I let myself get bored too easily. I do so out of pure laziness. All too often in the evenings instead of reading a book, I hang out on Facebook playing mindless games and flipping through websites without actually reading any of them.
I might have a plan to organize a drawer or go out for a walk, or even watch a TV show I’ve been meaning to catch up on, but none of it happens and I go to bed without actually being tired and yet barely able to haul myself from the kitchen table where I’ve been sitting with my laptop to the bed.
Of course, I know why I do it. I spend so much time being highly productive during the day, my brain switches off and goes into autopilot mode.
But I hate the autopilot.
So, I’m asking for your help.
I want to know what you do when you’re feeling bored and want to break free of the feeling.
What keeps the boredom at bay? Is it something silly? Practical? Totally off the wall? Or is it some hidden secret activity your mother would be shocked to hear about but falls in line with the theme song for the month provided by Macy Gray?
Tell me, please!
Help me make my evenings less boring! After filling my days with helping others bust their Somedays, I’m not capable of busting my own boredom.
Email me at alex AT somedaysyndrome DOT com with your suggestions by Monday July 27th (my 40th birthday) and you could win a rare book by one of the all-time greats in Anti-Boredom thinking: Dr. Seuss.
10 Responses to “Help Me Cure My Boredom!”
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Please join in the conversation and leave a comment - I’d love to hear from you!
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Permission to recommend a good book, the collected seasons of The Office (UK and US), an Xbox 360 and a marvellous ladyfriend. Not necessarily all at the same time, of course.
Iain Broome´s last blog ..How CCTV can help improve your productivity
I have no suggestion but thank you for bringing this up - I work in a stressful office job and very often use up my brain energy for that work, leaving me drained at night at home. And it is very difficult to be productive, sharp, engaged, creative, etc. once drained.
I’m looking forward to hearing more suggested solutions! Mine, so far, is simply eliminating the glass of wine with dinner (upon mental exhaustion = instant sleepyness) but that only reduces extra boredom and exhaustion, it doesn’t undo it altogether.
Boredom is a disconnecting process for me. Lack of focus, swirling mind — you know, the AutoBlah. So in order to not be bored, I have to find something powerful enough to connect to that will sharpen the focus. Sometimes that is reading something challenging; sometimes it is narrowing down my mind on a singular item — such as a purring cat stretched out in my lap. One stirs the mind; the other stirs fuzzy warm feelings instead of bored ones. Once the state of mind is changed, I find boredom disappears as fresher, happier thoughts come to mind. Another option is to call up someone who is known for having a funny, insightful, or wonderful personality who can “pump you up” about life.
Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..‘Think Like a Black Belt’ around the web
I play games, regular card games (Dutch ones) or games like Fluxx from Looney Labs. It’s fun and entertaining and social at the same time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluxx
If I’ve been working all day (I’m a programmer) I like to do social stuff when I’m free.
When I feel bored, I write. I write about anything and everything. Or I go to http://www.someecards.com. That always cracks me up and breaks up a slow work day!
Positively Present´s last blog ..happiness doesn’t just happen
I’ve been known to dance around the house to absolutely ridiculous songs - and yes, with the curtains open. I’m sure people have seen it, and I really don’t care! I need to brainstorm a bit more, I’m sure there are things I do - happy birthday and love the photo!
Laura - The Journal of Cultural Conversation´s last blog ..One Thousand Voices
@ Iain, I think Raul would have something to say if Alex starting making ‘ladyfriends’ part of his evening entertainment! ROTFLMAO!
Alex, you could always take a leaf out of James’ book and take up knitting…
Melinda | WAHM Biz Builder´s last blog ..The Basics of a Good Blogsite – Part One
Thanks for the tips all! I’ll compile them all for Tuesday’s post.
@Melinda
I translated ladyfriends to Raul-time.
* looks sheepish *
Iain Broome´s last blog ..How CCTV can help improve your productivity
In the summer, why not go for a relaxing stroll or walk in the early evenings?
In the winter when that’s probably not so practical (well it isn’t here anyway), get a hobby… Melinda’s suggestion of knitting is a good one. Very en vogue these days.
Andy Hayes´s last blog ..Want to Live and Work from Anywhere you Choose?