How to deal with boredom

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Andrea_Canada

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HI there,

For some time, I have been extremely bored and there really is no explanation to it. I have an average life ie I work, go to the gym etc. I do live alone I am a single middle aged woman and have an ok appartment.

But for some reason I am bored and lack of things to do is not the issue. Things I use to enjoy just seem repulsive (like going for a walk, having tea with a neighbour)

I keep praying to Jesus and wonder what I am doing wrong

Andrea
 
You didn’t mention it, so I figured I’d ask. Do you have any hobbies? If so, and those also aren’t having the same appeal, anything you’ve been wanting to try to learn but have put it off?
 
How is your health and your mental health in general? (Don’t answer, just something to think about.) They can affect our interests and make us bored, irritable or impatient and stressed out.

If they are fine, I agree you might need to try something new.
 
Trying something new is ‘kind of the problem’. The though of researching something seems like a large boring task.

Also, with the Covid restristions and having to make appointments for everything it takes a lot of the fun out of it.

Any suggestions of hobbies to try that don’t involve a lot of set up/clean up?
 
I listen to music to get me going on a project and also sleep.

There are so many interesting things to learn.

This week I just learned how to buy a wax stick and heavy stamp to seal envelopes. Then there is books and art if you are so inclined.

If not volunteer. It’s fun helpful and good for you.
 
Crochet, reading, knitting, learning a new language, online classes, coloring books with colored pencils, aimless doodle art, volunteer at an animal shelter (dogs/cats/both), etc.

If nothing seems to make you feel less bored, etc, you might need to take some time to talk to your doctor about the loss of interests, as you may need referral for therapy, or there may be something else going on (underlying condition).
 
Yes, lots of tutorials on YouTube for learning almost any hobby.

I second the coloring books and colored pencils for relaxation.
 
Depression can make everything seem sort of blah. Perhaps you should speak with your doctor.
 
Check out “Leisure: The Basis of Culture” by Josef Pieper.
Boredom comes to those who dwell in a world of work, even on days off that you take so you can rest to work harder.
“Leisure is an attitude of the mind and a condition of the soul that fosters a capacity to perceive the reality of the world. Pieper shows that the Greeks and medieval Europeans, understood the great value and importance of leisure. He also points out that religion can be born only in leisure – a leisure that allows time for the contemplation of the nature of God. Leisure has been, and always will be, the first foundation of any culture. Pieper maintains that our bourgeois world of total labor has vanquished leisure, and issues a startling warning: Unless we regain the art of silence and insight, the ability for non-activity, unless we substitute true leisure for our hectic amusements, we will destroy our culture – and ourselves.”
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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How’s your puppy doing? (I believe you are the member who recently got a puppy. If not, just ignore this.)

To the OP: get a puppy or kitten. You’ll never be bored again.
 
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Oh gosh thank you for asking

@meltzerboy2 My little guy is 1 year old now.
He is high maintenance as any yorkie is sweet gentle but not a cuddle dog. We decided long hair for him.

Idk but my cat bella who was 14 passed away. So now we are just dog owners. We cremate our pets separately and my jingles(white cat) and Bella (black) are together here.

You are so kind for asking. And I agree get a pet op.
 
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We must be kindred spirits because I’m in the same boat. Besides work & church, I try to pray the Rosary and do spiritual reading. Sometimes I’m so distracted it seems like I have to fight through each Our Father and Hail Mary. (C.f. Ephesians 6: 10-17 re spiritual warfare.)

Acedia, which is usually translated as sloth, is not just “laziness”. This is Christ Our Pascha:


Click on “READ THE CATECHISM”. You can jump to the section on “Acedia” by clicking on it or enter the page # (it says pg. 251 but if you put in pg. 268 it will come up - they add in the 17 pages of the introduction to the page count).

This has really helped me & hopefully it will help you too.
 
Try thanking God for each day before you go to sleep. Directly like a simple prayer “Thank you God for this day!” And kiss His icon, Crucifix, whatever you have or prefer. Every day.
 
I fourth or fifth the recommendation to see your doctor. Write a list before you go of everything that seems different from before, like hair falling out or reactions to temperature, changes in eating habits, any inexplicable weight change, etc.

Also, consider differences between how you are living now and what you used to do before the shutdowns. Did you used to exercise a few times a week? Get together with a friend? Go into the office and now working at home?

Do this before or at the same time as looking into acedia, hobbies, music, etc.
 
Thanks for posting this, it looks really good!

It took a long time to load, so be patient. Also, on my devices, it was 20 pages off, so I had to go to PDF page 271 to get to book page 251.
 
You sound like me a bit… but I have to remind myself that I have body chemistry issues (that’s the simplest way to put it) and if I don’t have the drive to do something I enjoy, it’s probably because I haven’t been faithful to my health routine and/or time for another lab draw at the doctor’s office. When I’m not feeling blah, the things I would normally do are energizing; when I’m feeling lousy, you couldn’t get me excited about my wildest dreams. Check your diet, sleep patterns, etc. Leave no stone unturned, because there’s usually a way to tackle it. Prayers for you.
 
Become a volunteer at your parish, e.g., cleaning the church, counting the weekly collection, help out with the local St. Vincent de Paul Society. If there is a bible study in your parish, join in, if there is none get your pastor’s permission to start one yourself. Best wishes.
 
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