The Cost of Being Bored
Happy Wednesday, Friend!
Once upon a time, I had an amazing job with great benefits and pay, a great schedule, a great team, and a great boss. Yet, I was BORED out of my mind.
I would hit the alarm clock at 6 AM every morning...
go through the motions of what I was supposed to be doing at work…
go home…
turn around…
and do it again.
I was great at what I did. In fact, I had mastered it. So what was the problem?
We have many essential human needs in life. One of our great human needs is growth. When we are growing, learning, and taking in a variety of new information, we are feeding our minds and souls.
Do you feel that your energy level is starting to dwindle? Is the work grind of the new year starting to wear you down? Are the goals you set starting to slowly lose their steam? Are you are requiring a bit more coffee than you normally do?
Boredom is brought on by a lack of neurological excitement mixed with feelings of frustration, disinterest, and a shortage of stimulation. Many people think that being bored is normal. Yet, when we feel this way it creates dissatisfaction. This, in turn, increases our risk for depression because we feel like we aren’t contributing to a higher purpose in life. When our brains are stimulated, we feel a level of excitement and accomplishment that makes us proud and allows us to grow. Growth is one of our top human needs.
The Upside to Boredom
The good thing about boredom is that our mind is communicating to us that it’s time for CHANGE. Keep an eye on what your body and brain are telling you when you are bored.
Oftentimes, tasks can be too long, too cumbersome, or even too easy which causes less personal satisfaction.
From now on, do an audit of the things that bring you energy. Notate when you are feeling a lack of energy and when you are feeling a burst of energy. Are you able to do the things that drain you less? When I did this exercise, I noticed that I was feeling exhausted and bored when I wasn’t around people. It was during the time I made reports and crafted wellness strategies. I realized that wasn’t for me. I wanted to work one-on-one with people through coaching instead, guiding them so they can find their best life. I encourage you to do the same. It’s never too late to reach for the activities that bring you more energy and joy.
Work-life balance or career coaching will help you find a position that will help you feel fulfilled and happy.
