Boredom

Boredom is a common human experience that can affect our overall well-being. Although often temporary and linked to attention, perception, memory, and creativity, persistent or chronic boredom can take a toll on mental health—potentially contributing to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

What Is Boredom?

Boredom is a common human experience characterized by a state of dissatisfaction, restlessness, or weariness ¹ van Hooft, E. A. J., & van Hooff, M. L. M. (2018). The state of boredom: Frustrating or depressing?. Motivation and emotion, 42(6), 931–946. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-018-9710-6 resulting from a lack of mental or physical stimulation. It is often described as a feeling of monotony, tedium, or disinterest in one’s surroundings or activities.

Boredom often arises when individuals perceive their current situation as unstimulating or lacking in meaning, sparking a desire for something more engaging or fulfilling. While boredom can have both positive and negative effects, it plays a complex role in our daily lives—sometimes motivating change and creativity, but also potentially leading to restlessness or dissatisfaction.

Examples ² Gerritsen, C. J., Toplak, M. E., Sciaraffa, J., & Eastwood, J. (2014). I can’t get no satisfaction: potential causes of boredom. Consciousness and cognition, 27, 27–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2013.10.001 of boredom can vary widely and depend on individual preferences and circumstances. It can arise from repetitive tasks, long periods of inactivity, unchallenging or unfulfilling activities, or situations where one feels isolated or disconnected.

For example, a student might feel bored during a lecture that doesn’t capture their interest or challenge their thinking. Likewise, someone stuck in a long queue or enduring a monotonous commute may experience boredom due to the absence of mental stimulation or engaging activity.

Prevalence of boredom

The prevalence of boredom proneness in the global population varies, with some studies suggesting that around 15-30% of individuals frequently experience boredom ³ Bench, S. W., & Lench, H. C. (2013). On the function of boredom. Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 3(3), 459–472. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs3030459 . It’s worth noting that boredom proneness is a personality trait rather than a mental health disorder, influencing how individuals perceive and respond to their surroundings.

Signs Of Boredom

Some common ⁴ Tam, K. Y. Y., van Tilburg, W. A. P., & Chan, C. S. (2021). What is boredom proneness? A comparison of three characterizations. Journal of personality, 89(4), 831–846. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12618 physical and behavioral signs of boredom include:

1. Low energy or feelings of lethargy
2. Slouched or poor posture
3. Restlessness and frequent fidgeting
4. Heavy sighing and frequent yawning
5. Excessive daydreaming or mentally zoning out
6. Repetitive or mindless actions (e.g., tapping fingers, clicking pens)
7. Constantly checking the time
8. Difficulty focusing or staying attentive
9. A strong urge for external stimulation (e.g., endlessly scrolling, channel surfing, snacking)
10. Verbal expressions of dissatisfaction or boredom
11. Showing little interest or enthusiasm in activities or conversations

Types Of Boredom

Research ⁵ Watt, J. D., & Vodanovich, S. J. (1992). Relationship between boredom proneness and impulsivity. Psychological reports, 70(3 Pt 1), 688–690. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1992.70.3.688 attributes the 5 types of boredom to the following:

1. Indifferent Boredom:

Indifferent boredom is marked by a general sense of apathy and disconnection from one’s surroundings. Individuals experiencing this type of boredom often feel unstimulated, disengaged, and uninterested in activities or social interactions.

2. Reactant Boredom:

Reactant boredom arises when individuals feel trapped or restricted by their current situation or environment. This type of boredom often leads to feelings of frustration, irritability, and a strong desire to escape or regain a sense of control and autonomy.

3. Searching Boredom:

Searching boredom occurs when individuals feel unsatisfied and begin actively seeking stimulation or engagement. This state is marked by restlessness and a persistent drive to find new activities, experiences, or distractions to relieve the discomfort of boredom.

4. Apathetic Boredom:

Apathetic boredom is characterized by low energy, emotional detachment, and a lack of motivation. Individuals in this state often feel listless and indifferent, showing little interest in activities or the desire to pursue goals or stimulation.

5. Existential Boredom:

Existential boredom arises from a profound sense of meaninglessness or lack of purpose in life. It often involves deep introspection and questioning one’s existence, which can lead to feelings of emptiness, restlessness, and spiritual dissatisfaction.

What Are The Causes Of Boredom?

Boredom can occur due to various factors ⁶ Afellat, F. Z., Abdalla, M. J., & Alipour, H. (2021). The impact of boredom on the attitudes and behaviours of edutourists during the era of COVID-19 and the mediating role of psychological distress. Tourism management perspectives, 40, 100885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2021.100885 . Some common causes of boredom include a lack of stimulation or novelty in the environment, repetitive or unchallenging tasks, insufficient mental or physical engagement, unfulfilling or monotonous activities, feeling disconnected or isolated, and a mismatch between one’s interests and the current situation. It can also arise when individuals feel a lack of control or autonomy, or when they are unable to find meaning or purpose in their activities.                                           

How Boredom Affects Mental Health

Boredom can have significant effects on mental health ⁷ Tam, K. Y. Y., Chan, C. S., van Tilburg, W. A. P., Lavi, I., & Lau, J. Y. F. (2023). Boredom belief moderates the mental health impact of boredom among young people: Correlational and multi-wave longitudinal evidence gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of personality, 91(3), 638–652. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12764 by impacting mental functioning and contributing to mental fatigue, thereby negatively affecting an individual’s overall well-being:

1. Impaired Mental Functioning:

Boredom can negatively impact key cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, and memory. When individuals feel bored, maintaining focus becomes challenging, often resulting in reduced productivity and difficulty completing tasks efficiently. Additionally, boredom can suppress creativity and problem-solving skills by limiting cognitive flexibility and stifling the flow of new ideas.

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2. Mental Fatigue:

Prolonged or chronic boredom can result in mental fatigue, where the persistent sense of monotony drains mental energy. This weariness can leave individuals feeling mentally exhausted and unfocused. As a result, they may experience forgetfulness, difficulty thinking clearly, and reduced ability to engage in tasks that require concentration or cognitive effort.

3. Negative Thought Patterns:

Boredom can give rise to negative thought patterns and emotions. When individuals are bored, they may experience increased levels of frustration, irritability, and restlessness. They may dwell on negative thoughts, such as dissatisfaction with their current situation or a sense of meaninglessness, which can contribute to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even symptoms of depression ⁸ Tam, K. Y. Y., Chan, C. S., van Tilburg, W. A. P., Lavi, I., & Lau, J. Y. F. (2023). Boredom belief moderates the mental health impact of boredom among young people: Correlational and multi-wave longitudinal evidence gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of personality, 91(3), 638–652. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12764 .

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4. Impact on Well-being:

Boredom can significantly affect an individual’s overall well-being. The ongoing sense of dissatisfaction and disengagement it brings may lower one’s quality of life and reduce feelings of happiness. Over time, this emotional state can increase the risk of developing various mental health disorders, such as:

• Depression: Persistent boredom can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, low mood, and emotional numbness—common symptoms of depression.
• Anxiety: A lack of stimulation may heighten inner restlessness, leading to racing thoughts and increased anxiety.
• Substance use disorders: Some individuals may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors as a way to escape chronic boredom.
• Attention-deficit disorders: Difficulty staying engaged or stimulated can overlap with attention-related challenges, especially in individuals with underlying conditions.
• Eating disorders: Emotional eating or disordered eating patterns may emerge as coping mechanisms to fill the emotional void boredom creates.
• Behavioral addictions: Excessive gaming, social media use, or compulsive shopping may develop as attempts to relieve boredom temporarily.

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Boredom can also lead to apathy, diminished motivation, and a sense of unfulfillment in both personal and professional areas of life. Over time, this can erode an individual’s overall well-being and significantly reduce their sense of purpose and life satisfaction.

How Poor Mental Health Condition Fuels Boredom

Boredom and mental health are related, because of which mental illness can aggravate or contribute to the development of boredom ⁹ Schwartze, M. M., Frenzel, A. C., Goetz, T., Pekrun, R., Reck, C., Marx, A. K. G., & Fiedler, D. (2021). Boredom Makes Me Sick: Adolescents’ Boredom Trajectories and Their Health-Related Quality of Life. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(12), 6308. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126308 . Firstly, certain mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders, can decrease an individual’s overall motivation and interest in activities, leading to a heightened susceptibility to boredom.

Individuals with severe mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, ADHD, and bipolar disorder are often more vulnerable to intense feelings of boredom. Persistent negative thoughts, low energy levels, and a diminished sense of enjoyment—common symptoms of these disorders—can create a cycle of disengagement and disinterest, amplifying boredom.

Moreover, symptoms like difficulty concentrating and reduced cognitive functioning can make it challenging to find meaning or satisfaction in everyday activities. This lack of engagement, combined with the social isolation and withdrawal that often accompany mental illness, further limits access to stimulating experiences, thereby increasing the likelihood of chronic boredom..

How To Deal With Boredom Clinically  

The first step in managing boredom is to recognize it as a potential mental health concern rather than just a fleeting emotion. While this perspective is not yet widely adopted, understanding one’s tendency toward boredom—or boredom proneness—can be incredibly valuable. Key steps in this process include practicing self-reflection, identifying recurring patterns or triggers, and becoming more aware of the emotions that accompany boredom. This awareness lays the foundation for healthier coping strategies and improved emotional well-being.

Assessment tools ¹⁰ Liang, Z., Zhao, Q., Zhou, Z., Yu, Q., Li, S., & Chen, S. (2020). The Effect of “Novelty Input” and “Novelty Output” on Boredom During Home Quarantine in the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Effects of Trait Creativity. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 601548. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601548 like the Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS) and the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) can provide standardized measures. Differentiating between normal boredom and potential mental health concerns is crucial, and seeking professional help is advisable if boredom is persistent and significantly affects daily functioning.

How To Cure Boredom

To overcome boredom, we should explore new activities and hobbies ¹¹ Schwartze, M. M., Frenzel, A. C., Goetz, T., Marx, A. K. G., Reck, C., Pekrun, R., & Fiedler, D. (2020). Excessive boredom among adolescents: A comparison between low and high achievers. PloS one, 15(11), e0241671. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241671 that ignite our passion. Setting meaningful goals gives us purpose and direction while practicing mindfulness immerses us in the present and reduces monotony. Seeking novelty and variety in our routines prevents boredom.

Social interaction fosters meaningful connections and a sense of belonging, which can help alleviate feelings of boredom. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities—such as reading, solving puzzles, or learning something new—can be both enjoyable and rewarding. At the same time, taking mindful breaks and embracing solitude allows for reflection, creativity, and personal growth. By incorporating these balanced strategies, we can effectively manage boredom and cultivate a more fulfilling, enriched life.

Takeaway

Boredom is a natural and universal part of the human experience, but when it becomes chronic, it should not be overlooked. Learning self-help techniques and coping strategies is essential to navigate this uncomfortable state of mind. However, if boredom persists and begins to interfere with daily functioning, mental well-being, or overall quality of life, it may signal an underlying mental health condition.

In such cases, reaching out to trusted loved ones and seeking guidance from a mental health professional is crucial. With the right support, individuals can explore new interests, rediscover purpose, and move toward a more meaningful, enriched, and satisfying life.

At A Glance

1. Boredom is an unpleasant state characterized by a lack of attention, interest, or concentration in an activity.
2. It can drive individuals to seek out various activities—both constructive and harmful—in an attempt to relieve the discomfort it causes.
3. Common causes of boredom include repetitive or monotonous tasks, lack of mental stimulation, and underlying mental health conditions.
4. On the positive side, boredom can encourage self-reflection, the pursuit of new challenges, and prosocial behavior.
5. However, the negative effects of boredom can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and contribute to mental health issues.
6. Seeking professional help is essential when boredom becomes chronic, as it may be a sign of an underlying psychiatric condition such as depression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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