Boredom’s Dark Side

A few weeks ago, I wrote that boredom was a good catalyst for innovation, motivation, and creativity. However, we should also know boredom’s dark side.

Excessive or prolonged boredom over a lengthy time can trigger anxiety and a tendency to worry. This depletes motivation and could spiral into depression. We may feel out of control and these feelings disrupt our daily lives.

This is especially a concern for older retirees. Because so many find their fulfillment or purpose in their work, retirement can create many new questions and concerns. Some find it difficult to rest or enjoy hobbies, feeling like they no longer offer anything of value. These feelings worsen if the individual also experiences physical challenges or mental focus problems.

In talking with residents of my local retirement community, the number one complaint about aging was boredom. Limited mobility and social activities worsen this problem. Many have outlived their friends or many family members and find it difficult to begin new relationships.

If someone you know complains about being bored, watch for these warning signs: withdrawal from social activities, mood swings, and depression.

Boredom is a natural part of life and, like other emotions, we can develop coping mechanisms to help ourselves or others through the tough times.

Here are some ideas to help you avoid boredom’s dark side:

• Attend church. The perfect place to meet people, get encouraged, and get involved.
• Try a new activity. Go to the dollar or hobby store and walk through the craft aisle. Find something that looks fun and interesting to you. I love looking at the kid’s crafts kits. They are an inexpensive way to try something new.
• Go to the library or bookstore and look through a section you never go to. Find a book or magazine in a new subject you feel interested in. I love going to the library and looking at all the coffee table and picture books!
• Go to a museum, an art gallery, or to the zoo.
• Spend time with nature. Hidden gems are state parks, typically less crowded than national parks.
• Go to all those local tourist spots you have never visited.
• Join a local club. We have an arts center in town that has several clubs, such as cooking, book, photography, pottery, quilting, theater, and art.
• Try a new game. Just recently I learned to play Chicken Foot Dominoes and now I’m looking forward to our next game!
• Try an activity book. A popular, national bestseller is Murdle by G.T. Karber.* The description: “100 elementary to impossible mysteries to solve using logic, skill, and the power of deduction.” There are three volumes if you get hooked! A quick search on Amazon will give you many activity book options, from simply coloring to word and number puzzles. These types of activities are important for brain health.
• Try a new recipe.
• Journal. I’m not a big “write all my thoughts” journaler, but I started a Color Journal, a kind of gratitude journal, that I use to express myself creatively. I include a paint sample strip of a color at the top of each page and I collage my favorite images and add a list of all my favorite things in that color. What different journal could you come up with? Perhaps a reminiscing journal that would include old pictures and stories!

Sample from my Color Journal

• Volunteer. Getting out among people and out of our own heads is so rejuvenating!
• Embrace rest and relaxation! I love days when I have nothing else to do but watch a baseball game on TV!

The biggest boredom buster

And finally, the biggest boredom buster? Faith! Believing in a loving God who has been with you from the beginning and has promised to never leave you or forsake you. He has the strength you need to get through any challenges.

Spend time in reading His promises. Listen to worship music. Remind yourself you are not alone and ask God to show His love and grace by directing you to the people you need in your life.

Each day is a gift. Some days are socks, mundane and routine. Some days are a party, smiling faces and music. God is present in every one. Keep your faith, practice self-care, and be grateful for every day. Be open for life to surprise you!

*This is an affiliate link and I may earn a small commission if you use it, but it won’t cost you any more. Thank you!

“Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” Hebrews 13:5 MSG

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17