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Boredom

Contents

I'm bored!
Using boredom to your advantage
Some more suggestions
Resources
References

Nothing to do? Bored? Boredom can get to you at many different times of your life. It can be annoying when there is nothing to do. It can be downright depressing. Sometimes you might blame other people or other things because "there is nothing to do". Your community and culture play a big part in boredom by shaping how you view the world and what you can and can't do. On the other hand, you can play a part in feeding boredom too! There are ways to use it to your advantage.

I'm bored!

You might feel bored when you:

see there is little to do in your life that has any value
feel that what you are doing is not a challenge
see yourself as separated from your community
feel you haven't got anything to contribute.

For example a young person who is unemployed said:

"Life tends to get a bit grey after a while, you just sort of sit and you're looking at the same four walls day in and day out. It (your life) just gets smaller and smaller."

Boredom can become a health risk when it brings other things into your life like:

depression
tobacco, drug and alcohol use
conflict
low self-esteem
anger
stress
criminal activity.

People face most of these things at different times of their lives. What is important is to keep an eye on them to make sure they don't let boredom take over your life!

Sometimes feeling bored and having little energy is a symptom of other things like depression. If this goes on, it can be useful to talk to your doctor or health worker.

Using boredom to your advantage

Where you live or the things you are responsible for each day might be things that contribute to your boredom. You might be bored with your schoolwork, sick of looking after the house or had enough of things in general.

While these are important things to consider, it can also be useful to think about how you might contribute to your boredom. Sometimes we lose motivation, are closed to new ideas or only consider things that fit within our "comfort zone". How about thinking about how you can use your boredom to your advantage?

Boredom can be a motivator. It can tell you it is time to wake up and make some changes in your life or even your community.

See what you can do. Here are some tips.

Remind yourself you are the only one that can change your life!
Set yourself some goals. What would you like to achieve in your life? How might you start to reach these goals?
Get involved in or do something you think will "make a difference".
Take up something new and challenging - a hobby or something that is "not you".
Think about the skills and knowledge you have and use them to your advantage!
Continue to develop your skills like self-esteem or assertiveness. Check the topics on Self esteem and confidenceand Assertiveness.!
Check out things that are going on in your community, you might be surprised at what you find.
Enjoy and take notice of "small pleasures" rather than valuing only the "big thrill".
Connect with people who feel the same as you. Tell an adult, your local council or community groups your thoughts and ideas. Get involved in planning and making a difference in your community. You can even get grants and funds to start a project; check out our topic Employment.

Some more suggestions

Here are some other ideas that people have come up with:

Check the topic Employment for some ideas on volunteer work, getting grants, and online youth media sites.
Draw, paint or write (poems or stories) for pleasure or as a form of expression. You can learn how to do it online. Search 'learn to draw'.
Visit or phone a friend or relative. Hang out.
Make something - use wood, material, beads, or paints…
Join a club, group or get involved in a community project. Check out our topic Exercise.
Do some volunteer work - there are tonnes of things to get involved in. Ask at your local council or community centre.
In South Australia, check out http://www.volunteeringsa.org.au
Get hooked on fishing, rock-climbing, mountain biking, skating, surfing…
Read a book or write your own! There are loads of sites that can help you learn to write, and even places to send stuff to and get people to read it.
Start a blog. It's like an online diary.
Take up belly dancing, aerobics, yoga or meditation.
Cook an exotic meal, a cake or a huge batch of biscuits. If you can, invite your friends over or enjoy it with your family. Make it special. Check out our topic Healthy eating.
Go camping - take a can of baked beans and a tent and have a great time!
Investigate aromatherapy or the universe or start a collection.
Go for a hike at the beach or a national park nearby.
Check out the museum, art gallery, library or any exhibitions on at the moment.
For some ideas in South Australia, check out http://www.eventspool.com/cgi-bin/deep.pl

What is important is you find things that are challenging, interesting and value you. Go for it! Take charge. This is your life, don't let boredom take over!

Resources

South Australia

The Second Story Youth Health Service (TSS)
- Central: 57 Hyde St, Adelaide
- South: 50a Beach Rd, Christies Beach
- North: 6 Gillingham Rd, Elizabeth
- West: 51 Bower St, Woodville
Contact TSS via the Youth Health line on 1300 13 17 19,
or for mobile phone callers (08) 8303 1691, normal rates apply.
Events pool http://www.eventspool.com/cgi-bin/deep.pl
Your local Community Health Centre
Your local doctor
Your school, university or college counsellor
Your local library may have further reading

Australia

Kids Helpline Ph: 1800 551 800

References

Tkach, C. and Lyumbomirsky, S. How do people pursue happiness?: Relating personality, happiness-increasing strategies, and well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 2006; 7:183-225. Online (cited 27-01-2009):
http://www.faculty.ucr.edu/~sonja/papers/TL2006.pdf

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).