My 30 Days of Getting Bored.
In today’s world, we hardly get bored.
Want to watch a movie, netflix and chill. Want to know about something, google it. Want to listen to some music, go for spotify.
When I was little, I used to complain a lot about getting bored. I used to be smashed into the pillow on my bed all the time. Of course, right now, we all know how we alleviate our boredom. Now I just pull out my smartphone or laptop and be hooked to it for hours. If you have million of hours of entertainment in your pocket, it’s easy to stave off boredom.
But this boredom might be good for us. I’m doing an experiment of my own right now , it’s been a month as of today. And God knows that there has been a significant change in me, both mental and physical.
Before I started my experiment, like the rest of you, I was constantly occupied with one thing or another . Watching T.V. , reading a book, studying, exercise. There was not even a single minute of my waking hours where I was just sitting idle.
We try to extinguish every moment of boredom in our lives with mobile devices. This might relieve us temporarily, but it shuts down the deeper thinking that can come from staring down the doldrums. Noodling on your phone is like eating junk food.
So then I read this article about how being bored is good for you and I think I just took it way more seriously than normally expected.
Taking some time to be bored is one of the best things I did for myself. letting myself pause from friends, friends and technology is actually one of the best things I did for my health.It made me feel a little anxious at first though . But slowing down actually made me more productive in the long-term — not to mention more creative, happier and less stressed.
It seems when we allow our minds to wander, it gives the brain a workout.
I incorporated these tiny habits into my daily life and hope that you can find something likes these too.
1. I went for a walk in the park ‘without phone’ .
Previously I used to go with my phone and was listening to music all the time. After starting my experiment , now I’m more aware about my surroundings and myself. I have started noticing the small things that gives you immense happiness. Like recently I saw this really old couple, like really really old, holding hands and walking together. That was just so beautiful. You don’t get to see things like that everyday. And today I saw a small kid playing with his mother. I wouldn’t have noticed these things if I was listening to music. Usually I see couples sitting together but not together as they are on there phones separately.
2. I did nothing for thirty minutes everyday.
Sure, we all know how to do nothing. We all know how to lay around and waste time. But many of us are too busy to do it much, and when we do it, our minds are often on other things. We cannot relax and enjoy the nothingness.
I started small; 5–10 mins in the beginning, but that too made me really anxious at first. And now after a month I can easily do half an hour a day.
I usually sit outside in the sun, bringing in the Vitamin D too.
3. Roaming in the streets.
Honestly, I think this is the best thing I did. I met some insanely awesome people. Observed some really funny things which might be a story for another day.
I am feeling a lot better the past month. I think these are the improvements, I have felt in myself due to ‘ MY BOREDOM EXPERIMENT’ .
1.It has helped me avoid Tech addiction.
Believe it or not, smartphone addiction is a real thing. Also checking into your instagram or facebook feeds produces the same brain chemical that alcohol does. It makes us feel good. Dopamine is a brain chemical that literally makes us happy, and it is released every time we receive something on our phones. I have also downloaded this app called breakfree which according to your lifestyle gives you a personalized experience, cutting down your phone usage too and giving you more time to connect with your family and friends. You should try that.
2. It has Boosted my creativity.
Instead of thinking of boredom as a waste of time, try to look at it as a necessary rest for your brain that can leave your mind feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Giving your mind a break from the constant stimulation of technology allows it to better take in new things and have new thoughts, which can boost creativity. So if you’re looking to get more creative, get bored.
3. Introspection about my life.
I have become more aware about my shortcomings and my life goals and what I have to do with my life. Though there are still a lot of blurred lines there, but yeah , I have become a little closer than before.
4. Relieved stress and anxiety.
I am in my final year of high school. Final exams are a month away( I don’t know what I’m doing here on medium) and with all the college process, it’s been really hard. It has helped me lower my tension.
5. Discovered new hobbies and interests.
Instead of scrolling through my instagram feed, I was now thinking more and we all know that a restless mind is a source of all great ideas.
So all of you , take some time to unplug and have some good old boredom.
Thanks for reading! :)
Check out my profile for more. @abhed447
