Keep yourself busy Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Active Avoidance Used when being active to avoid boredom, not just passively waiting. During the flight delay, I kept myself busy by reading a novel. Pro Tip 2/3Positive Tone Commonly carries a positive connotation, suggesting productive use of time. On weekends, I keep myself busy with gardening and baking. Pro Tip 3/3Time Filling Implies filling time that could otherwise be idle or wasted. She keeps herself busy with puzzles to fill her evenings.