Identifying Boredom
Boredom is recognized as things that we become busy with that no longer fulfill, challenge, or interest us. As a result, exhaustion, irritability, and neglect can occur.
When people are bored, it is primarily with their own selves that they are bored.
~ Eric Hoffer
Do you struggle with your partner or spouse who would rather “Netflix and chill” when you’re ready to paint the town red?
Does your wardrobe or physical appearance suddenly appear too plain and needs spicing up?
Are you losing interest in performing easy job duties and seeking something more challenging or meaningful to contribute to your team or company’s success?
I love the saying, “find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.
Psychologists say that it is common to feel this way, and it affects us all at some point.
Boredom should not last forever. If it becomes a regular occurrence or continues for a prolonged period, it could be a warning sign of a more severe mental issue like depression. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent reaching that point.
What Can You Do To Overcome Boredom?
To start, figure out why you’re bored. How can you liven things up? What tickles your fancy?
Please make a list of hobbies or interests you’re passionate about and put a plan in place to pursue them.
Please do not include anything too wild that’s illegal or life-threatening. When was the last time you spent time with a dear friend or loved one you haven’t seen in a while?
Have you always wanted to learn how to cook a gourmet meal, speak a foreign language, or take line dancing or Salsa lessons?
What talents do you possess to boost your income? We all have hidden gems that deserve to shine!
If you’re unable to identify specific things to avoid being bored and it’s getting you down, consider speaking with a psychologist for support.
I have fallen victim to boredom personally, especially now that I am retired, I try to stay busy, focused, and productive.
Caring for an elderly relative keeps me occupied; never a dull moment there!
I love to read a sizzling page-turner, indulge in book club activities, write my novel, create various projects, travel, play card games, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Then there’s my fascination with playing word games that keep me out of the monotony prison. Words with Friends is my friend!
Building my musical playlist, cranking up the music, singing at the top of my lungs, and dancing in the mirror as if no one is watching is my jam.
Recently, my loved one, who just recently became a nursing home resident, said to me that he was bored. I empathized with that because Saturday afternoon card games with his childhood buddies invigorated him before living there.
He happily participated in church events on most Sundays and throughout the week, including playing the organ, singing in the Men’s Choir, and fundraisers.
He played one-on-one basketball in the park with his only 21-year-old grandson and created various arts and crafts with his daughter and two pre-teen granddaughters.
All of this and more completely pleased him regularly. Unfortunately, due to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, his typical day has been dramatically altered. It consists mainly of grueling rehab/physical therapy, receiving medication, watching TV, and receiving personal care.
His primary interaction occurs with an around-the-clock medical staff, or while family and friends are available by phone or abbreviated in-person visits.
I showed him the nursing home’s monthly activity schedule. They offer a wide array of fun like board games, bingo, card games, holiday events, physical activities, ice-cream socials, Storytime, Movie Night, musical events, birthday celebrations, arts and crafts, and more!
These events are carefully designed to entertain and engage the residents. The goal is to provide long-lasting mental and physical benefits as well. He loves it and is very interested in card games. His competitive spirit has him boasting that he is a card game champ and challenges others to try and beat him!
I no longer worry or doubt that his temporary bout with boredom will soon fade away.
Conclusion
While there are many things to do to avoid boredom, my best advice is to find something enjoyable to keep yourself pleasantly occupied.
Set up a long-overdue romantic date night or staycation with your significant other. You could also invite a good friend, co-worker, or family member out to dinner and cocktails to catch up on life.
Comedy is a tremendous cure for boredom. A good belly laugh is very healthy for the mind and soul. It cures sickness and sadness and puts you in a happy mood. Laughter has an effect similar to antidepressants.
Scientists claim that laughing regularly activates the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, the same brain chemical affected by the most common types of antidepressants.
Consider seeking professional help if your episodes of boredom are lengthy and occur frequently.
Good luck with exploring all life offers to keep you from yawning too much!
Author
Retired at age 57, living in suburban Chicago, Tracy has started a new chapter as a writer of novels and the president of an active book club.
