When I was a middle school principal, the school’s bookkeeper and I agreed that working kept us sane. Our days were full of things we had to do and people with whom we had to interact. We had no time to think about what was troubling us. Sure, there were days that were too long and exhausting, and the human body is not programmed to live like that seven days a week, and our lives are often a case of feast or famine (either too busy or not busy enough), but I’ve noticed in others and in myself that boredom is perhaps more dangerous than being too busy.
I get it. Some of you are never bored. You’re busy with children and grandchildren and maybe caring for a parent from time to time. But we’re all bored at times. Sitting in a doctor’s office waiting too long for an appointment. Sitting with someone in a hospital. Sitting through a long-winded speaker who’s just not very interesting.
But too much boredom leads to crime, unhealthy habits, and depression. Loneliness may play a role in some cases, but even lonely people can find contentment in productive activities. An old saying that dates back several centuries is something like “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”
We live in a world of need, even here in the United States that is blessed beyond measure. There are always things to do and people to help if we look for them.
I’ve had to learn that lesson. As my regular readers know, I’ve struggled with retirement. Not that I want to go back to full work days, but I have too many empty hours to fill. So I look for ways to fill them.
If you’re struggling with boredom or loneliness, allow me to share what has worked for me:
- Try new things. A new hobby, cook something different, invite people over for a simple lunch or a potluck dinner.
- Call or visit a shut-in or even just someone who lives alone and is unable to drive. Go to the nursing homes and see how you can help.
- Volunteer at your church or find a civic club of which you can be a part.
- Be the organizer of activities instead of waiting on someone to reach out to you.
- Think of things on your bucket list, and do as many as you can afford or do physically. For me, it was being on the Sirius XM Elvis Radio Quiz Show, participating in the St. Jude half-marathon in Memphis (I mostly walked), and a couple of trips I’d always wanted to do. I’m adding to the bucket list.
- Learn something new. With the Internet, countless courses, both free and the paid kind, are available. I’m learning Braille, but I also want to keep my Spanish and French language skills, so I watch videos to keep me from forgetting. Audit a class at a local university.
I could keep going, but you get the idea. Don’t let boredom control you. I’ve been guilty of it more days than I like to admit. But I’m working at it.
Life As I know it 