It is no surprise that many of us, especially in the modern world, suffer from boredom on a regular basis. This feeling can impact our mental wellbeing and give us a drab feeling when all around us is opportunity. To understand this issue better, this article will take a closer look at the psychology of boredom and give readers insights into why it is so easy to become bored, what factors can lead to this feeling, and what can be done to tackle it in our day to day lives.
What Exactly Is Boredom?
Before delving into the psychology of boredom, it helps to review what it is and how it impacts us. Boredom, at its root, is a dissatisfaction with routine and lack of interest in environments or activities that are otherwise mundane. While boredom may arise due to isolated and unexciting circumstances, it often serves as an indicator of a greater underlying emotion. As neuropsychologist and lecturer Dr. John Eastwood explains, “Boredom is basically an emotion–an emotion that’s rooted in a stronger feeling, like unhappiness or dissatisfaction. Boredom occurs when we’re not getting what we want, disconnected from the environment, or no longer engaged in something compelling.”
The Cognitive Process Behind Boredom
When it comes to the psychology of boredom, it all comes down to the interplay between our thoughts and our reality. Cognitively, boredom arises when a person perceives the environment around them as mundane or lacking in stimulation or challenge. This can lead to restlessness and ennui, preventing us from enjoying the activities or interactions that we’re exposed to.
The Role Of Emotions In Boredom
At a deeper level, psychology teaches us that boredom is rooted in dissatisfaction or unhappiness in many cases. This feeling can lead to disinterested responses to activities that would otherwise have been enjoyable. As Dr. Eastwood explains, “When we’re bored, our minds quickly search for alternatives to the current environment. We start daydreaming or make plans for a way out of the situation.” It is this undercurrent of emotions that can significantly impact our response to stimuli and lead us to become bored easily.
What Causes Boredom?
There are a number of factors that can lead to boredom, some of which are in the individual and some of which are in the environment. Here are a few of the most common causes:
Lack Of Stimulus
One of the primary causes of boredom is when one simply doesn’t receive enough stimulation or challenge. As attention spans become shorter and shorter, tasks that may have seemed exciting before may become dull and mundane.
Repetition
The feeling of monotony is a major cause of boredom. If a person is doing the same thing day after day without change, they will no doubt start to feel restless and desire to do something new.
Inactivity
When a person is deprived physical or mental stimulation, boredom can easily come in. Despite the reputation of couch potatoes, it is important to remember that too much inactivity can lead to disinterest in the world and boredom.
Lack Of Fulfillment
Finally, it is important to acknowledge that boredom can be rooted in a lack of fulfillment from the activities or environments a person is engaging with. If there is no joy or challenge associated, it can be difficult to feel anything else other than bored.
How To Tackle Boredom
At its core, boredom is a psychological experience rooted in feelings of dissatisfaction and ennui. While it may be difficult to conquer, there are a few tricks and tips that can be used to help mitigate its effects.
Find New Stimulus
One of the easiest ways to tackle boredom is to look for new stimulus. If you find something that is interesting and engaging, you are more likely to be pulled out of any feelings of boredom.
Mix Things Up
If you want to battle the feeling of monotony, taking the time to mix things up both mentally and physically can be a great way to pull yourself out of boredom. Change up your routine or take a new activity to keep yourself interested and engaged.
Set Goals
People naturally have a need to work towards something which can be used to help prevent boredom and create a sense of purpose. When actions have meaning and goals to reach, boredom can quickly dissipate.
Be Intentional
It can often be easy to slip into the same patterns and routines, and when this happens, feelings of boredom can take over. To keep things interesting and engaging, it is important to remain intentional and mindful of what you spend your time on day after day.
Dealing With Boredom On A Daily Basis
Boredom can be a difficult emotional and psychological obstacle to overcome, but with the right strategies, it is possible to combat it. This article has discussed the psychology of boredom and what causes it in greater detail and explored a few tips and tricks to help mitigate the feelings it can bring.
By taking the time to become aware of one’s emotional state and actively look for new stimulus, individuals can push themselves away from boredom and into new experiences.
Sources: Psychology Central, Psychology Com
Tags: Cognitive impacts, Emotional impacts
