How many parents have heard the oft-repeated phrase, “I’m Bored” from their children? Boredom can be a natural part of life, but prolonged boredom may reduce productivity and impede learning.
Developing ways to combat boredom can help individuals manage stress and frustration. Practices like mindfulness, meditation and relaxation can help to reduce psychological arousal and feelings of boredom.
1. Read a book
Boredom is a normal feeling that can affect people of all ages. It can make people feel restless, apathetic, or even irritable. It’s important to recognize this feeling and find creative ways to combat it.
Reading can be an effective way to fight boredom. However, it’s important to choose a book that you enjoy. Books such as test preparation, instructional materials, and work manuals may not provide the stimuli necessary to fight boredom.
Try to have a variety of books on hand so you can easily pick one up when the urge strikes. Divide large books into smaller sections to avoid getting bored with a single topic or chapter. Taking breaks between each section will also help you stay motivated to finish the book.
2. Watch a movie
If you’re bored, watching a movie is a great way to get out of your head and zone out. You can also find educational videos online that aren’t just entertaining but help you learn new things.
Try watching a movie about people doing exciting or interesting things, like Thelma and Louise’s wild buddy road trip. Or, watch a documentary about something you’re interested in, such as space exploration or ancient history.
You can even use fun websites to get rid of boredom, such as Rainy Moods or Super Nintendo Emulator. These websites have a rain ambiance sound that’s very soothing and can be used while you meditate or work, and they have classic video games to take you back to your childhood! You can also check out Reddit for a variety of different topics and subreddits.
3. Listen to music
In an age of easily accessible electronics, it can be hard to feel bored. It’s easy to lose track of time while scrolling TikTok or watching YouTube videos. But that type of entertainment doesn’t refresh the mind and can lead to a lack of creativity and problem-solving skills.
Try listening to music, especially classical or jazz music. Listening to new songs can open the mind to different thoughts and emotions.
Many websites offer creative things to do when you’re bored, like Sketch Something Daily. Getting your creative juices flowing is great for mental health and can help you come up with new ideas for your work. If boredom persists, consider talking to a mental health professional. Boredom is often a sign of underlying issues like anxiety or depression.
4. Play a game
Whether you choose online crosswords or pick up your old standby, this classic boredom-busting activity helps keep your brain stimulated.
You can also try a new game like the sound-source guessing game where you and your friends can attempt to identify sounds from ringing phones, meowing cats, or even just a quiet room.
It’s important to remember that sometimes feelings of boredom are actually a sign of an underlying mental health condition such as depression. If you feel you experience boredom on a regular basis, talk to your doctor to learn more about how best to manage your symptoms. Getting professional help could help you overcome the feeling of boredom for good. Alternatively, you can speak to a counselor and get advice on healthy coping strategies.
5. Make a craft
Boredom can be a sign of an emotional issue. If you find that you often feel bored, talk to a mental health professional. They can help you understand the cause of your boredom and offer advice for how to handle it.
Trying new activities can lessen boredom. You could take a pottery class, start jogging, or try a different genre of book. These things can also give your brain and body a boost.
If you are a creative person, try painting or drawing. You can even try a new craft project like knitting a scarf or learning to crochet. Another way to be creative is by writing a letter to someone. Writing can lessen boredom by letting you express your feelings. You can write to soldiers overseas, victims of natural disasters, or an elderly friend.