When Boredom is Torture and What You Can Do About It

                Alright, we have all been there – that painful existence of being ultimately bored. For those presenting with ADHD or neuro-divergence, this can be a torturous experience – literally nothing feeling worse. Have you been there?

                I hear all kinds of descriptions ranging from the feeling of emptiness, agitation throughout the body, missing spontaneity, not knowing what the body needs, and from some of my more self-aware people – noticing there is no dopamine flowing.

                What can happen in this state? Many find it borderline dangerous, going into a shut down state that results in some poor choices. Do you ever notice fighting the dreadful feeling of boredom by excessive napping? Or binge eating? Maybe binge drinking?  Or the very popular idle rumination leading to strong, negative, non-preferred emotions that possibly create problems you did not even really have?

                So what on earth can we do when this dreadful feeling is visiting for the day?

First, you must understand that the idea of any of these things may not seem like it will work, because there is a very good chance there is insufficient dopamine that is blocking the ease to action. Ignore the nay-sayers in the mind and just give it a try.

                Start simple, go for the usual hobbies of interest and give it a good five minutes before deciding if it fits the moment. No worry if it doesn’t fit- no need to get discouraged there are other options.

                If there is no luck with hobbies or interest, can you connect with something purposeful to do. If everything is going to suck anyway, can you get those bills paid? Or at least you can get the house clean, get that workout in, rearrange the furniture, or do some organizing, (I always find hidden treasures when I re-organize that spark whole new motivation for something!).

                If there is still no luck, I think you skipped over something, (just kidding), but there is still another option. Now there is an opportunity to reconnect with self and nature. Get a change of scenery and go outside. Go for a walk, stare at the sky, or walk on the ground with your bare feet. Enjoy you are part of the universe. See if this shifts your mind to something more useful.

                I sure do hope that helps shift you out of boredom – I keep myself very busy and the rare moments boredom strikes me can feel unbearable – but we have a choice to shift right out of it and get on with the day.

                I am always here to help – simply reach out!