Why We Get Bored?

Boredom, in simple terms, can be explained as an emotional and occasional psychological state experienced where an individual finds that he has nothing to do.

He is probably not interested in his surroundings or is losing interest at an exponential rate. Another possibility is that he feels an event to be dull or uninteresting. Most people think that time has slowed its place.

Many experts also explain it as a modern phenomenon, which has a cultural dimension. But it should be understood that there is no universally accepted definition of boredom.

It varies from individual to individual. Most people tend to confuse boredom with depression or apathy. But there is a significant difference between boredom and depression or apathy.

Boredom is primarily a mental state that people often find unpleasant. It can be compared to the lack of stimulation that leaves them craving for relief. Boredom finds ways to creep to the surface and is manifested as any of the following- behavioural, medical, and social consequences.

Boredom may seem harmless. And it is, at times, but it should not be ignored that boredom can have a damaging effect on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. At peak level, boredom can be dangerous and disruptive towards someone’s mind.

It seems impossible to believe, but boredom is essential. There are reports which suggest that without boredom, we would never appreciate our creative side.

Boredom beings out the best in us; here are some common reasons why people get bored.

1. Lack of Attention

Boredom is primarily affected by a person’s attention span. Smaller attention span means quicker you will get bored. A study indicated that an individual’s impression of boredom might be influenced by the individual’s degree of attention.

A higher level of distraction from the surroundings often correlates to a higher frequency of boredom. People get bored when they fail to pay much attention to their environment. It further leads to a weaker response to stimuli. And it finally results in boredom.

Doctors and experts suggest that one should indulge in yoga and other mind sharpening exercises to fight boredom. Kids can try and solving Rubik’s cube, which in turn proves to be very helpful.

The idea is to involve you in an engaging activity. You can go for a run or try Sudoku!

2.  Lack of Control

People experience symptoms of boredom quite often when they realize that they are stuck in a repetitive situation. This feeling of being stuck, according to psychologists, can prove to be a big reason behind boredom.

Being stuck in a scenario, they feel that they cannot do what they wish and have to execute things as ordered. It is the primary cause of boredom among teenagers.

The primary reason behind this is children and teenagers are generally devoid of control over what they do or any responsibilities. It is mainly because parents and elders closely monitor them at all times.

3. Lack of Self-amusement

People lacking the resources to deal with boredom constructively, ultimately pushes them to the wrong side of boredom. There are many modes to kill boredom in the external world. But in the absence of amusement skills within oneself, the outer world will always fail to provide any excitement.

To tackle this problem, you should develop new hobbies or revisit old ones. Hobbies are something that will keep you occupied for hours. And the best thing is they are productive as well!

It can prove to be a significant cure for boredom. For instance, you can try painting, writing, dancing, or even some craft activity that would be fun!

4. Lack of Emotional Awareness

The inability to make decisions is something that further inculcates a feeling of boredom. You do think over essential choices a lot, yet you cannot decide what is best for you and end up doing nothing. In simpler terms, it is a lack of emotional awareness.

Here you are unable to deduce what you want in life; hence, you are bored with anything or everything. Emotional downwardness is one of the prominent reasons for boredom. The only cure is meditation and realization of what you truly desire in life. It is best if you seek some professional help.

5. Cultural Changes

In many distinct ways, boredom seems to be a modern luxury. Boredom was non-existent until the late 16th century. It came into being as the knowledge and discoveries opened gates to the Industrial Revolution.

In the early days of civilization, when our ancestors had to spend most of their time hunting or securing food and shelter, boredom was non-existent. So the advancement in modern-day technology plays a significant role in people getting bored.

It has brought many time-saving miracles, which leaves everyone with more time to kill. Hence the cultural changes in our society are becoming the main reason for boredom, and this issue needs serious attention.

6. Need for Freshness

It is observed that some individuals are more prone to boredom as compared with others. People with a strong need for novelty, excitement, and variety are at a high risk of boredom.

Thrill-seekers, for example, mountain hikers or stuntmen or skydivers, usually find that the world moves too slowly. Their need for external stimulation can explain why people, mainly extroverts, are particularly prone to boredom.

They tend to be bored when the activity they do lacks a ‘kick.’ Amusement seeking and risk-taking is the ultimate way that these people escape boredom.

There were some solid reasons as to why people get bored. If we start listing all things that make people dull, you will realize that the list is too long.

Boredom can further lead to lethargy, which is a state of tiredness, weariness, fatigue, or lack of energy. It is likely to be followed by depression, decreased motivation, or apathy. Lethargy may be a normal response to boredom, inadequate sleep, overexertion, overworking, stress, lack of exercise, or a symptom of a disorder.

Boredom also leads to drinking and other intoxication addictions amongst the youngsters as they take up drugs or adopt smoking just because they were bored. Boredom can lead to other bad habits such as gambling.

Although it has many adverse effects on a person’s life, few recent studies have also suggested that boredom may have some positive impact as well. A low-stimulus environment is more likely to lead to increased creativity and may set discoveries! 

So cure your boredom with new hobbies or activities. Else let boredom lead you to something new and productive.