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.
12 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!
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.
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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…
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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?
Hello,
I “suffer” from the same syndrome since I can remember myself. But I do remember it becoming even tenser after 18 years old.
I was searching through the net and fell on your page.
I don’t know if this will help, but I looked first through the Wikipedia site to understand the exact term of the word bored and its symptoms.
Well, I have them all!!
Also it is connected with Dysthymia…. Always changing my mind or mood.
I believe it all has to do with our bringing up from our parents. But from then and on, it’s up to us to make changes.
I too give most of my energy at work till 4:00 pm and from then and after I just sit on the coach doing nothing for 2-3 hours. Then after I get soooo bored of being bored, I finally get up and start doing things.
Luckily I have my dog who I must take out for his afternoon walk, so I go to the beach. As soon as I get there, my whole energy changes positive. I breathe in the fresh air and hear the waves.
But such as you, the problem is not going to the beach; the problem is deciding to finally pick up my butt and going.
So my conclusion is that it also has to do with making a decision and being more responsible for our actions.
In my case, I am responsible for my dog that I love very much. It is my responsibility to take care of him. So this clicks automatically in my mind and gets me off the coach to the beach.
So, taking care of my dog means that I should also take care of myself and be more responsible and respectful to my needs.
I hope I was helpful.
Tina D.
Kos Island - Greece
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boredom
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysthymia
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