How to Deal with Boredom

It is everybody’s responsibility to practice social distancing to help limit the spread of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you need to socially isolate.

Boredom is a common feeling, especially during this worldwide pandemic. Boredom is an emotional state experienced when an individual is left without anything to do or feels uninterested in their surroundings. The more we focus on our boredom, the more we amplify that feeling.

Here are a few healthy, fun and responsible ways to stay occupied while social distancing:

Choose a new hobby

There has never been a better time to choose a new hobby. Without a daily routine, you have more time than ever to learn something new. Try exploring your crafty side, get creative with your cooking, learn an instrument or a language, or take an online class such as Yale’s free course on “The Science of Well-Being”. Check out this list of 50 low-cost hobbies to try!

Connect with friends online

It is important to maintain our friendships during this time. Although we may not be able to see our friends face-to-face for a few weeks, check in with them by phone through Facetime or Skype. There are so many social media platforms to also take advantage of when it comes to connecting with friends and family.

Read

Reading has so many benefits such as mental stimulation, stress reduction, acquiring knowledge, improving your vocabulary, and increasing focus and concentration. With everything going on in the world right now, getting lost in a book can help reduce your stress and anxiety.

Practice mindfulness

Not everyone likes yoga but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice mindfulness and meditation. Meditation is a mind and body practice that helps increase calmness and overall physical relaxation, psychological balance, and better health and well-being. Meditation even helps improve the immune system, which is essential more than ever right now.

Organize your home

Tackle your cluttered home! With all your free time, sort through your junk drawer or closet. Donate items you no longer use. Try alphabetizing your spices or labeling your pantry foods.

Exercise

Although the gyms and health clubs are closed right now, there are plenty of ways to continue to stay active indoors or outdoors. Thanks to technology, fitness centers are using Zoom as a way to connect with their members by having an instructor teach online. There are also endless YouTube videos you can follow. Lastly, get outside and breathe in the fresh air by going on a walk or taking a bike ride. Your body will thank you – and so will your weight loss goals!

Get into a new TV series

With Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and all of the other networks that stream America’s favorite shows and movies, your selection is limitless. Give yourself a break from working on your computer and get into a new TV series that will help you wind down for the night or occupy you on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Make sure to watch television in moderation. Don’t get sucked into the couch potato lifestyle!

Please remember to practice safe social distancing during this time and remember to wash your hands regularly. As we temporarily transition to a telehealth platform, please call your local Garcia center to book your telehealth visit today.

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