Well, it has been almost 5 months of quarantine, social distancing, mask wearing, remote shopping, remote working…….in other words, a complete life style change. And with this comes apprehension, depression, anxiety, and boredom. Boredom seems to creep up on us when we least expect it. We think we’re coping well with the situation by planning our day either the night before or the morning of and checking off all we accomplished during the day. But then, bam, here it is. You walk around your home thinking I don’t feel like playing piano or completing another Spanish lesson or reading another book or watching the news (which is so depressing to begin with) or even gaining a level on Wordscapes. So what to do???
Well, as I see it you only have two choices. One, give into it and plop on the couch and watch some mindless television, OR literally force yourself to get up and move. For some of us that moving part can be a challenge in itself. I know from experience because I am awaiting surgery so it is quite a feat to move these days. But, like Dick Van Dyke’s book “Keep Moving” explains, you cannot give into sloth-like behavior. You must get up and move. I guarantee once you get your body in gear, you will feel so much better and the boredom will quickly dissipate. I find the hardest part, though, is not deciding what to do, but actually forcing myself to “change channels” and begin something. So if you can take that first step, you’re on the road to freedom.
Here are just a few ideas to consider when boredom sets in. The one I enjoy the most is just going outside into my extremely small backyard and look at the flowers, watch the birds, hear the wind rustling through the leaves, take note of the squirrels’ activities, watch the chipmunks, deadhead flowers, rearrange pots, pull some weeds, watch the cloud formations, listen to the fountain or listen to the birds. Being in nature always gives me an automatic boost. It is very zen and very therapeutic.
Another activity is go for a walk (with your mask on of course) and notice your surroundings. So many people take walks but never observe anything. Every time I walk through my little town I always seem to notice something I had never seen before, such as a veranda on a home, a new door, different flowers in bloom, pets roaming around, trees that were removed or planted. It’s time to use all your senses when outside. You’d be amazed at what you’ll discover.
How about doing some jumping jacks or yoga stretches. There are many youtube videos on yoga for beginners or advanced practitioners. Try playing cards with a friend……my favorite is rummy. I am extremely competitive, but even when I lose, it gets my juices flowing. Or play a board game with someone. How about rearranging furniture or rearranging your pictures on your walls? And then there is always pulling out the vacuum and cleaning your carpet.
In other words, just do it! Check out the youtube video “Just Do It” with Shia LaBeouf. I hope your boredom passes as mine just did, because I got off my tush and wrote this Blog!!! Stay safe, and be well.
Life Redecorated 