Despite our hectic lives, boredom is common and affects people in different ways.
Some spend hours in this annoying state, searching for things to fill their time. Others, well, they very rarely get bored - those are the chosen ones. Pretty ironic that we spend our busy days looking for downtime, and our downtime looking for things to keep us busy.
I’m sure whichever of the two categories you fall into and whatever your thoughts on boredom are, you’ll agree that always being prepared can’t hurt.
A researcher at York University in Toronto found that when a person is bored, it actually has a negative impact on their health and happiness. It turns out that “boredom can have some horrible effects and we see it associated with pathological states. [There’s a] strong association with depression and boredom”. A pretty strong reason to get “un-bored”, don’t you think?
With that in mind, let’s have a look at some of the things you can do to escape feeling bored.
This is one of the simplest things to do when you're bored, and it doesn’t require all that much effort. So get your headphones, earpiece, or speakers set up, and head on over to Spotify (or wherever you listen to your tunes).
Find a killer playlist and then just let it take you away.
To me, reading is the ultimate cure for being bored.
As a passionate book lover, you’ll rarely see me without one. And even if you don’t have a book on hand, your phone is filled with a plethora of different options. From the news, to Kobo books, to the latest trends.
Reading is by far the easiest way to pass time. Immersing yourself in different settings, fantasy worlds and epic relationships.
Let’s kill two birds with one stone here - fight back that boredom whilst keeping fit and healthy.
A long walk is a great way to release the stress and anxiety that accompanies feeling bored. It might even give you the added bonus of feeling grounded.
So get yourself out and about, taking in all that nature has to offer.
This is a proven timeless classic. When you’re bored and struggling to think of things to do, stick a movie on, sit back and the time will fly by.
Watching movies that have you fully invested are a sure thing to make you forget about the world around you.
Given we’re in 2020 this is something you can do whenever and wherever you are. Just pull out your phone, tablet or computer, type in one of the many streaming services (Netflix, Prime, Hulu, HBO etc) and away you go.
If you’re someone that’s been pushing mediation off for years, today might be the day you finally give it a chance.
Mediation is a great way to really get to know yourself and develop as a person emotionally and mentally. Who knows, after doing some form of meditation, you might learn to let go of the feeling of being bored. You won’t know until you try.
Downloading free apps like Headspace, Insight Timer and Calm can help you get started.
Boosting your mood can be as simple as calling a friend or loved one. You’d be surprised at just how much this can boost your soul.
Whether that be over the phone, or face-to-face (if you really have some time on your hands and want to head out for coffee, a drink, or a hike).
Not to mention how good the other person will feel knowing that you’re making the effort to reach out and connect with them.
If you’re feeling bored or hungry, why not learn a new recipe?
Practice making those meals (and desserts) you’ve always wished you had the time to attempt. You’ll find that being bored gives you a lot of motivation to keep busy.
Well, don’t actually do it until you drop - that would be silly.
If you have a list or idea of what you want (or even need), then why not go shopping? Even if the funds are low, go for a browse, and feed those hungry eyes of yours.
Taking a nap is no longer reserved for those under the age of five. We can do it too, in fact, this is me encouraging you to go for it.
Sometimes that bored feeling comes from being tired or restless. Taking a nap is sure to kill some of that extra time you have. And it is bound to give you back some energy and motivation you’re in search of.
Instead of sitting around doing nothing (like I know most of us do when we’re bored) why not keep your body moving and do a workout right there in your room or in your living room?
You don’t need any equipment to keep fit and Youtube has a wonderful selection of bodyweight workouts you can choose from.
Yoga is something that can also be done from the comfort of your own home.
Using your phone or computer, you’re able to find many apps and videos where you can follow along with online classes. So get off Instagram and start searching for yoga classes online!
Yoga is such a calming and relaxing practice, one that will soon take away any thoughts of being bored or agitated.
Always wanted to try creative writing? Take up jogging? Or even master your culinary skills in the kitchen? Take some time to research something you’ve always wanted to learn or try and make a plan to actually do it.
It will help give you something to look forward to and fill up those extra pockets of time you might have during the day - providing an escape from the boredom.
Not to mention, it’ll get you doing something you normally wouldn’t. Stretching out that comfort zone of yours, teaching your brain and body new skills.
Get the mop, hoover, duster, and rubber gloves out - it’s time to clean.
Do some laundry, sweep and rearrange things around your room.lean everything in sight.
Apps like eBay, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace make it easier to sell used and unwanted things. So empty those random draws where you throw the contents of your pocket in.
Get in deep with reorganizing your closet, selling all those clothes you really don’t need. This will take up time and give you a clean space to collect your thoughts and potentially make you a little bit of money. Win - win.
Who doesn’t like games? No one!
So dust off those old board games you have in some box in the basement. Get friends round, a few snacks, drinks and BOOM…ou have yourself a game night.
Playing games is a sure winner when it comes to beating boredom.
Ever play Monopoly? Of course you have. So you know that a game like that lasts hours, if not days. It creates divides in families and friendships, it brings out the best and the worst in people. Doesn’t that sound like fun?
If you’re not into the classics then there’s always other gaming platforms to choose from (Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, PC). Addictive and time-consuming games are also out there on phones and tablets, making it impossible to escape their charm.
When was the last time you did some self-development? When did you last write down your goals and aspirations for the coming year - for the next five years - or even ten?
Pick a period in your life and write down 5-10 goals you’d like to achieve. Put it somewhere you’ll occasionally see so you won’t forget, and then start working towards them.
I’m sure there’s something you’re good at - maybe even quite talented at. It’s something you try to work on but maybe forget about it or put it off. Being bored gives you all of this time to focus on that talent of yours and bring it up to the next level.
As a blogger I’d like to think I’m not at all biased - well maybe only a little.
It’s really hard not to be when there are so many bloggers out there with so many things to say. Whether you like sports, chess, movies, fashion, beauty and many more, there’s a blogger out there for you.
I personally have a list of blogs a visit daily just to keep myself up-to-date with the things I find interesting. It kills time, improves my knowledge and gives me insights on topics I would otherwise be clueless about.
Online schooling is a chance for you to attend classes that spark your interest, motivate and inspire you - all while wearing your PJs Enrol in a course that you’ve always wanted to try but never thought possible.
But thankfully, now it is with sites like Coursera, Edx and Udemy you’ll have no problem finding the perfect course to keep your mind busy.
Wandure is the perfect way to overcome that feeling of being bored.
As an app designed to help you find a date and plan something entertaining for you to do, it’s hard not to put it on the list. If you have the app already then great - you’re my new favourite person. If you don’t, not to worry, I still like you.
Wandure’s super easy to download and even easier to use. Get yourself on it, find someone you’d like to spend time with and Wandure will plan the night for you.
Say goodbye to boredom and hello to love.
Here’s a strange idea, next time you’re bored, why not try and teach yourself to do nothing at all.
Sounds crazy I know but hear me out.
In our culture, we praise the grind and emphasize the need to be going non-stop all the time. Without realizing that you’ll get so much out of learning to enjoy just doing nothing at all. Take in the scenery around you, sit on the couch and embrace the moment. It’ll give your mind time to relax and restart - leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to go.
