How to Break Free from Boredom: Tips to Reignite Your Mind

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When did you last feel completely, overwhelmingly, tediously bored? It could have been during those excruciating extra ten minutes in the waiting area of a doctor’s clinic. Or maybe it happened while sitting through a philosophy lecture where your gaze started to blur. Possibly, it occurred on an interminable car trip with your young child demanding repeated plays of their favorite tune. You may even be feeling quite uninterested at this very moment (if so, my apologies, and I aim to regain your interest soon).

Boredom frequently arises as part of life's natural ups and downs. Typically, this state involves feelings of unease and irritation, according to the passage. James Danckert , a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Waterloo and one of the co-authors of Beyond My Mind: The Psychology of Boredom A suspicion that you have must get out of here immediately .

However, boredom has a practical function as well. It serves as an incentive, pushing you towards taking action. This thing you’re doing is neither fulfilling nor meaningful , so go find another alternative . Danckert notes that some individuals excel at heeding the call of the alarm, whereas others struggle with it. People who claim they never feel bored might be more adept at managing these signals. For those who effectively interpret the cues boredom provides, they gain the ability to implement both minor adjustments and significant transformations in their life—a boon for them but detrimental to monotony. "Boredom," as Danckert explains, "doesn't dictate your actions; instead, it merely prompts you to seek alternative activities." The choice of how to proceed falls squarely upon you.

An longing for variety

Have you ever paused to think about why you've felt bored at times, even though you know what boredom feels like? Erin Westgate An assistant professor of social psychology at the University of Florida, specializing in boredom, describes this sensation as occurring when individuals fail to connect with their current activity—either due to insufficient focus caused by tasks being overly simple or complex—or because these activities hold little significance. This state of mind may manifest briefly—for example, struggling to concentrate on a complicated read—or persistently, like experiencing dissatisfaction from a career that feels meaningless.

Boredom tends to be quite common: Not many individuals find standing in line at the DMV an exhilarating activity. However, boredom also varies from person to person. A film that captivates one viewer might bore someone else. That’s why certain activities that some people enjoy can feel tedious to others. isolated with their own thoughts agonizing While some people indulge in daydreaming, Westgate suggests. Simply sitting without engaging your internal dialogue and free from other distractions isn’t necessarily boredom for everybody. Nonetheless, it could feel tedious if you aren’t fond of being alone.

A frequent misunderstanding people have is equating boredom with simply lacking activities, as stated by Westgate. In reality, even when your day involves mundane and repetitious chores without many breaks, you can still experience feelings of boredom. Those who lead extremely hectic lives might say they desire moments of boredom; what they're truly seeking could actually be peaceful contentment—a chance to unwind.

Indeed, keeping yourself occupied with non-stop activities and distractions might stop boredom from creeping in initially. Although this approach isn't inherently negative, always covering up feelings of boredom with yet another podcast or an additional show could mean missing out on recognizing when you've strayed from your values, passions, and contributions to society, as Westgate points out.

How frequently you feel bored can also depend on your view of boredom. People who perceive boredom as an obstacle and a source of frustration tend to experience it more often, according to the statement. Wijnand Van Tilburg A senior psychology lecturer at the University of Essex shared this insight: individuals who view boredom as an unavoidable part of life experience less ennui overall and manage their feelings of tedium more efficiently when it does occur.

Do not confuse boredom with an entirely harmless entity; it has the potential to result in various negative actions and consequences. self-harm , impulsivity , depression , anxiety , greater consumption of alcohol and other illicit substances , attention problems, low motivation , and poor work performance .

And even though some stories suggest differently, boredom doesn’t lead to inspired Advancements and heightened innovation, according to research. Conversely, it’s the moderately engaging activities Activities such as showering or going for a walk can sometimes inspire us. These activities shouldn’t be too engaging or dull; they should allow your mind to wander freely—this balance is what you’re striving for.

Maximizing productivity during periods of boredom

What strategies can be employed to effectively combat boredom when it arises? And how might one properly interpret what messages your boredom could be conveying?

Experts suggest using those moments of realization to remind yourself that your current activities lack meaning, prompting you to search for more fulfilling ones instead. The approach can vary based on circumstances. For instance, listening to a podcast during laundry duty may transform the task from monotonous work into an engaging activity. Alternatively, watching a video tutorial on bread making on YouTube could brighten up a gloomy day. "The specifics aren't important," according to Danckert, "as long as you consider it worthwhile."

In situations where you can’t simply pack up and go, like at school or work, Westgate recommends making the experience more substantial. She advises, "Consider why you're here and how this situation serves a greater purpose, which will help make your involvement feel more significant."

Perhaps you're getting restless during an extended car journey? Consider finding activities or methods to add some excitement to the scenario. After all, car games were invented with good reason. Alternatively, create your own pastime. "When my brother and I were kids," Westgate shares, "we played a game named 'Who Would You Ask for Help?' In this current space, if you needed assistance from someone here, who would it be and what reasons do you have?"

Certainly, addressing an unbearably dull occupation could involve seeking new employment that provides greater significance and fulfillment to your life. Given that this option may not always be feasible or straightforward for numerous individuals, Danckert proposes altering how you perceive your present role: You aren't surviving merely to work; instead, you're working so you can lead a fulfilling personal life outside of it. In essence, your job supplies the financial means necessary for engaging in enriching pursuits during your leisure hours.

When dealing with brief periods of tedium, such as queuing up for a sandwich, Westgate suggests it’s perfectly acceptable to use your phone as an amusement to get through the wait. She explains, "A quick diversion from your phone can help you endure those dull but necessary tasks without issue." However, she warns that relying solely on this method every single time we feel bored could be problematic.

If you rely on your phone whenever you experience even the faintest hint of boredom, you might adopt detrimental behaviors—such as browsing during your child’s soccer match from the sideline or while operating a vehicle. Actually, frequently swiping through brief clips, such as those found on TikTok, can heighten feelings of boredom. a study found “It diminishes the ability to focus, and it lessens the sense of significance in what someone is doing,” Van Tilburg states. It “leads to increased boredom, despite the belief that this action would help reduce it.”

Rather than relying on your gadgets as a remedy for boredom, Van Tilburg recommends finding various practical methods to break this habit. This could involve initiating conversations when queuing for coffee or designating device-free zones in your living space, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. Instead of dreading moments of quietness, try to welcome mental meandering.

Boredom is similar to Goldilocks' porridge: It shouldn't be avoided entirely, yet having too much can be problematic as well. Life ought not to be an unending dull mist, just as it’s not meant to always be overwhelmingly fascinating.

“Occasionally,” Van Tilburg remarks, “some mild discomfort can be beneficial for uncovering new experiences and cultivating fresh passions.”