5 THiNGS TO DO WHEN BOREDOM STRIKES

We may see posts in social media saying "when boredom strikes" or "So BORED. What to do?", along with their selfie pictures or self-portrait facing the mirror with their cellphones covering their faces. Seems familiar? 

Boredom is a usual temporary state of mind that people feel when they are unsatisfied with their current situation and craving for stimulation, or more stimulation compare to what they are actually doing at the moment. According to research studies, boredom happens when people are having trouble to focus their attention, and also when people have little control over the situation. We don't usually see posts from people who have autonomously travelled miles away from their location to see their dream places or couples celebrating their own anniversaries at a fine dining restaurant with caption "BOREDOM AT ITS FINEST" (Unless one of them has blocked the other and really want the relationship to end.) Truth-hurts aside, I mean, lame joke aside, we may describe a bored person as an individual who is uncomfortable to the situation he's in. 

 Boredom reflects several feelings including dissatisfaction, frustrations, dullness, stress and unhappiness. When boredom strikes, people tend to eat unhealthy snacks, which some calls "boredom eating". A bored person may leave his job without making plans on doing the next steps. People who are bored of their relationships may find stimulations from flirting other opposite sex which can lead to more relationship problems and even break-up. Nowadays, it is common to see people on the internet, doing life-threatening challenges out of "boredom". Boredom may lead us to an uncomfortable condition that can either break us... or make us. 

There are many ways to prevent boredom. However, many people deal with it in the most unhealthy way or what they say "Unhealthy coping mechanisms". A bored person may relieve boredom according to his interest and willingness to control the things he can control. If you have done dumb things before, try these 5 dumb ways to cope up with boredom.

1. MEDITATE

If you are a bored person, and when the boredom strikes you again, go for meditation. Meditation can be in different forms, it can be breathing calmly and slowly where you count your inhales and exhales. A bored person can also meditate through sensing everything around him. Personally, sometimes when boredom hits, I do sense three things that I hear, 3 things that I can see, 3 things that I can touch, and three things that I can smell. It calms your mind and grounds your thoughts. Try it! You'll have nothing to lose anyway! 

2. DO WHAT YOU LOVED TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD

Many people have forgotten the activities they used to do when they were a child. Possible reasons are, they thought it won't bring them "fortune" or it won't count as "output" for productivity. We were told there is no money in passion. Some people who won medals in art competitions during elementary took a different side of life and totally forgot the artist inside them. So, if ever you become bored (probably you are right now, because you wouldn't be reading this, if not), seek and connect with the child you once were. As one of the most famous psychologists had said " In every adult, there lurks a child -- an eternal child that is never completed, and calls for care, attention and education. This is the part of the personality which wants to develop and become whole"

3. TRY TO DO PRODUCTIVE THINGS THAT YOU NEVER DID BUT YOU WANTED

Have you wanted to dance but robots' moves are way better than yours, and you don't wanna look like a trying hard, robot-inspired dancer? A bored person can risk his life doing non-productive challenges, why not learn or do something productive the next time boredom hits, even though you suck at it. After all, there is always a first time for everything. 

4. EXPLORE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU DISLIKE (OR AFRAID TO DO)

When boredom strikes, a person usually tends to do connect with his friends, message them "where r u" "leggo here, leggo there" or upload a bored selfie pic with caption for boredom and waits for his friends to reply. If the odds are in his favour, chances are he's going outside and the boredom will be pacified. If not, then how will the person cope up? This is just a dumb suggestion though but, go for recreational activities you dislike and try them yourself or with your friends. And introspect why you hated it as everything that irritates us can lead us to understanding of our own self (if we give some of our time to contemplate and accept things we love and we don't). 

5. WATCH VIDEOS/ READ BOOKS AND ARTICLES

Seize the overflowing knowledge that technology has brought to this generation. If you're bored, go surf the internet and watch educational and self-improving videos, documentaries, and other informational recordings that may help you in the long run. You can also read articles for self-improvement like what you are doing right now. You can also visit your bookshelf and read the books you haven't finished or haven't even read, yet. Yep, go unwrap them now. 

So, as you can see, dealing with boredom this way may be a bit challenging. Although, you can always give it a shot. It's not always as dumb as it seems. Boredom can kill happiness, but it can also lead to genuine happiness when we take some effort to it. 

If you wish for more dumb-but-not-really ways to cope up with unhappy life, do subscribe to my blog and comment down below your thoughts and suggestions. 

-- WAKAS --

References: Markman  A. (2012). What is Boredome. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ulterior-motives/201209/what-is-boredom