Bored Of Your Life? 11 Practical Ways To Spice It Up Every Day

Life can get a bit dull sometimes, can't it? It's easy to find yourself stuck in a rut, doing the same things, seeing the same people, eating the same food and suddenly realising you're really rather bored.

But we were shocked to find that over half of Brits are 'completely bored' with life.

Have things really got that bad?

In the survey by IcelandAir, 78 per cent of us admitted to longing for more excitement and spontaneity in life and 83 per cent have moments of feeling fed up (does this mean 17 per cent of people NEVER feel fed up? WHO are these people? How do you get to be one?)

It's completely normal to feel bored or frustrated at times, but if you're fed up with life in general, it's time to make some changes. Take the bull by its horns, you ARE the master of your own destiny.

A third of us blame lack of time and 63 per cent reckon it's money that's the big sticking block when it comes to leading a more exciting life.

And while the best way to change up your whole life may be to do something massive - quit your job, dump your partner, go travelling... You don't have to make massive life changes to simply relocate your passion for the life you already have.

We reckon if you try one (or all) of these 11 ways to spice up your life, you'll be feeling much better in no time.

We promise they're cheaper, easier and less time consuming than job hunting, travelling or taking on some sort of major physical project like an Iron Man (though if you really want a new challenge, get on it).

1. Take Up A New Skill

Yes, yes, you've got no time to do what's already on your plate, why would you add to it?

Well, some of the major things Brits find tiresome are 'not having enough experiences', 'hobbies' and 'monotony of the same routine'.

And you can't expect to shake up your life if you don't do anything new. So start with a one-off to see if you like it.

Some options to consider:
Bouldering - This is climbing without the faff of ropes and pullies - cheaper and more convenient and a good way to get into the sport. Head to a climbing wall near you and find out about its bouldering options - the walls are much shorter and surrounded by crash mats so if doesn't matter if you fall off. It's a great workout, ideal for beating stress and hugely rewarding when you nail a difficult route.

Life drawing - If you can consider this without sniggering, sign up for a class. The human form is notoriously tricky to draw and every body you attempt will be completely different. You may even find you're the next Leonardo da VInci (or Picasso). Plus, it's a funny thing to talk about in the pub.

Swing dancing - No need for a partner, head to one of Swing Patrol's ever-expanding dance classes for a fun introduction to old-school dancing. It's a good workout but you won't even notice because you're having so much fun, plus it's a good chance to meet people, and upbeat music is a reliable mood-booster.

Language classes - If you're not so much the active type and don't fancy drawing naked people, why not do something a little more intellectual, such as learning French, Spanish or German. Or Mandarin if you're keen/crazy. Language courses are available all over the country and with apps and online learning there are plenty of ways to bring your out inner va va voom. There's nothing so empowering as speaking the native language on holiday.

2. Write a story

How many of us think we've got a book in us but just can't get it out? Not having enough time is a classic excuse so why not start small, with a (very) short story. Make a decision to write one page a day for a week and see where you are on day seven. You might find you have a masterpiece on your hands. Failing that, it will have at least flexed your imagination muscle.

3. Give someone an unexpected hug

This doesn't have to be a stranger (though it could be). And everyone loves a hug. If we all hugged more maybe we'd be fed up less. Go and do your bit.

4. Start meditating (and stick to it)

Meditating has had a modern make-over. No longer does it involve 'ohmming' and sitting cross legged (though you can still do this if you like). Instead there are apps and online tutorials to help you through and you can do it anywhere - on the bus, locked in the loos at work... just probably not when you're driving. It's found to be better rest for your brain than sleeping and can help you become more focused and content.

5. Have an off-plan weekend

We are slaves to our to-do lists and diaries and we completely agree that turning them off isn't always easy. But it is possible. Cancel all plans for one weekend, grab whoever you want (partner, kids, friends or just yourself) and spend the entire two days doing whatever comes to mind.

Head to your nearest big city to check out the museums, go for a long walk in the country or jump in a lake to open water swim (if it's meant for that sort of thing). Anything that doesn't require pre-booking.

6. Get into a new TV series

Oh the box set. How can we ever be bored with you in existence? There is pretty much no way you will have been able to watch all good TV series ever made (and if you have, you might be the right person to quit your job and go travelling). Ration viewing to one or two episodes an evening and reap the enjoyment of brilliant drama every day of the week.

A few to consider: The Sopranos, The Wire, The X Files, Veep, The West Wing, Fraiser, Twin Peaks, Breaking Bad, Red Dwarf.

(Or, rewatch something you loved growing up - has it survived the test of time?)

7. Do one thing slightly differently each day

Be it taking a slightly different route to work, brushing your teeth with your left hand or shopping in a different supermarket to your usual. Small changes can go a long way to break up the monotony of routine life.

8. Do some rubbish art

Remember how much you loved to paint and stick things together as a kid? If you have children, you can use them as an excuse to get out the craft kit and if you don't, you've got no one to pretend to be grown up to, so go for it anyway.

You're not trying to learn, you're not creating a masterpiece, you're just colouring things because it feels nice, alright? Just stay within the lines.

9. Spend an hour in a YouTube hole

The internet is the source of much life-comparison misery, jealousy and procrastination. But sometimes giving yourself the carte blanche to fall into a video hole is absolutely fine. Give yourself a time limit and watch those cats getting stuck in boxes to your heart's content. You'll be surprised where they take you...

10. Eat a different breakfast every single day

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but for many of us the most boring. You wouldn't eat the exact same thing for dinner every day would you? A very simple way to inject some enjoyment into your life is to appreciate this first meal of the day, every day.

Mon: Porridge with peanut butter and banana
Tues: Bowl of high fibre cereal and milk
Wed: Toast with your favourite marmalade
Thurs: Avocado on toast
Fri: Yoghurt and granola with your favourite fruits
Sat: Eggs with asparagus (it's the weekend, you can cook!)
Sun: Pancakes with lemon and sugar or bacon and maple syrup

See? Aren't you happy just thinking about all those lovely breakfasts?

11. Read a book

If you've forgotten what a book looks like, it's time to reconnect. Reading has been proven to improve mood and if you really can't quit your job or go off on an adventure, living it through beautifully written stories is the next best thing. We guarantee it's more fun than reading Twitter.

You don't have to turn your life upside down and you don't even have to do all of these, but try one and get yourself into a good frame of mind for the future.

Good luck!

NB: IcelandAir did this research to launch its competition to give someone an awesome stopover in Iceland to punch a bit of extra excitement into life. You can nominate yourself or a friend.