We’ve all experienced boredom before… And NO, It’s not a pleasant feeling. The state can cause a range of emotions including anger, anxiety, frustration and even sadness. It’s no wonder, then, that several professionals have called boredom “dangerous”, especially with regards to teenagers. Whatever it is referred to, be it an emotion, a personality trait, an imbalanced state, clearly boredom is unpleasant.
However, despite the attention it has received, there is no modern universal definition of boredom. In a general context, boredom has reportedly been linked to such problems as alcohol and drug abuse, anxiety, depression, over-eating and acting on poor judgement.
An article by Dr. John Eastwood, entitled the “Unengaged Mind” states that boredom is the result of a failure of attention. Attention, according to Dr. Eastwood, is what helps you to focus on a specific task while blocking out all of the other stimuli that surround you. If our attention fails, the other stimuli can get in and overwhelm you, which in turn can lead you to make mistakes or become anxious and depressed. Here are the causes of boredom and how to deal with them.
Causes Of Boredom
Boredom can be caused by numerous factors, but mostly manifests when you’re unable to focus your attention because you are consumed by multiple stressors in your surroundings.
Boredom can show itself in many different ways, it may occur due to:
- Lack of interest in activities
- Inadequate rest or nutrition
- Inability to rest or relax
- Sadness
- Repeating an activity
- Lack of self-awareness
Ways To Alleviate Boredom
Exploring your relationship with boredom can bring about a resolve. Here are methods you can try to deal with boredom.
- Take up a sport.
- Watch a movie or read an interesting book.
- Trying new hobbies
- Joining a community group
- Spending more time with family/friends
These are ways that can help you succumb to boredom less. Also, there are some benefits that come with boredom. Boredom can be seen as a call to action. It can be used as an opportunity for an evaluative thought process and reflection on how to progress and develop in safe and healthy ways.
Boredom can also be an indication that your current task will prove useless and unproductive, hence, sparing you of your valuable time. It is important to consider finding a therapist or seeking help from a certified medical professional in order to help you overcome boredom and find purpose for your life.
