In theory, the internet is a go-to cure for boredom; in reality, it often makes it worse. Scrolling through endless social media timelines, binging 90s sitcoms and browsing unaffordable online stores may provide some welcome distraction, but they won’t stimulate you when you’re feeling creative.

But the internet is a wonderful tool, it just depends on how you use it. Next time you’re suffering from chronic boredom, instead of clicking on the same depressing apps, try something that will get the creative juices flowing and make you feel like you’re doing something valuable with your free time.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Create some art

Once upon a time, aspiring artists had to shell out for paints, pallets and easels if they wanted to graduate from pencil and paper. It was an expensive hobby reserved for those with enough cash to spare.

Luckily, the internet has changed all that. All you need now is a phone or tablet and a Wi-Fi connection. Online painting and drawing apps like Kleki and Autodraw allow you create virtual works of art for free before downloading them, whether it be a doodle of a cat or a true pixel masterpiece.

If photography is more your thing, you can also try free photo-editing apps like Pixlr.

Discover new music

We all have our favourite bands, artists, and genres, but listening to them over and over again is a sure-fire way to kill your love.

If you’re bored of all your playlists, take the time to discover some new music. The algorithms of both Spotify and YouTube will help you find new songs in genres you like, or you can branch out and try to discover something totally different. Internet Radio allows you to listen to hundreds of big and small radio stations, where you can hear brilliant local acts from across the world.

Start a blog

You may think internet blogs died with Myspace and Blackberries, but you’d be wrong. Thousands of people still read and write blogs on a huge variety of subjects, from politics to fashion to personal history.

And besides, even if your blog never gets beyond a handful of readers, writing about the things that matter to you is never a waste of time.

Websites like WordPress, Medium and Squarespace will help you get started.

Head to a casino

Online casinos might not be the first thing you think of when trying to find ways to boost your creativity online, but any Blackjack aficionado will tell you there is more to gambling than simple luck.

Whether it’s poker, slots, or cards, gambling requires keen analytical skills, a sharp memory, and the ability to improvise on the spur of the moment. It’s also tremendous fun (especially if you win some cash).

If you’re able to gamble responsibly, try your luck at an online casino. To find the best and safest site, visit new casino sites. Fruity Slots is a comparison website for online casinos, helping you find true value for money.

Build an entire city

If you’ve ever played Sim City, you know how fun and stimulating it is to build a virtual city, both making it workable and attractive.

You can get a similar experience through Toy Box Metropolis, a free online city building game, only in this game you build a city on a child’s bedroom floor. It’s like more advanced Lego.

On the other hand, if you’d prefer to build something in real life, instructables.com is one of the best DIY resources available, teaching you valuable skills needed to create something with your own two hands.

Use the internet to beat boredom and boost creativity at the same time.