100 Positive Things to Do When You’re Bored in Class

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

Everyone has to go to class when they are younger. Some people go to college, graduate school, and even participate in continuing education courses. If this is something that you are facing, you may get bored from time to time.

What should you do when you get bored in class? What can you do that might make a positive impact on your future?

If you are wondering what you can do when you’re bored, then here are 100 positive activities you can focus on when you’re stuck in class and want to use this time wisely (if you feel like the material being taught isn’t that important to you.)  

Let’s get to it.

100 Things To Do in Class When You’re Bored

If you are wondering what you can do to keep yourself occupied in a positive way when you get bored in class, consider:

1. First, consider checking your emails. This is one of the most productive things you can do if you get bored in class. If you are an older student and have access to email at your high school or college, make sure you are up to date. 
2. You should also try to organize your computer if it is a bit messy. For example, you may not know where your files are located. Think about rearranging them in a productive way. 
3. If you get bored during class, take a few minutes and look out the window. Try to focus on an object in the distance. That way, you can refocus your mind accordingly when you return to the lesson. 
4. If you hear a strange noise in class when you get bored, try to figure out what that is. That is a good way to get your mind going again. 
5. You should also take a closer look at your desk. If you are seated in a classroom and you have a desk in front of you, make sure it is organized. 
6. If you get bored, you should make a list of things you need to do tonight. That way, you’ll be prepared when you leave the classroom. Even though this may not be directly related to the lesson, you should add “review today’s lesson” to the list. 

7. Make sure you are up to date on your assignments for other classes. If you have something to do when one of your other classes, make sure you have actually completed it. 
8. If you have food or drinks located at your desk, make sure you clean them up appropriately. That way, you do not leave a dirty workspace for the next person. 
9. If you have a computer, take a few minutes to clean up. You would be surprised at how dirty your keyboard gets. 
10. If you are bored in class, raise your hand and ask a question. That might help you get back on track. 
11. If you have paper sticking out of your binder, address them. If there are things in your binder you do not need to come to throw them away.
12. If you have papers that you do need that are falling apart, try to reinforce them. For example, you may want to tape the holes together or place them in a laminated sheet.
13. If you are bored during class, open a book and read it. Hopefully, that book is related to everything that is going on in class. 
14. Write down a few goals for yourself. What do you want to get out of the lesson today? 
15. Then, move forward and write down the goals you want to accomplish this semester. What are the goals you want to accomplish by the end of the school year?

16. Finally, write down some goals for your future plans. What do you want to be when you are finished? Is there an internship this Summer that can help you get there? 
17. If you really get bored during class, I think about why you are bored. Why are you having trouble paying attention? 
18. If you are allowed to eat during class, think about eating a granola bar. This may provide you with the carbohydrates you need to pay attention. 
19. Open your computer and do some research. What do you need to learn more about to accomplish your goals? 
20. Set up a meeting with another teacher. If there is another class in which you are struggling, reach out to that teacher and set up a meeting. 
21. Take a few minutes and meditate. Of course, you may not be able to close your eyes during class; however, clear your mind, let your stress melt away, and refocus. 
22. Try and make some plans for the weekend. See what else is going on and try to do something productive. 
23. Take a closer look at your upcoming schedule. Make sure your schedule is set up. 
24. If there are discrepancies in your schedule, clear them up. 
25. Create a checklist of everything you have to do for this current class. That way, you know you won’t miss anything even if you are bored. 
26. Ask the teacher to go use the bathroom. That way, you can take a break, change the scenery, and refocus.
27. Consider grabbing a drink of water. You may have trouble focusing because you are dehydrated. 
28. If you ask to go to the bathroom, think about simply walking down the hall to go to the office. If you get the blood flowing, you may be able to pay attention when you get back. 
29. Do you have a journal? If so, consider writing something down in it. This can be a productive way to refocus. 
30. Do you have a Sudoku book in front of you? If so, think about working through a puzzle. 
31. If you have an application on your phone with puzzles, Think about putting that to use as well.
32. Pick something on the board and focus on it. Then, try to commit it to memory. This can help you return your brain to the action. 
33. Challenge Yourself by writing with the opposite hand. That is something you can focus on. 
34. Take care of yourself. Think about humming a song to yourself in your head. 
35. If there is a coffee machine nearby, consider grabbing a cup of coffee. That might help you wake up. 
36. Do you have someone you have to thank? If so, write a few thank you notes. 
37. Make a list of meals for the week. If you are responsible for cooking in your home, this is the time to develop your shopping list. 
38. Have you finished your homework for all of your classes? If not, get a head start on your homework. 
39. Do you have a research paper you have to do? If so, get a jump start on your research. 
40. Consider reading something important. This could even be a news article that will help you stay up-to-date on what is going on.
41. Read the next chapter in the textbook. If you can’t pay attention to the board, you might be able to pay attention to your book.
42. Take a look at everything you have to do today. Is there anything you can do right now? 
43. Set up new categories in your email. That way, you will have an easier time keeping them organized. 
44. Declutter your backpack. Do you even know what is on the bottom? Consider throwing a few things out. 
45. Do you have any pens that are currently dead? If so, get rid of them. 
46. See if anyone around you needs help. This can help you focus on what you have to do. 
47. Try to stretch at your desk. Stretch out your arms and legs. That could get the blood flowing, helping you pay attention. 
48. Is there anything you need to do with your bank balance right now? Open your phone to make sure there’s enough money.
49. Are you caught up on all of your bills? If not, this is the time to do so. 
50. Do you have credit card reward points? Take a look and see if there’s anything fun you can do with them. 
51. Do you have a trip coming up in the near future? Reveal Your details and make sure everything is in line. 
52. Are you religious? If so, take a few minutes to say a quick prayer. 

53. Whose birthday is it today? Take this opportunity to wish someone a happy birthday. 
54. Do you have someone you have been meaning to reach out to? Now is the time to do so. 
55. Do you have a sporting event coming up tonight? If so, make sure you are ready to go. 
56. Where are you going to study tonight? Make sure it is a productive area. 
57. Do you have a list of articles relevant to your studies? Make sure you get them organized. 
58. What order are you going to do your assignments in tonight? You may want to start with the hardest task first. 
59. Do you know what your limits are? Think about how much you can actually do before you get tired. 
60. Is there something you have trouble doing? Take a closer look at that task and break it down into manageable parts. 
61. Do you have a time tracking app? Take advantage of this. This can help you manage your productivity.
62. Do you have any deadlines coming up? Make sure you know when everything is due. 
63. Are you feeling tired? If so, think about developing a new sleep routine. 
64. Make sure you exercise tonight. Endorphins make you happy and could make it easier for you to focus. 
65. What are you going to do your errands? Plan when they will happen. 
66. Try to locate helpful videos you can watch later that are relevant to your studies. 
67. Raise your hand and ask the teacher to go over that topic again. That way, you are all caught up. 
68. Draw a picture or doodle. Take a notebook to each class to doodle in when you are bored. I did this and received a full Art Scholarship to college with the things I drew in my notebook.
69. Go to sleep. You may not win any brownie points with your teacher or instructor, but a good nap will help you get through the boredom you’re experiencing. Bring a recorder so that you can listen to the lecture later.
70. Bite your nails. It gives you something to do and can serve as a temporary escape and distraction when bored.
71. Count down the time until the end of class. It may make the time go by more slowly, but one way to pass the time is to watch the clock and do a mental countdown until you can leave that class.
72. Leave class. Find a classmate to give you notes from the course, so you stay caught up on the assignments.
73. Take a deck of playing cards to class and play solitaire. This will help the time go by as you listen to your teacher’s lecture.
74. Write a poem out of the words that your instructor is saying to help you remember the material better.
75. Build paper airplanes. This skill was perfected by students in school. Just wait until after class to test them out.
76. Create a comic strip of the people in your class to pass the time. If it can be fun and take a life of its own beyond the classroom boredom.
77. Chew on the end of your pen or pencil. Like biting your nails, nibbling on your writing utensil can help pass the time and give you something to do.
78. Write a song out of the lecture. Doing this may enhance your ability to retain the information your instructor shares.
79. Let your imagination take over. Imagine you’re playing your favorite sport, and against all odds, you win the game for your team.
80. Imagine what you would change about the school if you were the principal. Then, write it down so you can add to it in the future.
81. Write a short story about how your day. Make a note of the high points. For instance, your crush waved to you and said hello. Make it as compelling and exciting as possible to pass the time.
82. Write a list of things you would do if you won $10 million in the lottery. Would you buy a car, a house or new clothes? Maybe you would help your family out financially?
83. Write a note and leave it at your desk for the next student who sits at your desk later in the day. It could be a fun way to make a pen pal and make this particular class less boring.
84. Are you musically inclined? Use words from the teacher’s lecture to write a song. If that is not interesting enough, write a song about anything to help your day smoother.
85. Draw and design a tattoo for yourself or a friend. You never know what fun designs you will come up with.

86. Decide what you will wear for the rest of the week. Take design ideas from others in the class that have a style of dress that you admire.
87. Is it getting close to the Christmas holiday? Make a list of friends and loved ones you still need to shop for and a list of things you would like to purchase for them.
88. Play with your hair. To pass the time, try twirling the ends of your hair. It helps you when you are bored and fidgety.
89. Even though it may annoy a few classmates, lightly tap your pen or pencil on the desk to the lyrics of your favorite song. It doesn’t have to be loud and obnoxious, just something to help you overcome classroom boredom.
90. Create a resume highlighting any creative skills you have and achievements you’ve accomplished.
91. Imagine that you had a superpower. Think of your extraordinary power and how you would use it to make a difference.
92. Love music? List your top 25 songs of all time and top 25 artists.
93. Read the material covered in the class lesson if you have not done so already. Things are more interesting and engaging when they make sense to us.
94. Move up closer to the front. Being closer to the teacher makes you more accountable to them. In addition, it helps to keep you from getting distracted by boredom.
95. Speak in a foreign accent. When your teacher calls on you, or asks a question to the class, answer in the best English or Spanish accent you can. It will encourage laughter and brighten up the class for everyone, including the teacher.
96. Change your perspective. Realize that your boredom with this class is temporary and the material covered by your instructor is helpful for you to achieve your educational goals and throughout life.
97. Turn your class notes into an illustration. For instance, if you are in a history class and the instructor is covering a battle on a ship. Draw an image of what you imagine the battle was like, then give it to the instructor after class.
98. Play with a stress ball. It is an excellent way to ease any tension you may feel about the call and relieve boredom. There are some stress balls with inspirational saying to get you through the day. Furthermore, you can squeeze it twenty times and alternate hands as you listen to your instructor.
99. Count the number of times your teacher says a particular word. Most of us have words or phrases we use a lot. Find your teacher’s favorite word or phrase and count how many times they say the word while covering the class lesson.
100. Put on lotion or hand cream. Just because the class is long and tedious doesn’t mean your hands and arms have to be dry and ashy.

Final Thoughts on Things To Do When Bored in Class

In the end, everyone is going to get bored in class from time to time. If you get bored in class occasionally, you are certainly not alone. There are plenty of other people who are in the same position. Even though it can be tempting to goof off and daydream, there are positive things you can do in class when you get bored as well.

If you are able to turn your boredom into a positive, you can set yourself up for success in the future. Furthermore, you will be able to avoid attracting other people in class as well. Think about putting a few of these ideas to use. 

Furthermore, you might even be able to educate yourself when you are bored. To learn more about the importance of self-education and habits you can put to use in your life, then be sure to check out our article on the 101 skills you can learn in your free time.

If you’re looking for more ideas, here are some suggestions on what you and your friends can do when you’re bored.