Harness the Power of Boredom

Ever feel like you're wasting your life? Like nothing interesting ever happens and everything is routine, day after day? That's the heart of boredom. Or maybe there are times when everything seems to be going well, but you still feel slightly "off" or dissatisfied. In that case, that feeling could signal boredom as well. It's not always bad. But boredom can often be a sign that something is wrong or that we need to make some changes.

How can we make use of boredom?

The first step is to understand what it is and what it's telling us. Boredom usually comes when we're stuck in a rut or when we're not growing the way we should be. It can also come after periods of intense stress or work when everything seems to need to calm down before you can decide what's next.

At times like these, it takes courage and drive to use boredom constructively instead of just continuing to feel bored with life. But by taking on the following challenges, we can start to turn things around.

Tips on How to Harness the Power of Boredom

Get creative.

One way to fight boredom is to get creative. This could involve starting a new project or learning a new skill. It could also mean finding new ways to enjoy the hobbies and activities you already love. When we're bored, it's often because we've become bored with our lives, including the daily activities we participate in. We've stopped learning and growing in them or seeing new possibilities in them.

Break out of your routine.

Some boredom comes when you feel stuck living life on autopilot. It's when each day is just a carbon copy of the last because you don't have the motivation to do anything different. If this sounds like you, it's time to break out of routine. Take some time to plan a day (or even just an afternoon or evening) that is different from what you would normally do. This could be something as simple as going for a walk in a new part of town or trying a new restaurant.

Connect with others.

Boredom can often be caused by loneliness or feeling disconnected from others. We usually feel unfulfilled in our lives when we experience boredom. A great way to combat this is to connect with others. This could mean going out with friends, joining a club or group, or simply reaching out to people who would normally be outside of your usual social circle.

Take care of yourself.

Boredom can also come when you're not taking great care of yourself physically, emotionally, or spiritually. It's important to ensure that we're self-aware and paying attention to our needs—not just at certain times but throughout the day. Find yourself feeling bored? Then take a moment to ask yourself if anything is wrong in one (or all) of these areas of your life.

Look for new experiences.

Boredom isn't always caused by feeling stuck or by repetition; sometimes, it comes when we get too used to certain experiences and no longer feel stimulated by them. This can be a good time to try something new. Whether it's a new food, a new activity, or even a new place to go. When we're constantly looking for new experiences, we're less likely to feel bored with life.

Take the 3-Pillar Quiz again to see where you can shake the boredom.

Get moving.

Finally, one way to fight boredom is to get moving. This doesn't have to mean going on a run or working out at the gym; it could simply mean taking a walk around your neighborhood or going for a bike ride. When you’re active, your minds and bodies feel better, which can help you fight boredom.

Boredom can be a sign that something is missing or that we need to make some changes or shifts in our lives. And we can use it constructively by getting creative, breaking out of routine, connecting with others, self-care, and experiencing new things.