Overcoming Boredom in the Change Process:
Introduction– Boredom is quite often cited as one of the more challenging aspects when dealing with recovery from substance use issues. It is safe to say that no one likes boredom, and we all have to face boredom at one time or another. Therefore, it makes sense to be prepared for boredom when making life changes as we move away from a life of addictive behaviors. One way to do this is to adjust our viewpoint on boredom. We can learn and practice mastering boredom instead of allowing feelings of boredom to derail our progress.
As a group
consider and discuss the following thoughts about refocusing the viewpoint on
boredom. After each point is read, discuss ways in which you may agree (or
disagree) with these points and discuss how each point may apply personally in
your life and experience:
§ Boredom is not an excuse – “I started getting high again
because I was bored”. “I went back out with my old friends who get high because
I was bored” “I stopped my routine for recovery because it got to be boring” –
Statements like these are just excuses. Sure, boredom happens in recovery, and
it can be a relapse trigger, however it still is not a valid reason for
returning to a self-destructive lifestyle. As you read on you will see that
there are better ways to cope with feelings of boredom
§ We can learn to accept boredom – Another way to rephrase this is
that we can learn to tolerate boredom. Very few people on this
earth have a life that is exciting 24-7. Boredom on occasion is a part of most people’s
lives. In fact, most people welcome some “down time”. For example, some really
good stories and movies have slower parts that help build up the overall plot
and add to the larger story. We can use these “less exciting” times in our
lives to our advantage as down time can be a productive part of our recovery
process
§ Boredom does not have to be as bad
as it seems – “Boredom is
what boredom does” – In other
words, what we choose to do when we feel bored is the most influential factor
in overcoming boredom. Preparing ahead of time to fill our more boring times in
life with positive or productive activities can make all of the difference. Reckless
decisions based on boredom often have reckless outcomes
§ We can embrace boredom as a
challenge rather than an obstacle – Our attitude about boredom means so much when it comes to
conquering boredom. For example, if we get in the habit of sulking and just
staying stagnant during boring times then our boredom will likely persist.
Rather, we can learn to look at boredom as a challenge to overcome using
creativity and ingenuity. A person with a good attitude about boredom may say
something like: “I’m feeling bored right now, so what new and interesting idea
can I explore to get rid of this feeling?” This approach will help rather than
just sitting there waiting for boredom to pass on its own or doing the same old
boring things to fill boring times like scrolling the internet or social media aimlessly
or surfing channels on TV.
§ Boredom can motivate you (if you
let it) – Similar to
the previous points, if we feel like there is too much boredom in life, rather
than give up, let this motivate you to make changes. If you feel like your life
is far too boring, this can be the fire that ignites a positive lifestyle
change like seeking a new career, learning a new skill, taking on a new responsibility,
exploring a new hobby or doing something creative or innovative.
§ Gratitude can help (“I’d rather be bored and stable than excited but in chaos or trouble”) – A stable life in recovery may at times be boring by comparison with the substance using lifestyle, yet the safety and security of recovery far outweighs the chaos and consequences of addiction. Therefore, we can actually learn to be grateful to be bored occasionally if it means a better overall life for us. It is better to be a little bored but happy rather than feel excited in between periods of misery (like in active addiction for many)
Skills for Mastering Boredom
Review the
following and work on making your own “Boredom Plan” by taking note of which
skills and suggestions you are going to apply in your own life to prepare for,
cope with and conquer boredom
1.
Look
beyond entertainment – Sure,
things like, TV, YouTube, internet, and social media can help with boredom, but
these things alone can get tiring, boring and unfulfilling especially over
time. There is nothing wrong with these types of entertainment but its best to
not have them as your only way to deal with boredom or it is likely you will
stay bored.
2. Creativity – Music, art, building, designing, writing, developing, etc. are all great ways to overcome boredom on a long-term basis. Think outside the box! Create and innovate
3.
Learning
– Taking an
interest in a topic and building our knowledge and skills can be a great way to
overcome boredom. Learning a language, studying history, researching the
origins or science of things that interest you or finding out how things are
made or work, are examples of learning that can be very interesting. It may
take time to develop a love for learning about various topics, but it works!
4.
When
a task is boring, try it a different way – If there is something in life that you have
to do that you find boring, is there a different way to approach it? Again,
this could require creativity. For example, doing something like combining
chores, like cleaning with exercise, dancing or singing can make it much less
boring. Meeting your best friend at the laundromat then getting coffee can make
a task like that fun, for example
5.
Take
healthy risks – If you are
bored can you think outside the box and try some things that you thought you
would never like? You might surprise yourself if you try a few times. Maybe a
friend or your partner has a hobby or interest that you thought you would never
try – Why not try it again with them a few times even if you didn’t like it in
the past when you were using. An interest for new things can catch on with time
and practice if you keep an open mind and patiently approach new ideas.
6.
Consider
things from your youth – A
lot of people find interest in going back to things they did when they were
growing up as they are able to reignite the same passion for these things as
adults. Maybe when you were a kid you were into comics or collecting something
or maybe there was a game or sport you loved as a kid you could get back into
as an adult.
7.
Consider
helping others – So many
people have found fulfillment in helping and doing things for others. For
example. learning to bake cookies for yourself is one thing but doing it to
share your baked goods with friends, family or neighbors can be even far more
fulfilling and motivating. So many millions of people have stories of
volunteering or just helping their community or neighbors as a satisfying way
to spend their time.
8.
Learn
to engage deeper – If there is
something you have to do in life that you find boring, ask yourself: Am I fully
engaged in this process? For example, sometimes people may try 12 step meetings
and find that sitting there listening quietly can be boring. However, becoming an
active part of the group by participating and taking on a commitment can deepen
appreciate and engagement which is a great way to alleviate boredom. This can
apply in a lot of life areas as well based on the general rule: “We get out
what we put in” to an activity
Closing
discussion – What is
included in your Boredom Plan?
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