Why Being Bored Is Okay

Over the past few months, life has changed drastically. I went from being at school, going to three classes a day, working an internship, and seeing friends every day to sitting in my house every day with my family doing close to nothing. Going from being so busy to extremely bored is not an easy transition. However, since March I feel I have learned a lot about myself and the feeling of being ‘bored’. It is not all that bad.

There are stages of boredom. At first, you like it. You like the fact that you don’t have to go to class, you can watch TV and lay in bed all day if you want to and it’s great. Then you start to complain and feel like you need an activity or need to see your friends. After that, you begin to find new hobbies and ways to keep busy. This last stage is the most important and has kept me sane while quarantined and even after.

The best activity to pick up when you are bored is reading. Reading is the perfect escape from reality and it can take you into a different world. When the book is good you forget where you are and what time it is. Becoming so invested in a book is like binge-watching a show, but better. Better because you are learning and experiencing something new. I have found reading to be so calming, relaxing, and with each book I read, I feel as though I learn a new useful life lesson the book has to offer.

Self-care is the next way I have kept sane during this time. Whether it is doing a face mask, taking a long walk, or journaling. I think this is the best way to make urself feel better and show yourself some much needed TLC. Every morning when I wake up I drink a huge cup of water, wash my face, do a little workout and I feel ready for my whole day even if it is a boring one. Those few little acts of self-care make all the difference in my attitude.

Family time is something I have always valued and enjoyed, but since moving away to go to college my family time has dwindled. Quarantine forced my whole family back into the same house for months and I have a newfound respect for the time we spend together. Sitting around the table to have a meal together or watching a movie as a family is so important. Being bored is not as bad when it is spent with family.

So, the moral of my story, is that being bored can be okay. It can teach you a lot and allow you to grow as an individual.