Article

7 Ways to Embrace Boredom

Unlocking the Path to Personal Growth
Katja Borger

Boredom- it’s that feeling of restlessness, longing for an adventure that keeps life exciting, the need for something fulfilling. You know what I mean, we’ve all been there. Boredom though, can spiral into opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Letting yourself embrace the boredom can often lead to fun new adventures and the opportunity to unleash your creativity. So get ready to try these ideas of embracing boredom. 

Rekindle Old Hobbies 

Remember those old hobbies you used to love but haven’t had time for in years? This is the perfect opportunity to rekindle those interests. Returning to old hobbies can be incredibly rewarding, taking you down memory lane to rediscover something you used to love. 

Whether it be painting, writing, gardening, or even playing a musical instrument, your old hobbies can provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. 

Connect With Others 

Everyone has at least a couple of friends or loved ones they haven’t reached out to in a while. Sometimes conquering boredom is as simple as reaching out to them. Have meaningful conversations, share stories, or plan a hangout. 

Human connections are a source of fulfillment and inspiration. Through laughter and shared experiences, you are sure to chase away boredom and foster strong bonds. 

Cook or Bake 

Nothing cures boredom quite like cooking or baking. Pick your favorite food, it doesn’t matter how complicated, and get to cooking. Most of the fun is in the adventure of challenging yourself. Hey, it might even turn out to be your new favorite meal. 

Baking croissants, cooking a lasagna, or making sushi, the fun is in the adventure. Pro Tip: Having your bestie cooking beside you beats the boredom twice as fast. 

Embrace Mindfulness

To conquer boredom you must embrace mindfulness. Instead of finding digital distractions, your phone, TV, etc., when it strikes acknowledge the feeling of boredom. Try to be present in the moment. Observe your thoughts and emotions, they tell you so much. 

By embracing mindfulness you are able to break free from the cycle of constant stimulation and explore the inner depths of you. Mastering this can be a powerful tool for greater self-awareness. 

Explore New Activities

Is there something you’ve been wanting to try but haven’t had the time? Maybe a bucket list item that you’re a little scared to do, bungee jumping, sky diving, snorkeling. Boredom can serve as an invitation to explore the things you’ve always dreamt of doing. 

New experiences not only break the cycle of boredom but also expand your horizons by teaching you something new, pushing your comfort zone, and giving you a fresh perspective. 

Journal and Creative Writing

Start a journal or engage in creative writing. You may feel silly when starting out but you don’t have to be a professional writer to channel your creativity through words. Writing is a powerful way to explore your thoughts and emotions. It is also an immensely therapeutic and liberating tool to have at your disposal. Go ahead, give it a try. 

To start out, write about your goals, experiences, or thoughts. Maybe write a letter to a friend or loved one. (Try sending it out in the mail too. What an exciting surprise for the recipient). Who knows, you might stumble upon brilliant ideas or gain clarity on the thoughts in your mind. 

Plan Future Adventures 

While you may not be able to pack up and leave this very moment, planning your next adventure can be a great way to combat boredom. Pick a place you’ve always wanted to go to and start planning. Whether it be hiking in the Alps, a Meditaraian curse, or a ski trip in the Rockies it’s time to ignite your wanderlust. 

Set a budget, and plan for transportation, accommodations, and activities. All that is left to do now is choose a date and maybe grab a few friends. 

Summary 

The truth is, boredom is really just an invitation to explore the vast opportunities this world has to offer. Embrace this chance to reignite old hobbies, connect with others, cook something new, embrace mindfulness explore new activities such as journaling, and plan for future adventures.

Boredom can bloom into self-discovery if you give it the chance to do so. Next time boredom knocks on your door, open it with a smile and enjoy the exciting adventure of your own making.