How Not to be Bored!
By Alex Fayle

• Someday Lesson: Boredom is a choice. If you don’t want to be bored, choose to do something.

What do you do when you’re bored and want to make things a little more exciting? Here’s what a bunch of Someday Syndrome readers had to suggest:

Iain Broome recommends “a good book, the collected seasons of The Office (UK and US), an Xbox 360 and a marvelous ladyfriend. Not necessarily all at the same time, of course.”

Lori Hoeck has two suggestions. The first is finding “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.”

She also suggests calling up “someone who is known for having a funny, insightful, or wonderful personality who can ‘pump you up’ about life.”

Niels Bom likes card games (his favourite site is Fluxx from Looney Labs). “It’s fun and entertaining and social at the same time.”

He also likes to get out and be social - which is always a good option!

Positively Present writes or has a good chuckle reading the Someecards site.

Laura from The Journal of Cultural Conversation dances around the house with the curtains open!

Melinda from WAHM Biz Builder offers up starting a hobby like knitting.

Andy Hayes suggests getting out of the house and going for a walk.

Kim Karlene via Twitter reads a magazine if it’s too late to go out, but chooses a magazine related to something she’s working on (like decorating a specific room).

Jen Hofmann picks up her guitar and starting playing for half an hour or so. “Old church songs, to be specific. I don’t ‘do’ church anymore, but the music reminds me of Who’s In Charge, and whatever actions I take after playing are often purposeful and fulfilling. Instead of filling up time. What a difference it makes.”

And last but certainly not least Jacki Hollywood Brown provides a whole whack of ideas:

1. Sleep. Many people find their usual activities don’t inspire or energize them. They think it might be because they’re depressed or their activities are boring . Lack of sleep can change the way the brain functions. Get lots of rest and you’ll have lots of energy for any activity.
2. Eat. Yes, nutritious food fuels the body with energy and promotes good sleep (see point #1). BUT eating well must include eating a variety of food and taking the time to enjoy it. Eat regularly to keep your blood sugar level stable. This will help keep you alert. Fueling your body with the same food every day leads to boredom. Variety is the spice of life - literally.
3. Exercise. Get the heck away from your work. Go for a walk, enjoy the sunshine. Power lift weights and imagine you’re superman (or woman). Focus on deep breathing and getting fresh air all the way down to your toenails.
4. Fantasize. While you’re doing household chores or other mundane tasks (NOT driving your car!!!) have a daydream or two (or 3 or 4). Imagine that you’re the superhero of today, the spaceship captain of tomorrow, or pioneer of yesteryear. Let your mind wander and CREATE. You’ll be much better able to appreciate your daily tasks if you can “mentally escape”. For those of you who insist you have no imagination, read a trashy novel once in awhile.
5. Turn off the damned TV. This might seem counter to point #4 but TV has the fantasy for you while your brain turns to mush. Read the book. Turn off the tube.
6. Stimulate the brain. Take a night course in painting or drama or even welding. Pick up a cross word puzzle book or do some sudokus.
7. Socialize. Find people to LAUGH with, whose company you enjoy. Stay away from the complainers and “drainers” that suck the life out of you. Hang out with kids of all ages. See life through their eyes. Talk with them, learn what they think is important. Answer their questions honestly.
8. Sing. Dance. Even when no one is listening/watching (especially when no one is listening/watching).
9. Appreciate. Everything - wven when you think it is boring asking “Do you want fries with that?” all day = Remember, you can actually ASK the question and HEAR the answer and by smiling at someone when they answer you can MAKE THEIR DAY!” How can you be bored knowing that one little thing you do can make someone else so happy?

And the winner of the Dr Seuss book… is Jen Hofmann!

Yay Jen!!! Thanks to everyone for the great tips and keep an eye out for the next contest coming in August, with the theme of Happiness Happens!

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