Contrary to what it feels like, boredom cannot kill you. Although it can be detrimental to your health, escaping it does not make the situation better.
When talking to BBC, John Eastwood, one of the first scholars to take an interest in boredom at York University in Canada, said "The feeling is so aversive that people rush to eliminate it,” he says, adding however, "I’m not going to join that war on boredom and come up with a cure, because we need to listen to the emotion and ask what it is trying to tell us to do."
He admitted that although he is not enthusiastic about the benefits of boredom "we should be cautious about looking for an immediate escape," he added.
So how can you beat boredom without doing anything to escape it? Here are five simple ways to do that.
"Not doing anything" in this context means not doing what you usually do when you feel bored and perhaps doing the opposite.
1. Complain about it
Instead of engaging in activities to cure boredom, indulge in some good ole complaining and whinging. Talk about your experience and make others around you miserable about it. We're in this together, right?
2. Roll around the house
When the weight of boredom strikes, it can be hard to sit still. So instead of busying yourself to escape the boredom, roll around the house while expelling some of that energy through groaning and the good ole complaining.
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3. Breathe
Have you checked in with your lungs lately? Do you know your pulse? Isn't it wonderful that we breathe without trying until we're physically exerted? Breathing is as simple as it gets, and as boring and repetitive as anything you know. Find solace in filling your blood with oxygen and relaxing your body.
4. Doodle
You may be tempted to get creative to fill the void with something beautiful. If you want to get creative but are unable to get into that state, try doodling instead. Doodling non-sensical things whether painting or writing, can be a great way to pass a boredom spell. You can even doodle musically by singing non-sensical stuff.
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5. Pay attention to your senses
Like breathing, your senses are always serving you without your noticing. Instead of engaging them when you're bored, simply take a few moments to notice them and what they do. Don't forget to take a nap!
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Takeaway
So there you have it, guys. Five simple ways to beat boredom without doing a single thing. Boredom is good in small doses, but we don't always know how to deal with it. With these five simple ways to beat boredom, you will be feeling better in no time.