\n- [![mother's day gifts](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/the-everygirl-feature-2025-mothers-day-gift-guide-474x316.jpg)](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/mothers-day-gift-guide\/)\n  [Shopping](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/living\/shopping-home\/)\n  #### [Mother’s Day Gifts That Will Secure Your Spot As Favorite Child](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/mothers-day-gift-guide\/)\n- [![ways to celebrate mother's day](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ways-to-celebrate-mothers-day-the-everygirl-feature-474x316.jpg)](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/how-to-celebrate-mothers-day\/)\n  [Things to Do](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/living\/things-to-do\/)\n  #### [15 Unique Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day That Will Make Her Feel Extra Special](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/how-to-celebrate-mothers-day\/)\n- [![chaos method decluttering](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/chaos-method-decluttering-the-everygirl-feature-474x316.jpg)](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/chaos-method-decluttering\/)\n  [Cleaning & Organizing](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/living\/cleaning-organizing\/)\n  #### [The “Chaos Method” Is the Fastest (and Most Unhinged) Way to Declutter—Here’s How to Try It](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/chaos-method-decluttering\/)\n\n[Black Lives Matter](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/community\/black-lives-matter\/)\n\n# Black Women Are Missing Too: Tackling Missing White Woman Syndrome\n\nOctober 2, 2021\n\nwritten by  [SARAH HUNT-BLACKWELL](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/contributor\/sarah-hunt-blackwell\/)\n\n![Black Women Are Missing Too: Tackling Missing White Woman Syndrome](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/missing-white-woman-syndrome-the-everygirl-3.jpg)\n\n*Source: Getty*\n\n![Black Women Are Missing Too: Tackling Missing White Woman Syndrome](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/missing-white-woman-syndrome-the-everygirl-3.jpg)\n\n*Source: Getty*\n\nThe bizarre and unnerving story of [Gabby Petito](https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/gabby-petito-brian-laundrie-timeline\/)—a YouTuber who went missing while traveling across the country with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie—sent the media into a frenzy. Like many popular true crime cases, various theories emerged about what took place, and internet sleuths poured over Petito’s and Laundrie’s YouTube videos and social media accounts looking for clues. In the midst of the unfolding story, an important and often forgotten realization resurfaced: Black women are missing too. Petito’s case has shed more light on the reality that, compared to missing white women, missing Women of Color do not receive the same media attention. This is known as “missing white woman syndrome,” a phrase coined by late journalist [Gwen Ifill](https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/weta\/washingtonweek\/profile\/gwen-ifill).\n\n## Missing White Women Syndrome Excludes Women of Color\nPut simply, media platforms and individuals express greater interest in stories about missing white women. If you think about it, you can probably recall a list of white women and girls who received considerable media attention around their missing status—[Natalee Holloway](https:\/\/www.biography.com\/news\/natalle-holloway-murder-timeline), [Laci Peterson](https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/culture\/culture-news\/laci-peterson-murder-everything-you-need-to-know-199774\/), [Lauren Spirier](https:\/\/findlauren.com\/), [Caylee Anthony](https:\/\/www.biography.com\/news\/casey-anthony-muder-trial-timeline-facts), and [JonBenét Ramsey](https:\/\/www.crimemuseum.org\/crime-library\/cold-cases\/jonbenet-ramsey\/) are just a few names. In contrast, do any names of missing Women or Girls of Color come to mind? If so, how many?\n\nThe statistics for missing Black women and girls is staggering. According to the National Crime Information Center, 268,884 women and girls were reported missing in 2020, and [34 percent](https:\/\/www.fbi.gov\/file-repository\/2020-ncic-missing-person-and-unidentified-person-statistics.pdf\/view) of them were Black. This figure is outrageous since Black women and girls only make up 15 percent of the U.S. population. NPR reports that the media is [four times as likely](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2017\/03\/23\/521278136\/the-missing-children-you-dont-hear-much-about) to report on missing white people than missing people of color. Moreover, media outlets are more likely to have [repeated coverage](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/codeswitch\/2017\/04\/13\/523769303\/what-we-know-and-dont-know-about-missing-white-women-syndrome) of missing white women than they are Black women.\n\n> [View this post on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CBicf-chLMc\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n> \n> [A post shared by Susana Draws ![✨](https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/2728.svg) (@susdraws)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CBicf-chLMc\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n## History Says to Keep White Women Safe At All Costs\nDifferential treatment of Black and white women is a historic, established practice in the U.S. The disparity first began during enslavement of African people, where African women were often tortured, raped, and brutalized, a far different experience than that of the enslavers’ wives, who were seen as delicate and pristine.\n\nAttempting to maintain white women’s perceived “purity” has routinely led to difficulty for Black people, as demonstrated in life and in art. In 1915, a film called [“Birth of a Nation”](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Birth-of-a-Nation) was released as a groundbreaking, first of its kind feature-length film about the Civil War and Reconstruction Era in the South. In addition to the glorification of the Ku Klux Klan and other racist archetypical portrayals, was the depiction of Black men as lustful brutes who would tarnish white women. This idea stemmed directly from racism, and it reflected beliefs that Black men were barbaric and that white women needed constant protection.\n\nAs the saying goes, art imitates life. There are innumerable accounts of Black men being captured, tortured, and killed for things as trivial as looking at white women. In 1955, 40 years after “Birth of a Nation” was released, a 14-year-old boy from Chicago named [Emmett Till](https:\/\/www.history.com\/this-day-in-history\/the-death-of-emmett-till) was kidnapped and tortured while visiting his uncle in rural Mississippi. Till allegedly flirted with a white woman in a store, and the woman’s husband and brother kidnapped him a few nights later. He was beaten, shot, and his eye was gouged out, leaving his body unrecognizable when it was recovered from the Tallahatchie River. Years later, the woman who Till reportedly flirted with admitted that he never even spoke to her, let alone flirted with her. Essentially, Till was murdered by men trying to “protect the honor” of a white woman.\n\nPortraying white women as beings who need protecting, and scapegoating Black people as infringers of said protection, contributes to the outrage felt when white women go missing and the deafening silence when Black women go missing.\n\n## Giving Equal Airtime to Missing Black Women\nWhen it comes to missing persons, receiving media attention can literally be the difference between life and death. Naturally, the more people who know that someone is missing, the more opportunity there is in finding the person because more people are in position to call in tips, report sightings, or provide information. That was one of the reasons behind starting the [Amber Alert](https:\/\/ndresponse.gov\/alert\/amber-alert\/history) system for missing children in 1996. [The Missing Persons Advocacy](https:\/\/www.missingpersonsguide.com\/media\/) Network refers to media as a “great asset” and provides suggestions for media engagement when someone is missing.\n\nEven if media coverage doesn’t lead to the safe return of a missing person, it can, at least, direct law enforcement to crime scenes where remains could be found, as was the case with Gabby Petito. Keeping this in mind, disparity in media attention for missing Black women is more than an issue of exposure and cannot be chalked up to mere requests for publicity; it is a sinister omission that silences and ignores Black women, Black families, and the Black community.\n\n> [View this post on Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CUFvArBJfJD\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n> \n> [A post shared by Soni López-Chávez (@soni\\_artist)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CUFvArBJfJD\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)\n## MWWS Affects Various Minority Communities\nLimited media coverage of missing persons expands beyond Black women. Indigenous women, transgender and gender fluid people, and minority children do not receive adequate media attention when they go missing, either. In Wyoming, where Gabby Petito’s remains were found, more than 700 Indigenous women have been reported missing since 2011. For Indigenous peoples, it is perplexing that major efforts went into locating Petito after two weeks when some families have [needed assistance](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/news\/us-news\/lack-awareness-data-hinders-cases-missing-murdered-native-american-women-n1235233) locating their loved ones for years. The [Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women’s Movement](https:\/\/www.nativehope.org\/en-us\/understanding-the-issue-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women) (MMIWM) began in 2015 and is aimed at raising awareness about the issues of under-reporting, minimal search efforts, and lackluster media attention surrounding missing Indigenous women in the U.S. and Canada.\n\nSimilarly, transgender and gender fluid people go missing and experience violence at alarming rates, yet there is little media coverage about them. Individuals and organizations like [GLAAD](https:\/\/www.glaad.org\/blog\/glaad-calls-increased-and-accurate-media-coverage-transgender-murders-0) have been extremely vocal, especially in the last few years, about the violence that members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience. The statistics around missing transgender and gender fluid people aren’t even gathered sufficiently enough to accurately represent the issue, which contributes to the problem. The LGBTQIA+ community largely communicates within itself through social media and [private organizations](https:\/\/www.hrc.org\/resources\/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2021) to alert others about those who are missing or experience violence. Because the LGBTQIA+ community tends to be siloed by the media and community at large, they are also silenced.\n\nSilence is also a reality for [missing children of color](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2019\/11\/03\/us\/missing-children-of-color-trnd\/index.html). Of the 424,066 children who were reported missing in 2018 (the most recent figure), 37 percent of them were Black. A 2015 study found that media covered only seven percent of cases involving missing Black children, who, at the time, made up 35 percent of reported missing children. The details around missing children are a bit more tricky for various reasons—some families are fearful of reporting their children missing and some children are categorized as runaways. But, given that many people can list instances of missing white children and not missing Black children, the issue is still apparent.\n\n## Taking Action Against MWWS\nGetting rid of MWWS will take collective and individual action. You can report missing Black women and girls to the Black and Missing Foundation [here](https:\/\/blackandmissinginc.com\/report\/) and to the Our Black Girls website [here](https:\/\/ourblackgirls.com\/contact\/). Social media is also an immediate, engaging option that most of us have at our disposal. It doesn’t take much to share and repost alerts of missing Black women and girls, and it can really be effective. In 2014, 276 Nigerian girls were [kidnapped from their school](https:\/\/bringbackourgirls.ng\/) by local terrorist group Boko Haram. There was minimal media coverage of the mass kidnapping until the \\#BringBackOurGirls hashtag went viral on social media. Of the 276 girls, more than half have been found, but 112 are still missing.\n\nEliminating MWWS is not an attempt to pit Women of Color against white women. It is a matter of equal treatment. The issue, here, isn’t that stories of missing white women make the news, but rather, that stories of missing Black women do not. This disparity might seem benign or insurmountable; some argue that, given the sheer number of missing people in the U.S., it’s difficult to give equal air time to everyone. But the media can give more attention to missing Black women without diverting attention away from missing white women by diversifying their newsrooms and being active agents in seeking out stories of missing Black women. Balance is achievable.\n\nWant More Like This?\n\nExclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.\n\n##### Read Next\n- [![trader joe's mother's day items](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/trader-joes-mothers-day-the-everygirl-feature-474x316.jpg)](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/trader-joes-mothers-day-brunch\/)\n  [Trader Joe's](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/living\/trader-joes\/)\n  #### [15 Trader Joe’s Finds That Are Perfect for Mother’s Day Brunch](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/trader-joes-mothers-day-brunch\/)\n- [![hobby gifts](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/the-everygirl-feature-hobby-gifts-for-moms-474x316.jpg)](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/hobby-gifts\/)\n  [Shopping](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/living\/shopping-home\/)\n  #### [40+ Gifts for the Mom Who Wants to Try a New Hobby](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/hobby-gifts\/)\n- [![easy hobbies to pick up](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/easy-hobbies-to-pick-up-the-everygirl-feature-474x316.jpg)](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/easy-hobbies-to-pick-up\/)\n  [Things to Do](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/living\/things-to-do\/)\n  #### [15 Easy Hobbies You Can Pick Up on a Whim](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/easy-hobbies-to-pick-up\/)\n- [![mother's day gifts](https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/the-everygirl-feature-2025-mothers-day-gift-guide-474x316.jpg)](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/mothers-day-gift-guide\/)\n  [Shopping](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/category\/living\/shopping-home\/)\n  #### [Mother’s Day Gifts That Will Secure Your Spot As Favorite Child](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/mothers-day-gift-guide\/)\n\n## Log In\nGood to see you again.\n\n[New to The Everygirl? 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Looking to advertise? We’d love to hear from you.\n\n[get in touch](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/contact\/)\n\n[About](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/about\/)  \\|  [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/privacy-policy\/)  \\|  [Terms of Service](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/terms-of-service\/)\n\n© 2023 The Everygirl Media Group, LLC","attrs_readable_markdown":"October 3, 2021\n\nThe Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.\n\nWhen I was young, one of my most favorite pastimes was to whine a desperate, “I’m bored,” to just about anyone who would listen. Though I don’t declare my boredom to the universe as dramatically as I used to, it usually and silently manifests as a ton of screen time and a whole lot of blue light. Last weekend, while I was on my eighth episode of half-watching Love Island and scrolling [TikTok](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/viral-tiktok-products\/) at the same time, a lightbulb went off in my head. What if I could replace mindlessly swiping and barely binge-watching with activities that actually inspire me? So I etched up a list of things to do while I’m bored.\n\nDiscovering little (or large) pockets in the day where you find yourself with a lack of entertainment or duty is the perfect opportunity to get to that ever-growing list of [hobbies](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/hobbies-at-home\/) you want to try, random tasks you want to check off your list, or pastimes you want to revisit. The next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling or audibly sighing, “I’m bored,” turn to this list of 15 things to do—that doesn’t include scrolling on your phone.\n\n## 1\\. Paint\nChannel your inner Picasso, get a canvas, grab your paintbrushes, and let’s get artsy. Painting can be such a great way to flex your creative muscle and to do something that doesn’t involve screen time. Whether you opt for paint-by-numbers or freehand on a canvas, you’re bound to get inspired and create something that you’re proud of.\n\n## 2\\. Deep clean your bathroom\nListen, I never said that tackling boredom was glamorous. Deep cleaning your bathroom can be a task and one that is tough to achieve during the hectic ongoings of a busy week. If you ever have an extra hour or two, it might just be the perfect time to bite the bullet, grab some gloves, and get to scrubbing. Once you get in the groove and get it done, you’ll be so happy that you did it.\n\n## 3\\. Journal\nJournaling is one of the easiest ways to fill the void that comes with free time and one that can really help you clear your head, get in tune with your emotions, set goals for your future, practice gratitude, and manifest what you want your future to look like. Whether you invest in [a prompting journal](https:\/\/rstyle.me\/+j48Tx-IYf3wlTvYrlzFtjg), answer [online prompts](https:\/\/witanddelight.com\/2020\/03\/20-journaling-prompts-i-swear-by-to-get-you-out-of-your-head\/#:~:text=Journaling%20Prompts%20for%20Self-Discovery,can%20wait%20until%20next%20week%3F) on a napkin, or write your stream of consciousness in a sketchbook, this is a great activity. Getting your pen to paper and your thoughts out into the universe can really help you think and evaluate your reality.\n\n## 4\\. Make a playlist\nI can appreciate a good playlist, but truth be told, I’ve never made my own. The next time you find yourself with a few extra minutes, organize your music into playlists to streamline future listening. Make personal playlists for working out, crying about an ex, dancing the night away after a few glasses of wine, and oldies that’ll take you right back to the prime of your high school years. Who knows, maybe creating your own soundtracks will turn into a one-woman dance party that you definitely won’t be mad about.\n\n## 5\\. Organize your closet\nI don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to [clean your closet](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/7-questions-to-ask-when-cleaning-out-your-closet\/). Again. I know, it feels like you just did it yesterday, but let’s be real: Since you last cleaned it out, styles have been deemed “[cheugy](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/cheugy-things-we-love\/),” you’ve accumulated new pieces, and, surprise, you didn’t touch those three items that you swore you’d wear this summer. Reorganize your clothes, bag up what you don’t need, and either sell it or donate it to make getting ready a bit smoother.\n\n## 6\\. Start a new book\nYour ever-growing to-read list is calling, and it’s finally time for it to shine! If you’re feeling inspired and looking to improve your bad self, [give one of these reads a go.](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/best-books-for-your-new-years-resolutions\/) If you’re just looking for the simple joy of getting lost in a [great novel](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/editors-favorite-books\/), crack open one of these.\n\n## 7\\. Give yourself a manicure\/pedicure\nA self-care activity that can help us save money? Sign us up. Give your nails the TLC that they deserve and treat yourself to an at-home mani or pedi. We’re talking the whole nine yards—cuticle care, shaping, painting, and even nail art. With these [tips from the cofounder of OPI](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/at-home-manicure\/), you’ll absolutely nail your next at-home manicure situation.\n\n## 8\\. Do an online workout\nOne of the best things to come out of quarantine was the fact that so many of our favorite workout avenues now offer virtual workout sessions. Whether you’re a fan of [yoga, pilates, weightlifting, or a quick cardio session](https:\/\/theeverymom.com\/free-at-home-workouts-you-can-stream-right-now\/), there’s an online workout with your name on it. Getting your sweat on and subjecting yourself to that post-workout endorphin rush? Sounds like our idea of a good time.\n\n## 9\\. Go for a walk and listen to a podcast\nIf it’s nice out, getting some fresh air, getting some steps in, and listening to your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook is a recipe for time well spent. You’re exercising, you’re finally able to catch up on your favorite podcast, and you’re not scrolling on your phone while becoming one with your couch. Talk about a win-win situation.\n\n## 10\\. Call a friend\nIn the hustle-and-bustle of day-to-day life, it can be tough to keep up with what our friends and fam are up to. If you find some extra time, rekindling relationships, checking in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a minute, or catching up with a family member can help you feel connected to others. FaceTime, call, or send a text to experience the magic of maintaining and growing your relationships.\n\n## 11\\. Try to recreate your favorite restaurant meal\nI’m looking at you, Carmine’s vodka pasta. In the chaos of a normal week, we often lean on our go-to, quick-and-easy recipes. While we hold them in the highest regard, the automation and repetition of eating the same things over and over can take the fun out of cooking. Fall in love with cooking again by going all out, stepping out of your comfort zone, and recreating your favorite restaurant meal. Bon appétit\\!\n\n## 12\\. Organize\/back up your photos\nTake a trip down memory lane and go deep into your archives because when you’re bored is the best time to go through your photos, organize them into albums, and back them up to ensure they’re stored safely. Who knows, you might find some forgotten hidden gems in the process.\n\n## 13\\. Plan your next vacation\nWhether you have a vacation coming up or just want to daydream about getaways you’ve always wanted to experience, planning your next (or dream) vacation is a fun and productive way to pass time. Research where you’ll be going, where you would stay, what attractions you want to see, places you want to eat, and give in to your wanderlust.\n\n## 14\\. Learn a new language\nI downloaded [Duolingo](https:\/\/www.duolingo.com\/) last year to brush up on my Spanish (really wish I would have paid more attention during my high school language course), and I’ve found it to be one of the most productive ways to kill time. Here’s an idea: Commit to [learning a new language](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/how-to-actually-learn-a-new-language\/) with a friend, practice together, and plan to book a trip overseas so that you can “refine the language.”\n\n## 15\\. Clean your makeup brushes\nQ: When was the last time you [cleaned your makeup brushes](https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/cleaning-makeup-brushes\/)? A: We can’t remember, but we’re probably long overdue. While you should be cleaning your makeup brushes every few weeks, it can definitely take a backseat to all of the higher-priority tasks that we deal with in our daily lives. If you find a few free minutes in your day, it’s 100 percent worth your time to clean your brushes that have likely built up a good amount of bacteria since the last time you gave them some love.\n\nOctober 2, 2021\n\nThe bizarre and unnerving story of [Gabby Petito](https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/gabby-petito-brian-laundrie-timeline\/)—a YouTuber who went missing while traveling across the country with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie—sent the media into a frenzy. Like many popular true crime cases, various theories emerged about what took place, and internet sleuths poured over Petito’s and Laundrie’s YouTube videos and social media accounts looking for clues. In the midst of the unfolding story, an important and often forgotten realization resurfaced: Black women are missing too. Petito’s case has shed more light on the reality that, compared to missing white women, missing Women of Color do not receive the same media attention. This is known as “missing white woman syndrome,” a phrase coined by late journalist [Gwen Ifill](https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/weta\/washingtonweek\/profile\/gwen-ifill).\n\n## Missing White Women Syndrome Excludes Women of Color\nPut simply, media platforms and individuals express greater interest in stories about missing white women. If you think about it, you can probably recall a list of white women and girls who received considerable media attention around their missing status—[Natalee Holloway](https:\/\/www.biography.com\/news\/natalle-holloway-murder-timeline), [Laci Peterson](https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/culture\/culture-news\/laci-peterson-murder-everything-you-need-to-know-199774\/), [Lauren Spirier](https:\/\/findlauren.com\/), [Caylee Anthony](https:\/\/www.biography.com\/news\/casey-anthony-muder-trial-timeline-facts), and [JonBenét Ramsey](https:\/\/www.crimemuseum.org\/crime-library\/cold-cases\/jonbenet-ramsey\/) are just a few names. In contrast, do any names of missing Women or Girls of Color come to mind? If so, how many?\n\nThe statistics for missing Black women and girls is staggering. According to the National Crime Information Center, 268,884 women and girls were reported missing in 2020, and [34 percent](https:\/\/www.fbi.gov\/file-repository\/2020-ncic-missing-person-and-unidentified-person-statistics.pdf\/view) of them were Black. This figure is outrageous since Black women and girls only make up 15 percent of the U.S. population. NPR reports that the media is [four times as likely](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2017\/03\/23\/521278136\/the-missing-children-you-dont-hear-much-about) to report on missing white people than missing people of color. Moreover, media outlets are more likely to have [repeated coverage](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/codeswitch\/2017\/04\/13\/523769303\/what-we-know-and-dont-know-about-missing-white-women-syndrome) of missing white women than they are Black women.\n\n## History Says to Keep White Women Safe At All Costs\nDifferential treatment of Black and white women is a historic, established practice in the U.S. The disparity first began during enslavement of African people, where African women were often tortured, raped, and brutalized, a far different experience than that of the enslavers’ wives, who were seen as delicate and pristine.\n\nAttempting to maintain white women’s perceived “purity” has routinely led to difficulty for Black people, as demonstrated in life and in art. In 1915, a film called [“Birth of a Nation”](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Birth-of-a-Nation) was released as a groundbreaking, first of its kind feature-length film about the Civil War and Reconstruction Era in the South. In addition to the glorification of the Ku Klux Klan and other racist archetypical portrayals, was the depiction of Black men as lustful brutes who would tarnish white women. This idea stemmed directly from racism, and it reflected beliefs that Black men were barbaric and that white women needed constant protection.\n\nAs the saying goes, art imitates life. There are innumerable accounts of Black men being captured, tortured, and killed for things as trivial as looking at white women. In 1955, 40 years after “Birth of a Nation” was released, a 14-year-old boy from Chicago named [Emmett Till](https:\/\/www.history.com\/this-day-in-history\/the-death-of-emmett-till) was kidnapped and tortured while visiting his uncle in rural Mississippi. Till allegedly flirted with a white woman in a store, and the woman’s husband and brother kidnapped him a few nights later. He was beaten, shot, and his eye was gouged out, leaving his body unrecognizable when it was recovered from the Tallahatchie River. Years later, the woman who Till reportedly flirted with admitted that he never even spoke to her, let alone flirted with her. Essentially, Till was murdered by men trying to “protect the honor” of a white woman.\n\nPortraying white women as beings who need protecting, and scapegoating Black people as infringers of said protection, contributes to the outrage felt when white women go missing and the deafening silence when Black women go missing.\n\n## Giving Equal Airtime to Missing Black Women\nWhen it comes to missing persons, receiving media attention can literally be the difference between life and death. Naturally, the more people who know that someone is missing, the more opportunity there is in finding the person because more people are in position to call in tips, report sightings, or provide information. That was one of the reasons behind starting the [Amber Alert](https:\/\/ndresponse.gov\/alert\/amber-alert\/history) system for missing children in 1996. [The Missing Persons Advocacy](https:\/\/www.missingpersonsguide.com\/media\/) Network refers to media as a “great asset” and provides suggestions for media engagement when someone is missing.\n\nEven if media coverage doesn’t lead to the safe return of a missing person, it can, at least, direct law enforcement to crime scenes where remains could be found, as was the case with Gabby Petito. Keeping this in mind, disparity in media attention for missing Black women is more than an issue of exposure and cannot be chalked up to mere requests for publicity; it is a sinister omission that silences and ignores Black women, Black families, and the Black community.\n\n## MWWS Affects Various Minority Communities\nLimited media coverage of missing persons expands beyond Black women. Indigenous women, transgender and gender fluid people, and minority children do not receive adequate media attention when they go missing, either. In Wyoming, where Gabby Petito’s remains were found, more than 700 Indigenous women have been reported missing since 2011. For Indigenous peoples, it is perplexing that major efforts went into locating Petito after two weeks when some families have [needed assistance](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/news\/us-news\/lack-awareness-data-hinders-cases-missing-murdered-native-american-women-n1235233) locating their loved ones for years. The [Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women’s Movement](https:\/\/www.nativehope.org\/en-us\/understanding-the-issue-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women) (MMIWM) began in 2015 and is aimed at raising awareness about the issues of under-reporting, minimal search efforts, and lackluster media attention surrounding missing Indigenous women in the U.S. and Canada.\n\nSimilarly, transgender and gender fluid people go missing and experience violence at alarming rates, yet there is little media coverage about them. Individuals and organizations like [GLAAD](https:\/\/www.glaad.org\/blog\/glaad-calls-increased-and-accurate-media-coverage-transgender-murders-0) have been extremely vocal, especially in the last few years, about the violence that members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience. The statistics around missing transgender and gender fluid people aren’t even gathered sufficiently enough to accurately represent the issue, which contributes to the problem. The LGBTQIA+ community largely communicates within itself through social media and [private organizations](https:\/\/www.hrc.org\/resources\/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2021) to alert others about those who are missing or experience violence. Because the LGBTQIA+ community tends to be siloed by the media and community at large, they are also silenced.\n\nSilence is also a reality for [missing children of color](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2019\/11\/03\/us\/missing-children-of-color-trnd\/index.html). Of the 424,066 children who were reported missing in 2018 (the most recent figure), 37 percent of them were Black. A 2015 study found that media covered only seven percent of cases involving missing Black children, who, at the time, made up 35 percent of reported missing children. The details around missing children are a bit more tricky for various reasons—some families are fearful of reporting their children missing and some children are categorized as runaways. But, given that many people can list instances of missing white children and not missing Black children, the issue is still apparent.\n\n## Taking Action Against MWWS\nGetting rid of MWWS will take collective and individual action. You can report missing Black women and girls to the Black and Missing Foundation [here](https:\/\/blackandmissinginc.com\/report\/) and to the Our Black Girls website [here](https:\/\/ourblackgirls.com\/contact\/). Social media is also an immediate, engaging option that most of us have at our disposal. It doesn’t take much to share and repost alerts of missing Black women and girls, and it can really be effective. In 2014, 276 Nigerian girls were [kidnapped from their school](https:\/\/bringbackourgirls.ng\/) by local terrorist group Boko Haram. There was minimal media coverage of the mass kidnapping until the \\#BringBackOurGirls hashtag went viral on social media. Of the 276 girls, more than half have been found, but 112 are still missing.\n\nEliminating MWWS is not an attempt to pit Women of Color against white women. It is a matter of equal treatment. The issue, here, isn’t that stories of missing white women make the news, but rather, that stories of missing Black women do not. This disparity might seem benign or insurmountable; some argue that, given the sheer number of missing people in the U.S., it’s difficult to give equal air time to everyone. But the media can give more attention to missing Black women without diverting attention away from missing white women by diversifying their newsrooms and being active agents in seeking out stories of missing Black women. Balance is achievable.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Description	If you want to break the endless cycle of watching reality TV and scrolling on your phone, here are some things to do when you're bored:
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Boilerpipe Text	October 3, 2021 The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love. When I was young, one of my most favorite pastimes was to whine a desperate, “I’m bored,” to just about anyone who would listen. Though I don’t declare my boredom to the universe as dramatically as I used to, it usually and silently manifests as a ton of screen time and a whole lot of blue light. Last weekend, while I was on my eighth episode of half-watching Love Island and scrolling TikTok at the same time, a lightbulb went off in my head. What if I could replace mindlessly swiping and barely binge-watching with activities that actually inspire me? So I etched up a list of things to do while I’m bored. Discovering little (or large) pockets in the day where you find yourself with a lack of entertainment or duty is the perfect opportunity to get to that ever-growing list of hobbies you want to try, random tasks you want to check off your list, or pastimes you want to revisit. The next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling or audibly sighing, “I’m bored,” turn to this list of 15 things to do—that doesn’t include scrolling on your phone. 1. Paint Channel your inner Picasso, get a canvas, grab your paintbrushes, and let’s get artsy. Painting can be such a great way to flex your creative muscle and to do something that doesn’t involve screen time. Whether you opt for paint-by-numbers or freehand on a canvas, you’re bound to get inspired and create something that you’re proud of. 2. Deep clean your bathroom Listen, I never said that tackling boredom was glamorous. Deep cleaning your bathroom can be a task and one that is tough to achieve during the hectic ongoings of a busy week. If you ever have an extra hour or two, it might just be the perfect time to bite the bullet, grab some gloves, and get to scrubbing. Once you get in the groove and get it done, you’ll be so happy that you did it. 3. Journal Journaling is one of the easiest ways to fill the void that comes with free time and one that can really help you clear your head, get in tune with your emotions, set goals for your future, practice gratitude, and manifest what you want your future to look like. Whether you invest in a prompting journal , answer online prompts on a napkin, or write your stream of consciousness in a sketchbook, this is a great activity. Getting your pen to paper and your thoughts out into the universe can really help you think and evaluate your reality. 4. Make a playlist I can appreciate a good playlist, but truth be told, I’ve never made my own. The next time you find yourself with a few extra minutes, organize your music into playlists to streamline future listening. Make personal playlists for working out, crying about an ex, dancing the night away after a few glasses of wine, and oldies that’ll take you right back to the prime of your high school years. Who knows, maybe creating your own soundtracks will turn into a one-woman dance party that you definitely won’t be mad about. 5. Organize your closet I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to clean your closet . Again. I know, it feels like you just did it yesterday, but let’s be real: Since you last cleaned it out, styles have been deemed “ cheugy ,” you’ve accumulated new pieces, and, surprise, you didn’t touch those three items that you swore you’d wear this summer. Reorganize your clothes, bag up what you don’t need, and either sell it or donate it to make getting ready a bit smoother. 6. Start a new book Your ever-growing to-read list is calling, and it’s finally time for it to shine! If you’re feeling inspired and looking to improve your bad self, give one of these reads a go. If you’re just looking for the simple joy of getting lost in a great novel , crack open one of these. 7. Give yourself a manicure/pedicure A self-care activity that can help us save money? Sign us up. Give your nails the TLC that they deserve and treat yourself to an at-home mani or pedi. We’re talking the whole nine yards—cuticle care, shaping, painting, and even nail art. With these tips from the cofounder of OPI , you’ll absolutely nail your next at-home manicure situation. 8. Do an online workout One of the best things to come out of quarantine was the fact that so many of our favorite workout avenues now offer virtual workout sessions. Whether you’re a fan of yoga, pilates, weightlifting, or a quick cardio session , there’s an online workout with your name on it. Getting your sweat on and subjecting yourself to that post-workout endorphin rush? Sounds like our idea of a good time. 9. Go for a walk and listen to a podcast If it’s nice out, getting some fresh air, getting some steps in, and listening to your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook is a recipe for time well spent. You’re exercising, you’re finally able to catch up on your favorite podcast, and you’re not scrolling on your phone while becoming one with your couch. Talk about a win-win situation. 10. Call a friend In the hustle-and-bustle of day-to-day life, it can be tough to keep up with what our friends and fam are up to. If you find some extra time, rekindling relationships, checking in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a minute, or catching up with a family member can help you feel connected to others. FaceTime, call, or send a text to experience the magic of maintaining and growing your relationships. 11. Try to recreate your favorite restaurant meal I’m looking at you, Carmine’s vodka pasta. In the chaos of a normal week, we often lean on our go-to, quick-and-easy recipes. While we hold them in the highest regard, the automation and repetition of eating the same things over and over can take the fun out of cooking. Fall in love with cooking again by going all out, stepping out of your comfort zone, and recreating your favorite restaurant meal. Bon appétit! 12. Organize/back up your photos Take a trip down memory lane and go deep into your archives because when you’re bored is the best time to go through your photos, organize them into albums, and back them up to ensure they’re stored safely. Who knows, you might find some forgotten hidden gems in the process. 13. Plan your next vacation Whether you have a vacation coming up or just want to daydream about getaways you’ve always wanted to experience, planning your next (or dream) vacation is a fun and productive way to pass time. Research where you’ll be going, where you would stay, what attractions you want to see, places you want to eat, and give in to your wanderlust. 14. Learn a new language I downloaded Duolingo last year to brush up on my Spanish (really wish I would have paid more attention during my high school language course), and I’ve found it to be one of the most productive ways to kill time. Here’s an idea: Commit to learning a new language with a friend, practice together, and plan to book a trip overseas so that you can “refine the language.” 15. Clean your makeup brushes Q: When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes ? A: We can’t remember, but we’re probably long overdue. While you should be cleaning your makeup brushes every few weeks, it can definitely take a backseat to all of the higher-priority tasks that we deal with in our daily lives. If you find a few free minutes in your day, it’s 100 percent worth your time to clean your brushes that have likely built up a good amount of bacteria since the last time you gave them some love. October 2, 2021 The bizarre and unnerving story of Gabby Petito —a YouTuber who went missing while traveling across the country with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie—sent the media into a frenzy. Like many popular true crime cases, various theories emerged about what took place, and internet sleuths poured over Petito’s and Laundrie’s YouTube videos and social media accounts looking for clues. In the midst of the unfolding story, an important and often forgotten realization resurfaced: Black women are missing too. Petito’s case has shed more light on the reality that, compared to missing white women, missing Women of Color do not receive the same media attention. This is known as “missing white woman syndrome,” a phrase coined by late journalist Gwen Ifill . Missing White Women Syndrome Excludes Women of Color Put simply, media platforms and individuals express greater interest in stories about missing white women. If you think about it, you can probably recall a list of white women and girls who received considerable media attention around their missing status— Natalee Holloway , Laci Peterson , Lauren Spirier , Caylee Anthony , and JonBenét Ramsey are just a few names. In contrast, do any names of missing Women or Girls of Color come to mind? If so, how many? The statistics for missing Black women and girls is staggering. According to the National Crime Information Center, 268,884 women and girls were reported missing in 2020, and 34 percent of them were Black. This figure is outrageous since Black women and girls only make up 15 percent of the U.S. population. NPR reports that the media is four times as likely to report on missing white people than missing people of color. Moreover, media outlets are more likely to have repeated coverage of missing white women than they are Black women. History Says to Keep White Women Safe At All Costs Differential treatment of Black and white women is a historic, established practice in the U.S. The disparity first began during enslavement of African people, where African women were often tortured, raped, and brutalized, a far different experience than that of the enslavers’ wives, who were seen as delicate and pristine. Attempting to maintain white women’s perceived “purity” has routinely led to difficulty for Black people, as demonstrated in life and in art. In 1915, a film called “Birth of a Nation” was released as a groundbreaking, first of its kind feature-length film about the Civil War and Reconstruction Era in the South. In addition to the glorification of the Ku Klux Klan and other racist archetypical portrayals, was the depiction of Black men as lustful brutes who would tarnish white women. This idea stemmed directly from racism, and it reflected beliefs that Black men were barbaric and that white women needed constant protection. As the saying goes, art imitates life. There are innumerable accounts of Black men being captured, tortured, and killed for things as trivial as looking at white women. In 1955, 40 years after “Birth of a Nation” was released, a 14-year-old boy from Chicago named Emmett Till was kidnapped and tortured while visiting his uncle in rural Mississippi. Till allegedly flirted with a white woman in a store, and the woman’s husband and brother kidnapped him a few nights later. He was beaten, shot, and his eye was gouged out, leaving his body unrecognizable when it was recovered from the Tallahatchie River. Years later, the woman who Till reportedly flirted with admitted that he never even spoke to her, let alone flirted with her. Essentially, Till was murdered by men trying to “protect the honor” of a white woman. Portraying white women as beings who need protecting, and scapegoating Black people as infringers of said protection, contributes to the outrage felt when white women go missing and the deafening silence when Black women go missing. Giving Equal Airtime to Missing Black Women When it comes to missing persons, receiving media attention can literally be the difference between life and death. Naturally, the more people who know that someone is missing, the more opportunity there is in finding the person because more people are in position to call in tips, report sightings, or provide information. That was one of the reasons behind starting the Amber Alert system for missing children in 1996. The Missing Persons Advocacy Network refers to media as a “great asset” and provides suggestions for media engagement when someone is missing. Even if media coverage doesn’t lead to the safe return of a missing person, it can, at least, direct law enforcement to crime scenes where remains could be found, as was the case with Gabby Petito. Keeping this in mind, disparity in media attention for missing Black women is more than an issue of exposure and cannot be chalked up to mere requests for publicity; it is a sinister omission that silences and ignores Black women, Black families, and the Black community. MWWS Affects Various Minority Communities Limited media coverage of missing persons expands beyond Black women. Indigenous women, transgender and gender fluid people, and minority children do not receive adequate media attention when they go missing, either. In Wyoming, where Gabby Petito’s remains were found, more than 700 Indigenous women have been reported missing since 2011. For Indigenous peoples, it is perplexing that major efforts went into locating Petito after two weeks when some families have needed assistance locating their loved ones for years. The Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women’s Movement (MMIWM) began in 2015 and is aimed at raising awareness about the issues of under-reporting, minimal search efforts, and lackluster media attention surrounding missing Indigenous women in the U.S. and Canada. Similarly, transgender and gender fluid people go missing and experience violence at alarming rates, yet there is little media coverage about them. Individuals and organizations like GLAAD have been extremely vocal, especially in the last few years, about the violence that members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience. The statistics around missing transgender and gender fluid people aren’t even gathered sufficiently enough to accurately represent the issue, which contributes to the problem. The LGBTQIA+ community largely communicates within itself through social media and private organizations to alert others about those who are missing or experience violence. Because the LGBTQIA+ community tends to be siloed by the media and community at large, they are also silenced. Silence is also a reality for missing children of color . Of the 424,066 children who were reported missing in 2018 (the most recent figure), 37 percent of them were Black. A 2015 study found that media covered only seven percent of cases involving missing Black children, who, at the time, made up 35 percent of reported missing children. The details around missing children are a bit more tricky for various reasons—some families are fearful of reporting their children missing and some children are categorized as runaways. But, given that many people can list instances of missing white children and not missing Black children, the issue is still apparent. Taking Action Against MWWS Getting rid of MWWS will take collective and individual action. You can report missing Black women and girls to the Black and Missing Foundation here and to the Our Black Girls website here . Social media is also an immediate, engaging option that most of us have at our disposal. It doesn’t take much to share and repost alerts of missing Black women and girls, and it can really be effective. In 2014, 276 Nigerian girls were kidnapped from their school by local terrorist group Boko Haram. There was minimal media coverage of the mass kidnapping until the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag went viral on social media. Of the 276 girls, more than half have been found, but 112 are still missing. Eliminating MWWS is not an attempt to pit Women of Color against white women. It is a matter of equal treatment. The issue, here, isn’t that stories of missing white women make the news, but rather, that stories of missing Black women do not. This disparity might seem benign or insurmountable; some argue that, given the sheer number of missing people in the U.S., it’s difficult to give equal air time to everyone. But the media can give more attention to missing Black women without diverting attention away from missing white women by diversifying their newsrooms and being active agents in seeking out stories of missing Black women. Balance is achievable.
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Here Are 15 Things You Can Do RN October 3, 2021 written by [ASHLEY SELLEKE](https://theeverygirl.com/contributor/ashley-selleke/) The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love. ![Bored? Here Are 15 Things You Can Do RN](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/things-to-do-when-bored-the-everygirl-3.jpg) Source: [Sincerely Media \\| Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/ssDczX9Fbek) ![Bored? Here Are 15 Things You Can Do RN](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/things-to-do-when-bored-the-everygirl-3.jpg) Source: [Sincerely Media \\| Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/ssDczX9Fbek) When I was young, one of my most favorite pastimes was to whine a desperate, “I’m bored,” to just about anyone who would listen. Though I don’t declare my boredom to the universe as dramatically as I used to, it usually and silently manifests as a ton of screen time and a whole lot of blue light. Last weekend, while I was on my eighth episode of half-watching Love Island and scrolling [TikTok](https://theeverygirl.com/viral-tiktok-products/) at the same time, a lightbulb went off in my head. What if I could replace mindlessly swiping and barely binge-watching with activities that actually inspire me? So I etched up a list of things to do while I’m bored. ![STEVE MADDEN](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/the-everygirl-feature-bold-spring-pieces.jpg) Sponsored by / [STEVE MADDEN](https://bit.ly/4cvySmU "Visit STEVE MADDEN") [The 15 Bold Pieces on Our Fashion Writer’s Spring Wishlist](https://bit.ly/4cvySmU "Read more about The 15 Bold Pieces on Our Fashion Writer’s Spring Wishlist") quiet luxury who? [CLICK TO READ](https://bit.ly/4cvySmU "Learn more about The 15 Bold Pieces on Our Fashion Writer’s Spring Wishlist") Discovering little (or large) pockets in the day where you find yourself with a lack of entertainment or duty is the perfect opportunity to get to that ever-growing list of [hobbies](https://theeverygirl.com/hobbies-at-home/) you want to try, random tasks you want to check off your list, or pastimes you want to revisit. The next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling or audibly sighing, “I’m bored,” turn to this list of 15 things to do—that doesn’t include scrolling on your phone. ## 1\. Paint Channel your inner Picasso, get a canvas, grab your paintbrushes, and let’s get artsy. Painting can be such a great way to flex your creative muscle and to do something that doesn’t involve screen time. Whether you opt for paint-by-numbers or freehand on a canvas, you’re bound to get inspired and create something that you’re proud of. ## 2\. Deep clean your bathroom Listen, I never said that tackling boredom was glamorous. Deep cleaning your bathroom can be a task and one that is tough to achieve during the hectic ongoings of a busy week. If you ever have an extra hour or two, it might just be the perfect time to bite the bullet, grab some gloves, and get to scrubbing. Once you get in the groove and get it done, you’ll be so happy that you did it. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/CQrmU8BJTCs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Studio McGee (@studiomcgee)](https://www.instagram.com/p/CQrmU8BJTCs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) ## 3\. Journal Journaling is one of the easiest ways to fill the void that comes with free time and one that can really help you clear your head, get in tune with your emotions, set goals for your future, practice gratitude, and manifest what you want your future to look like. Whether you invest in [a prompting journal](https://rstyle.me/+j48Tx-IYf3wlTvYrlzFtjg), answer [online prompts](https://witanddelight.com/2020/03/20-journaling-prompts-i-swear-by-to-get-you-out-of-your-head/#:~:text=Journaling%20Prompts%20for%20Self-Discovery,can%20wait%20until%20next%20week%3F) on a napkin, or write your stream of consciousness in a sketchbook, this is a great activity. Getting your pen to paper and your thoughts out into the universe can really help you think and evaluate your reality. ## 4\. Make a playlist I can appreciate a good playlist, but truth be told, I’ve never made my own. The next time you find yourself with a few extra minutes, organize your music into playlists to streamline future listening. Make personal playlists for working out, crying about an ex, dancing the night away after a few glasses of wine, and oldies that’ll take you right back to the prime of your high school years. Who knows, maybe creating your own soundtracks will turn into a one-woman dance party that you definitely won’t be mad about. ## 5\. Organize your closet I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to [clean your closet](https://theeverygirl.com/7-questions-to-ask-when-cleaning-out-your-closet/). Again. I know, it feels like you just did it yesterday, but let’s be real: Since you last cleaned it out, styles have been deemed “[cheugy](https://theeverygirl.com/cheugy-things-we-love/),” you’ve accumulated new pieces, and, surprise, you didn’t touch those three items that you swore you’d wear this summer. Reorganize your clothes, bag up what you don’t need, and either sell it or donate it to make getting ready a bit smoother. ## 6\. Start a new book Your ever-growing to-read list is calling, and it’s finally time for it to shine! If you’re feeling inspired and looking to improve your bad self, [give one of these reads a go.](https://theeverygirl.com/best-books-for-your-new-years-resolutions/) If you’re just looking for the simple joy of getting lost in a [great novel](https://theeverygirl.com/editors-favorite-books/), crack open one of these. ## 7\. Give yourself a manicure/pedicure A self-care activity that can help us save money? Sign us up. Give your nails the TLC that they deserve and treat yourself to an at-home mani or pedi. We’re talking the whole nine yards—cuticle care, shaping, painting, and even nail art. With these [tips from the cofounder of OPI](https://theeverygirl.com/at-home-manicure/), you’ll absolutely nail your next at-home manicure situation. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/CQy44ATnO5B/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Brooke & Meggan (@somewherelately)](https://www.instagram.com/p/CQy44ATnO5B/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) ## 8\. Do an online workout One of the best things to come out of quarantine was the fact that so many of our favorite workout avenues now offer virtual workout sessions. Whether you’re a fan of [yoga, pilates, weightlifting, or a quick cardio session](https://theeverymom.com/free-at-home-workouts-you-can-stream-right-now/), there’s an online workout with your name on it. Getting your sweat on and subjecting yourself to that post-workout endorphin rush? Sounds like our idea of a good time. ## 9\. Go for a walk and listen to a podcast If it’s nice out, getting some fresh air, getting some steps in, and listening to your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook is a recipe for time well spent. You’re exercising, you’re finally able to catch up on your favorite podcast, and you’re not scrolling on your phone while becoming one with your couch. Talk about a win-win situation. ## 10\. Call a friend In the hustle-and-bustle of day-to-day life, it can be tough to keep up with what our friends and fam are up to. If you find some extra time, rekindling relationships, checking in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a minute, or catching up with a family member can help you feel connected to others. FaceTime, call, or send a text to experience the magic of maintaining and growing your relationships. ## 11\. Try to recreate your favorite restaurant meal I’m looking at you, Carmine’s vodka pasta. In the chaos of a normal week, we often lean on our go-to, quick-and-easy recipes. While we hold them in the highest regard, the automation and repetition of eating the same things over and over can take the fun out of cooking. Fall in love with cooking again by going all out, stepping out of your comfort zone, and recreating your favorite restaurant meal. Bon appétit\! > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/CRDNGCwM2uw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Tieghan Gerard (@halfbakedharvest)](https://www.instagram.com/p/CRDNGCwM2uw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) ## 12\. Organize/back up your photos Take a trip down memory lane and go deep into your archives because when you’re bored is the best time to go through your photos, organize them into albums, and back them up to ensure they’re stored safely. Who knows, you might find some forgotten hidden gems in the process. ## 13\. Plan your next vacation Whether you have a vacation coming up or just want to daydream about getaways you’ve always wanted to experience, planning your next (or dream) vacation is a fun and productive way to pass time. Research where you’ll be going, where you would stay, what attractions you want to see, places you want to eat, and give in to your wanderlust. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/COGZLlbFG0N/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger (@titispassion)](https://www.instagram.com/p/COGZLlbFG0N/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) ## 14\. Learn a new language I downloaded [Duolingo](https://www.duolingo.com/) last year to brush up on my Spanish (really wish I would have paid more attention during my high school language course), and I’ve found it to be one of the most productive ways to kill time. Here’s an idea: Commit to [learning a new language](https://theeverygirl.com/how-to-actually-learn-a-new-language/) with a friend, practice together, and plan to book a trip overseas so that you can “refine the language.” ## 15\. Clean your makeup brushes Q: When was the last time you [cleaned your makeup brushes](https://theeverygirl.com/cleaning-makeup-brushes/)? A: We can’t remember, but we’re probably long overdue. While you should be cleaning your makeup brushes every few weeks, it can definitely take a backseat to all of the higher-priority tasks that we deal with in our daily lives. If you find a few free minutes in your day, it’s 100 percent worth your time to clean your brushes that have likely built up a good amount of bacteria since the last time you gave them some love. Want More Like This? Exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox. ##### Read Next - [![easy hobbies to pick up](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/easy-hobbies-to-pick-up-the-everygirl-feature-474x316.jpg)](https://theeverygirl.com/easy-hobbies-to-pick-up/) [Things to Do](https://theeverygirl.com/category/living/things-to-do/) #### [15 Easy Hobbies You Can Pick Up on a Whim](https://theeverygirl.com/easy-hobbies-to-pick-up/) - [![mother's day gifts](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/the-everygirl-feature-2025-mothers-day-gift-guide-474x316.jpg)](https://theeverygirl.com/mothers-day-gift-guide/) [Shopping](https://theeverygirl.com/category/living/shopping-home/) #### [Mother’s Day Gifts That Will Secure Your Spot As Favorite Child](https://theeverygirl.com/mothers-day-gift-guide/) - [![ways to celebrate mother's day](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ways-to-celebrate-mothers-day-the-everygirl-feature-474x316.jpg)](https://theeverygirl.com/how-to-celebrate-mothers-day/) [Things to Do](https://theeverygirl.com/category/living/things-to-do/) #### [15 Unique Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day That Will Make Her Feel Extra Special](https://theeverygirl.com/how-to-celebrate-mothers-day/) - [![chaos method decluttering](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/chaos-method-decluttering-the-everygirl-feature-474x316.jpg)](https://theeverygirl.com/chaos-method-decluttering/) [Cleaning & Organizing](https://theeverygirl.com/category/living/cleaning-organizing/) #### [The “Chaos Method” Is the Fastest (and Most Unhinged) Way to Declutter—Here’s How to Try It](https://theeverygirl.com/chaos-method-decluttering/) [Black Lives Matter](https://theeverygirl.com/category/community/black-lives-matter/) # Black Women Are Missing Too: Tackling Missing White Woman Syndrome October 2, 2021 written by [SARAH HUNT-BLACKWELL](https://theeverygirl.com/contributor/sarah-hunt-blackwell/) ![Black Women Are Missing Too: Tackling Missing White Woman Syndrome](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/missing-white-woman-syndrome-the-everygirl-3.jpg) Source: Getty ![Black Women Are Missing Too: Tackling Missing White Woman Syndrome](https://media.theeverygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/missing-white-woman-syndrome-the-everygirl-3.jpg) Source: Getty The bizarre and unnerving story of [Gabby Petito](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gabby-petito-brian-laundrie-timeline/)—a YouTuber who went missing while traveling across the country with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie—sent the media into a frenzy. Like many popular true crime cases, various theories emerged about what took place, and internet sleuths poured over Petito’s and Laundrie’s YouTube videos and social media accounts looking for clues. In the midst of the unfolding story, an important and often forgotten realization resurfaced: Black women are missing too. Petito’s case has shed more light on the reality that, compared to missing white women, missing Women of Color do not receive the same media attention. This is known as “missing white woman syndrome,” a phrase coined by late journalist [Gwen Ifill](https://www.pbs.org/weta/washingtonweek/profile/gwen-ifill). ## Missing White Women Syndrome Excludes Women of Color Put simply, media platforms and individuals express greater interest in stories about missing white women. If you think about it, you can probably recall a list of white women and girls who received considerable media attention around their missing status—[Natalee Holloway](https://www.biography.com/news/natalle-holloway-murder-timeline), [Laci Peterson](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/laci-peterson-murder-everything-you-need-to-know-199774/), [Lauren Spirier](https://findlauren.com/), [Caylee Anthony](https://www.biography.com/news/casey-anthony-muder-trial-timeline-facts), and [JonBenét Ramsey](https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/cold-cases/jonbenet-ramsey/) are just a few names. In contrast, do any names of missing Women or Girls of Color come to mind? If so, how many? The statistics for missing Black women and girls is staggering. According to the National Crime Information Center, 268,884 women and girls were reported missing in 2020, and [34 percent](https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/2020-ncic-missing-person-and-unidentified-person-statistics.pdf/view) of them were Black. This figure is outrageous since Black women and girls only make up 15 percent of the U.S. population. NPR reports that the media is [four times as likely](https://www.npr.org/2017/03/23/521278136/the-missing-children-you-dont-hear-much-about) to report on missing white people than missing people of color. Moreover, media outlets are more likely to have [repeated coverage](https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/13/523769303/what-we-know-and-dont-know-about-missing-white-women-syndrome) of missing white women than they are Black women. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/CBicf-chLMc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Susana Draws ![✨](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/2728.svg) (@susdraws)](https://www.instagram.com/p/CBicf-chLMc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) ## History Says to Keep White Women Safe At All Costs Differential treatment of Black and white women is a historic, established practice in the U.S. The disparity first began during enslavement of African people, where African women were often tortured, raped, and brutalized, a far different experience than that of the enslavers’ wives, who were seen as delicate and pristine. Attempting to maintain white women’s perceived “purity” has routinely led to difficulty for Black people, as demonstrated in life and in art. In 1915, a film called [“Birth of a Nation”](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Birth-of-a-Nation) was released as a groundbreaking, first of its kind feature-length film about the Civil War and Reconstruction Era in the South. In addition to the glorification of the Ku Klux Klan and other racist archetypical portrayals, was the depiction of Black men as lustful brutes who would tarnish white women. This idea stemmed directly from racism, and it reflected beliefs that Black men were barbaric and that white women needed constant protection. As the saying goes, art imitates life. There are innumerable accounts of Black men being captured, tortured, and killed for things as trivial as looking at white women. In 1955, 40 years after “Birth of a Nation” was released, a 14-year-old boy from Chicago named [Emmett Till](https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-death-of-emmett-till) was kidnapped and tortured while visiting his uncle in rural Mississippi. Till allegedly flirted with a white woman in a store, and the woman’s husband and brother kidnapped him a few nights later. He was beaten, shot, and his eye was gouged out, leaving his body unrecognizable when it was recovered from the Tallahatchie River. Years later, the woman who Till reportedly flirted with admitted that he never even spoke to her, let alone flirted with her. Essentially, Till was murdered by men trying to “protect the honor” of a white woman. Portraying white women as beings who need protecting, and scapegoating Black people as infringers of said protection, contributes to the outrage felt when white women go missing and the deafening silence when Black women go missing. ## Giving Equal Airtime to Missing Black Women When it comes to missing persons, receiving media attention can literally be the difference between life and death. Naturally, the more people who know that someone is missing, the more opportunity there is in finding the person because more people are in position to call in tips, report sightings, or provide information. That was one of the reasons behind starting the [Amber Alert](https://ndresponse.gov/alert/amber-alert/history) system for missing children in 1996. [The Missing Persons Advocacy](https://www.missingpersonsguide.com/media/) Network refers to media as a “great asset” and provides suggestions for media engagement when someone is missing. Even if media coverage doesn’t lead to the safe return of a missing person, it can, at least, direct law enforcement to crime scenes where remains could be found, as was the case with Gabby Petito. Keeping this in mind, disparity in media attention for missing Black women is more than an issue of exposure and cannot be chalked up to mere requests for publicity; it is a sinister omission that silences and ignores Black women, Black families, and the Black community. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFvArBJfJD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Soni López-Chávez (@soni\_artist)](https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFvArBJfJD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) ## MWWS Affects Various Minority Communities Limited media coverage of missing persons expands beyond Black women. Indigenous women, transgender and gender fluid people, and minority children do not receive adequate media attention when they go missing, either. In Wyoming, where Gabby Petito’s remains were found, more than 700 Indigenous women have been reported missing since 2011. For Indigenous peoples, it is perplexing that major efforts went into locating Petito after two weeks when some families have [needed assistance](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lack-awareness-data-hinders-cases-missing-murdered-native-american-women-n1235233) locating their loved ones for years. The [Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women’s Movement](https://www.nativehope.org/en-us/understanding-the-issue-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women) (MMIWM) began in 2015 and is aimed at raising awareness about the issues of under-reporting, minimal search efforts, and lackluster media attention surrounding missing Indigenous women in the U.S. and Canada. Similarly, transgender and gender fluid people go missing and experience violence at alarming rates, yet there is little media coverage about them. Individuals and organizations like [GLAAD](https://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-calls-increased-and-accurate-media-coverage-transgender-murders-0) have been extremely vocal, especially in the last few years, about the violence that members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience. The statistics around missing transgender and gender fluid people aren’t even gathered sufficiently enough to accurately represent the issue, which contributes to the problem. The LGBTQIA+ community largely communicates within itself through social media and [private organizations](https://www.hrc.org/resources/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2021) to alert others about those who are missing or experience violence. Because the LGBTQIA+ community tends to be siloed by the media and community at large, they are also silenced. Silence is also a reality for [missing children of color](https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/03/us/missing-children-of-color-trnd/index.html). Of the 424,066 children who were reported missing in 2018 (the most recent figure), 37 percent of them were Black. A 2015 study found that media covered only seven percent of cases involving missing Black children, who, at the time, made up 35 percent of reported missing children. The details around missing children are a bit more tricky for various reasons—some families are fearful of reporting their children missing and some children are categorized as runaways. But, given that many people can list instances of missing white children and not missing Black children, the issue is still apparent. ## Taking Action Against MWWS Getting rid of MWWS will take collective and individual action. You can report missing Black women and girls to the Black and Missing Foundation [here](https://blackandmissinginc.com/report/) and to the Our Black Girls website [here](https://ourblackgirls.com/contact/). Social media is also an immediate, engaging option that most of us have at our disposal. It doesn’t take much to share and repost alerts of missing Black women and girls, and it can really be effective. In 2014, 276 Nigerian girls were [kidnapped from their school](https://bringbackourgirls.ng/) by local terrorist group Boko Haram. There was minimal media coverage of the mass kidnapping until the \#BringBackOurGirls hashtag went viral on social media. Of the 276 girls, more than half have been found, but 112 are still missing. Eliminating MWWS is not an attempt to pit Women of Color against white women. It is a matter of equal treatment. The issue, here, isn’t that stories of missing white women make the news, but rather, that stories of missing Black women do not. This disparity might seem benign or insurmountable; some argue that, given the sheer number of missing people in the U.S., it’s difficult to give equal air time to everyone. But the media can give more attention to missing Black women without diverting attention away from missing white women by diversifying their newsrooms and being active agents in seeking out stories of missing Black women. Balance is achievable. Want More Like This? 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Readable Markdown	October 3, 2021 The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love. When I was young, one of my most favorite pastimes was to whine a desperate, “I’m bored,” to just about anyone who would listen. Though I don’t declare my boredom to the universe as dramatically as I used to, it usually and silently manifests as a ton of screen time and a whole lot of blue light. Last weekend, while I was on my eighth episode of half-watching Love Island and scrolling [TikTok](https://theeverygirl.com/viral-tiktok-products/) at the same time, a lightbulb went off in my head. What if I could replace mindlessly swiping and barely binge-watching with activities that actually inspire me? So I etched up a list of things to do while I’m bored. Discovering little (or large) pockets in the day where you find yourself with a lack of entertainment or duty is the perfect opportunity to get to that ever-growing list of [hobbies](https://theeverygirl.com/hobbies-at-home/) you want to try, random tasks you want to check off your list, or pastimes you want to revisit. The next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling or audibly sighing, “I’m bored,” turn to this list of 15 things to do—that doesn’t include scrolling on your phone. ## 1\. Paint Channel your inner Picasso, get a canvas, grab your paintbrushes, and let’s get artsy. Painting can be such a great way to flex your creative muscle and to do something that doesn’t involve screen time. Whether you opt for paint-by-numbers or freehand on a canvas, you’re bound to get inspired and create something that you’re proud of. ## 2\. Deep clean your bathroom Listen, I never said that tackling boredom was glamorous. Deep cleaning your bathroom can be a task and one that is tough to achieve during the hectic ongoings of a busy week. If you ever have an extra hour or two, it might just be the perfect time to bite the bullet, grab some gloves, and get to scrubbing. Once you get in the groove and get it done, you’ll be so happy that you did it. ## 3\. Journal Journaling is one of the easiest ways to fill the void that comes with free time and one that can really help you clear your head, get in tune with your emotions, set goals for your future, practice gratitude, and manifest what you want your future to look like. Whether you invest in [a prompting journal](https://rstyle.me/+j48Tx-IYf3wlTvYrlzFtjg), answer [online prompts](https://witanddelight.com/2020/03/20-journaling-prompts-i-swear-by-to-get-you-out-of-your-head/#:~:text=Journaling%20Prompts%20for%20Self-Discovery,can%20wait%20until%20next%20week%3F) on a napkin, or write your stream of consciousness in a sketchbook, this is a great activity. Getting your pen to paper and your thoughts out into the universe can really help you think and evaluate your reality. ## 4\. Make a playlist I can appreciate a good playlist, but truth be told, I’ve never made my own. The next time you find yourself with a few extra minutes, organize your music into playlists to streamline future listening. Make personal playlists for working out, crying about an ex, dancing the night away after a few glasses of wine, and oldies that’ll take you right back to the prime of your high school years. Who knows, maybe creating your own soundtracks will turn into a one-woman dance party that you definitely won’t be mad about. ## 5\. Organize your closet I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to [clean your closet](https://theeverygirl.com/7-questions-to-ask-when-cleaning-out-your-closet/). Again. I know, it feels like you just did it yesterday, but let’s be real: Since you last cleaned it out, styles have been deemed “[cheugy](https://theeverygirl.com/cheugy-things-we-love/),” you’ve accumulated new pieces, and, surprise, you didn’t touch those three items that you swore you’d wear this summer. Reorganize your clothes, bag up what you don’t need, and either sell it or donate it to make getting ready a bit smoother. ## 6\. Start a new book Your ever-growing to-read list is calling, and it’s finally time for it to shine! If you’re feeling inspired and looking to improve your bad self, [give one of these reads a go.](https://theeverygirl.com/best-books-for-your-new-years-resolutions/) If you’re just looking for the simple joy of getting lost in a [great novel](https://theeverygirl.com/editors-favorite-books/), crack open one of these. ## 7\. Give yourself a manicure/pedicure A self-care activity that can help us save money? Sign us up. Give your nails the TLC that they deserve and treat yourself to an at-home mani or pedi. We’re talking the whole nine yards—cuticle care, shaping, painting, and even nail art. With these [tips from the cofounder of OPI](https://theeverygirl.com/at-home-manicure/), you’ll absolutely nail your next at-home manicure situation. ## 8\. Do an online workout One of the best things to come out of quarantine was the fact that so many of our favorite workout avenues now offer virtual workout sessions. Whether you’re a fan of [yoga, pilates, weightlifting, or a quick cardio session](https://theeverymom.com/free-at-home-workouts-you-can-stream-right-now/), there’s an online workout with your name on it. Getting your sweat on and subjecting yourself to that post-workout endorphin rush? Sounds like our idea of a good time. ## 9\. Go for a walk and listen to a podcast If it’s nice out, getting some fresh air, getting some steps in, and listening to your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook is a recipe for time well spent. You’re exercising, you’re finally able to catch up on your favorite podcast, and you’re not scrolling on your phone while becoming one with your couch. Talk about a win-win situation. ## 10\. Call a friend In the hustle-and-bustle of day-to-day life, it can be tough to keep up with what our friends and fam are up to. If you find some extra time, rekindling relationships, checking in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a minute, or catching up with a family member can help you feel connected to others. FaceTime, call, or send a text to experience the magic of maintaining and growing your relationships. ## 11\. Try to recreate your favorite restaurant meal I’m looking at you, Carmine’s vodka pasta. In the chaos of a normal week, we often lean on our go-to, quick-and-easy recipes. While we hold them in the highest regard, the automation and repetition of eating the same things over and over can take the fun out of cooking. Fall in love with cooking again by going all out, stepping out of your comfort zone, and recreating your favorite restaurant meal. Bon appétit\! ## 12\. Organize/back up your photos Take a trip down memory lane and go deep into your archives because when you’re bored is the best time to go through your photos, organize them into albums, and back them up to ensure they’re stored safely. Who knows, you might find some forgotten hidden gems in the process. ## 13\. Plan your next vacation Whether you have a vacation coming up or just want to daydream about getaways you’ve always wanted to experience, planning your next (or dream) vacation is a fun and productive way to pass time. Research where you’ll be going, where you would stay, what attractions you want to see, places you want to eat, and give in to your wanderlust. ## 14\. Learn a new language I downloaded [Duolingo](https://www.duolingo.com/) last year to brush up on my Spanish (really wish I would have paid more attention during my high school language course), and I’ve found it to be one of the most productive ways to kill time. Here’s an idea: Commit to [learning a new language](https://theeverygirl.com/how-to-actually-learn-a-new-language/) with a friend, practice together, and plan to book a trip overseas so that you can “refine the language.” ## 15\. Clean your makeup brushes Q: When was the last time you [cleaned your makeup brushes](https://theeverygirl.com/cleaning-makeup-brushes/)? A: We can’t remember, but we’re probably long overdue. While you should be cleaning your makeup brushes every few weeks, it can definitely take a backseat to all of the higher-priority tasks that we deal with in our daily lives. If you find a few free minutes in your day, it’s 100 percent worth your time to clean your brushes that have likely built up a good amount of bacteria since the last time you gave them some love. October 2, 2021 The bizarre and unnerving story of [Gabby Petito](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gabby-petito-brian-laundrie-timeline/)—a YouTuber who went missing while traveling across the country with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie—sent the media into a frenzy. Like many popular true crime cases, various theories emerged about what took place, and internet sleuths poured over Petito’s and Laundrie’s YouTube videos and social media accounts looking for clues. In the midst of the unfolding story, an important and often forgotten realization resurfaced: Black women are missing too. Petito’s case has shed more light on the reality that, compared to missing white women, missing Women of Color do not receive the same media attention. This is known as “missing white woman syndrome,” a phrase coined by late journalist [Gwen Ifill](https://www.pbs.org/weta/washingtonweek/profile/gwen-ifill). ## Missing White Women Syndrome Excludes Women of Color Put simply, media platforms and individuals express greater interest in stories about missing white women. If you think about it, you can probably recall a list of white women and girls who received considerable media attention around their missing status—[Natalee Holloway](https://www.biography.com/news/natalle-holloway-murder-timeline), [Laci Peterson](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/laci-peterson-murder-everything-you-need-to-know-199774/), [Lauren Spirier](https://findlauren.com/), [Caylee Anthony](https://www.biography.com/news/casey-anthony-muder-trial-timeline-facts), and [JonBenét Ramsey](https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/cold-cases/jonbenet-ramsey/) are just a few names. In contrast, do any names of missing Women or Girls of Color come to mind? If so, how many? The statistics for missing Black women and girls is staggering. According to the National Crime Information Center, 268,884 women and girls were reported missing in 2020, and [34 percent](https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/2020-ncic-missing-person-and-unidentified-person-statistics.pdf/view) of them were Black. This figure is outrageous since Black women and girls only make up 15 percent of the U.S. population. NPR reports that the media is [four times as likely](https://www.npr.org/2017/03/23/521278136/the-missing-children-you-dont-hear-much-about) to report on missing white people than missing people of color. Moreover, media outlets are more likely to have [repeated coverage](https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/13/523769303/what-we-know-and-dont-know-about-missing-white-women-syndrome) of missing white women than they are Black women. ## History Says to Keep White Women Safe At All Costs Differential treatment of Black and white women is a historic, established practice in the U.S. The disparity first began during enslavement of African people, where African women were often tortured, raped, and brutalized, a far different experience than that of the enslavers’ wives, who were seen as delicate and pristine. Attempting to maintain white women’s perceived “purity” has routinely led to difficulty for Black people, as demonstrated in life and in art. In 1915, a film called [“Birth of a Nation”](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Birth-of-a-Nation) was released as a groundbreaking, first of its kind feature-length film about the Civil War and Reconstruction Era in the South. In addition to the glorification of the Ku Klux Klan and other racist archetypical portrayals, was the depiction of Black men as lustful brutes who would tarnish white women. This idea stemmed directly from racism, and it reflected beliefs that Black men were barbaric and that white women needed constant protection. As the saying goes, art imitates life. There are innumerable accounts of Black men being captured, tortured, and killed for things as trivial as looking at white women. In 1955, 40 years after “Birth of a Nation” was released, a 14-year-old boy from Chicago named [Emmett Till](https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-death-of-emmett-till) was kidnapped and tortured while visiting his uncle in rural Mississippi. Till allegedly flirted with a white woman in a store, and the woman’s husband and brother kidnapped him a few nights later. He was beaten, shot, and his eye was gouged out, leaving his body unrecognizable when it was recovered from the Tallahatchie River. Years later, the woman who Till reportedly flirted with admitted that he never even spoke to her, let alone flirted with her. Essentially, Till was murdered by men trying to “protect the honor” of a white woman. Portraying white women as beings who need protecting, and scapegoating Black people as infringers of said protection, contributes to the outrage felt when white women go missing and the deafening silence when Black women go missing. ## Giving Equal Airtime to Missing Black Women When it comes to missing persons, receiving media attention can literally be the difference between life and death. Naturally, the more people who know that someone is missing, the more opportunity there is in finding the person because more people are in position to call in tips, report sightings, or provide information. That was one of the reasons behind starting the [Amber Alert](https://ndresponse.gov/alert/amber-alert/history) system for missing children in 1996. [The Missing Persons Advocacy](https://www.missingpersonsguide.com/media/) Network refers to media as a “great asset” and provides suggestions for media engagement when someone is missing. Even if media coverage doesn’t lead to the safe return of a missing person, it can, at least, direct law enforcement to crime scenes where remains could be found, as was the case with Gabby Petito. Keeping this in mind, disparity in media attention for missing Black women is more than an issue of exposure and cannot be chalked up to mere requests for publicity; it is a sinister omission that silences and ignores Black women, Black families, and the Black community. ## MWWS Affects Various Minority Communities Limited media coverage of missing persons expands beyond Black women. Indigenous women, transgender and gender fluid people, and minority children do not receive adequate media attention when they go missing, either. In Wyoming, where Gabby Petito’s remains were found, more than 700 Indigenous women have been reported missing since 2011. For Indigenous peoples, it is perplexing that major efforts went into locating Petito after two weeks when some families have [needed assistance](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lack-awareness-data-hinders-cases-missing-murdered-native-american-women-n1235233) locating their loved ones for years. The [Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women’s Movement](https://www.nativehope.org/en-us/understanding-the-issue-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women) (MMIWM) began in 2015 and is aimed at raising awareness about the issues of under-reporting, minimal search efforts, and lackluster media attention surrounding missing Indigenous women in the U.S. and Canada. Similarly, transgender and gender fluid people go missing and experience violence at alarming rates, yet there is little media coverage about them. Individuals and organizations like [GLAAD](https://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-calls-increased-and-accurate-media-coverage-transgender-murders-0) have been extremely vocal, especially in the last few years, about the violence that members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience. The statistics around missing transgender and gender fluid people aren’t even gathered sufficiently enough to accurately represent the issue, which contributes to the problem. The LGBTQIA+ community largely communicates within itself through social media and [private organizations](https://www.hrc.org/resources/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2021) to alert others about those who are missing or experience violence. Because the LGBTQIA+ community tends to be siloed by the media and community at large, they are also silenced. Silence is also a reality for [missing children of color](https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/03/us/missing-children-of-color-trnd/index.html). Of the 424,066 children who were reported missing in 2018 (the most recent figure), 37 percent of them were Black. A 2015 study found that media covered only seven percent of cases involving missing Black children, who, at the time, made up 35 percent of reported missing children. The details around missing children are a bit more tricky for various reasons—some families are fearful of reporting their children missing and some children are categorized as runaways. But, given that many people can list instances of missing white children and not missing Black children, the issue is still apparent. ## Taking Action Against MWWS Getting rid of MWWS will take collective and individual action. You can report missing Black women and girls to the Black and Missing Foundation [here](https://blackandmissinginc.com/report/) and to the Our Black Girls website [here](https://ourblackgirls.com/contact/). Social media is also an immediate, engaging option that most of us have at our disposal. It doesn’t take much to share and repost alerts of missing Black women and girls, and it can really be effective. In 2014, 276 Nigerian girls were [kidnapped from their school](https://bringbackourgirls.ng/) by local terrorist group Boko Haram. There was minimal media coverage of the mass kidnapping until the \#BringBackOurGirls hashtag went viral on social media. Of the 276 girls, more than half have been found, but 112 are still missing. Eliminating MWWS is not an attempt to pit Women of Color against white women. It is a matter of equal treatment. The issue, here, isn’t that stories of missing white women make the news, but rather, that stories of missing Black women do not. This disparity might seem benign or insurmountable; some argue that, given the sheer number of missing people in the U.S., it’s difficult to give equal air time to everyone. But the media can give more attention to missing Black women without diverting attention away from missing white women by diversifying their newsrooms and being active agents in seeking out stories of missing Black women. Balance is achievable.
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