Everyone has experienced it — the feeling that there’s nothing to do, no one to see. Nothing grabs your attention, and you feel frustrated by the emptiness. That’s right, we’re talking about boredom. While small bouts of boredom are inevitable from time to time, it’s not a feeling you want to sit with too long. Luckily, there are several easy ways to battle boredom even before it strikes.
There are many potential causes of boredom in older adults. Whether it’s due to a perceived lack of being useful, a prolonged stint of being alone or something else entirely, boredom affects everyone at some point. A lack of direction, a lack of mental stimulation and large holes in your schedule can also lead to feelings of boredom. It’s important to remember that a little boredom isn’t bad, in fact, it’s inevitable. But feeling bored for long periods can be cause for concern.
We all know boredom doesn’t feel great, but does it really impact your health and well-being? Well, kind of. Prolonged boredom can lead to more serious issues such as depression, anxiety and addiction. When you’re bored, it’s easy for the brain to wander and feel isolated or lonely. Boredom and depression share a handful of similarities, but they're drastically different.
The good news about boredom is that it’s relatively easy to fight. This is especially true when you live in an assisted living community under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella. These communities are committed to providing a variety of socially enriching activities that keep the mind occupied and happy. If you’re looking for entertainment options outside of the community activity calendar, here are a few ideas.
If you’ve been feeling bored and down lately, simply getting outdoors can be an instant mood booster. Here are some outdoor activities you can rely on the next time boredom strikes.
When getting outside isn’t possible, there are several indoor activities you can try to beat the boredom. And remember, being around other people isn’t always necessary. Solo activities allow you to rest and flex your creative muscles in a relaxed environment. Save one of these projects for your next rainy day.
Routines are vital to good mental health. Routines help you find direction, reduce stress and even improve your eating habits. In many ways, having a good daily routine can help fight off boredom. But eventually, doing the same tasks and activities every day can become monotonous. If you’re feeling bored with your current routine, there’s no harm in switching it up. The changes you make to your routine can be as simple as taking a new route on your daily walk or setting new goals to work toward. Even waking up five minutes earlier or later can help you get out of the routine rut.
Yes! Studies show that religious people are less prone to boredom. Boredom is often linked to feeling a lack of purpose or meaning, while religion, at its core, is designed to give life purpose and meaning. Activities such as prayer groups or reading scripture can remind religious folks that life is full of opportunity — sometimes just remembering that is all you need to break the boredom.
So the next time you’re feeling bored, don’t hesitate to turn to any of the activities suggested in this post. All it takes to get out of a boredom slump is one action. Whether reading alone or sipping coffee with friends, the cure to boredom lies in your hands.
