So what is boredom? What process do we take when we ask the question? “How to cure Boredom?” I’m sure many of us have used the common term “I’ve got nothing to do”. “I’m Bored” at some point in time. It can be described in many scenarios such as doing routine tasks and losing interest with non-stimulating activities. 

In short Boredom is any uncomfortable feeling that is associated with you from being unproductive or inactive and possibly having a fear of doing nothing. Not happy.

There are two views that we can explore to overcome both of these issues. The spiritual aspects were we go within to overcome the feeling of boredom in order to find happiness or! The traditional elements were we need material intervention to excite us and make us happy.

Needless to say, the two are just tied together and in some uncanny way may also be linked as being opposites. If we are bored we are unhappy. If we are unhappy we are bored.

Bored and Unhappy! Why?

To answer this question, we should understand how the Brains neurotransmitters play a role in all of this. By doing so we will be better equipt when searching for answers on How to cure Boredom.

The 4 Brain Chemicals “Neurotransmitters” That Stimulate Happiness. Remember if you’re happy you are not bored.

Dopamine.

This is the motivational driver that makes us feel good when we have accomplished a certain task. If you have low levels of dopamine then the results are of self-doubt, low self-esteem and lacking any enthusiasm. Creating that unhappy and boredom scenario. So by implementing positives in your everyday day life, staying active and keeping your goals alive will increase the “Dopamine” levels creating that excitement and quenching that boredom. Important! Don’t forget to celebrate when you have achieved the desired result. It keeps the dopamine juices flowing.

Oxytocin.

This is the feel good chemical when it comes to intimacy and healthy relationships. Both men and women release oxytocin during intercourse, the same as mothers do during childbirth and breastfeeding. It doesn’t have to be sexual either; a simple hug and social interaction will keep Oxytocin active and make you happy.

Serotonin.

Now this is where low to no levels of serotonin causes our unhappiness, leading to depression and loneliness. In the medical world, the use of antidepressants will increase your serotonin levels to give you that feel good moment. Taking off these antidepressants can only be decided on the extremities of depression and advice from your health professional.

The natural and spiritual alternative is to look within and practice the art of gratification. We are all-important and possess greatness. Feel good about yourself and get some vitamin D from the sun.

Endorphins.

When we experience anxiety, depression, pain or stress, endorphins are released which help ease the uncomforting. Endorphins are also set free during exercise creating that warm euphoric feeling. Athletes call it the “runners high” after intense running. You may even notice this feeling during bouts of laughter and excitement. Scented oils such as lavender, spicy foods and even chocolate are known to increase endorphins.

Knowing what each of these chemicals produce, we can now use this as a tool to our advantage by stimulating these senses in our times of boredom and unhappiness. How do we do this?

Make a list of all the things that make you happy and associated it with the 4 chemicals released.

Are we on a constant search for excitement and fulfillment?

Now depending on how old you are, you may remember a time when we had minimal toys and electronics to stimulate our senses to create this happiness. Yes, we went outside and played with our neighbor’s and made up games ourselves, helped with the chores around the home and just kept busy doing more with less. We let our imagination and creativity run wild.

Have times changed? Of course, even thou the basics are still the same we find that electronic gadgetry tends to be the trend to happiness just as social media applications are now the most used form of communication.

We may think that this is only so in the younger generation where there appears to be an ongoing need for stimulation, a craving for constant excitement. I find this to be ever growing in the early schooler’s who soak up so much information like sponges that they just want more and more. And if they don’t get it, well here comes the boredom and at times a little anger thrown in.

The mature aren’t exempt from boredom either when they use this as their only form of happiness due to their circumstances.

Let’s not forget our seniors whom may not be mobile enough and find themselves slumped in a chair in front of the TV set all day. Lack of social activity. Monotonous, Boredom, Unhappiness.

Now don’t get me wrong, technology and electronics are great and they serve their purpose for the good in many situations but are we missing the point when we rely on them just for happiness. Are we being translucent to the reality of humanity? Are we making ourselves bored by being exposed to more and when we don’t have it we crash?

Signs of Boredom to Look Out For:

• An increase in smoking.
• Drug abuse. Mainly cannabis.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Overeating.
• Being Irritable and unsettled.
• Anger
• Negativity
• Depressive.
• Anxiety.
• Stress.
• Lack of enthusiasm

Ignoring these signs can cause the symptom of boredom and unhappiness to become more prominent developing into more distinct mental health issues of depression, anxiety and social anxiety. Please don’t ignore the symptoms. Seek appropriate treatment.

Productive ways on How to Cure Boredom and Gain Happiness:

Meditate: By looking within to open up your happiness. Listening to your inner self for creativity and letting your imagination disperse any boring thoughts and open your mind to new horizons.

Music: Simply listening to ambient music or anything that puts that smile on your face.

Explore your Senses: Using our 5 senses of sight, taste, smell, sound and touch, sit quietly and really focus on each one of your senses. Or maybe go outside in nature and just absorb it all.

Exercise: To your fitness levels. Walking, Yoga, Tai chi.

Cooking: Use your imagination and create a taste sensation.

Art and Creativity: Any medium: Drawing, Painting, Using vibrant and pastel colors.

Gardening: Yes get your hands dirty, enjoy that sunshine and increase your serotonin levels. Vitamin D.

Knowledge: Reading and Learning.

Social Interaction: Involve yourself in-group activities. Become more intimate with your partner or visit a loved one.

Explore New Places: Venture out and go sightseeing. They’re maybe more to your city that you haven’t discovered yet.

Mental Stimulation: Board Games.

Ok here come the Electronics: Computers, Smartphones, Tablets, Social media and Television. I’m sure you can think of lots more.

To Recap:

 We have learned that Boredom and Unhappiness can be linked together and caused by not being stimulated affecting people of all ages. Understanding how the 4 Brain chemicals play a role in this problem, what signs to look out for and some examples of how to cure boredom.

We cannot run away from technology, and, therefore, a balance of both Spiritual and Materialism can be used to overcome that “Fix” with the hope of eliminating boredom and gaining happiness.

Either way I will leave you with this.

The same as we embrace fear we should embrace boredom for its creative possibilities for the new.

Life is fast paced, what’s the hurry? Why don’t we just slow down and just be?

 For a little while at least.