Bored at work? We are all there. boredom is that experience of wanting to be occupied with a satisfying activity, but somehow unable to do so. And being busy is not an antidote: You can be both busy — and very bored — at the same time.
Early in life we learn that boredom is not fun, and as we get older we may see it as a waste of time, or a lost opportunity to do something more productive ( or at least more interesting). At best, boredom is considered bad lawless EXPERIENCEand at worst, a state that evokes a deep sense of meaninglessness. In addition, when feeling the discomfort of boredom, time tend to pass slowlythat can make work days seem endless.
Considering this, it’s no wonder that boredom often leads to a strong desire to escape the situation (or job!) that provokes it. In today’s ultra-connected world, this escape is just a tap away. At your fingertips, you will find a world of data, breaking news, movies and stories, messages from friends and family, or gifs, memes, and video clips that will help you avoid boredom — at least on the surface level. Research shows that using smartphones not only distracts the mind, it offers a addictive hit of dopamine, which temporarily happiness replaced the discomfort of boredom. However, this feeling is short-lived, as this mindless scrolling results in a long-term decline in overall mental health and quality of life.
The next time you feel that creeping feeling of boredom at work, stop before you pick up your phone. Boredom can have important benefits, and you’ll lose it if you don’t listen to your feelings and why.
The Pros and Cons of Boredom in the Workplace
Boredom has a negative reputation for a reason. In the workplace, it is often viewed as a counterproductive state burning with discomfort, desperation for a new role, or perhaps a desire to end the day. Boredom is associated with work risky decision making, costly mistakes, and accidents caused by carelessness or lack of focus — and that’s not to mention the fatigue that boredom can create. Boredom can also prompt other types of problematic behavior, such as “cyberloafing” (that is, non-work related browsing) and childish emotional responses. Prolonged exposure to monotonous activities can be the cause hallucinations. Furthermore, when it comes to welfare, a new study found a link between job boredom and burnout, as well as reduced job satisfaction and increased desire to quit.
On the other hand, new research shows that boredom – when managed well – has a huge “bright edges.” Moments of boredom can provide a pause, or a brief respite for your brain and body in a world designed to distract, overwhelm, and overstimulate. A feeling of boredom can make room for daydreams, which can be done hatch creativity, new ideas, and innovation. Prolonged boredom prompts you to reflect and ask yourself, “Am I on the right path? Did I do the right thing?”
Use Your Boredom For Better
We are not advocating that you look for jobs where you spend large parts of the day feeling bored. But, better to work with your boredom – and using it for good – will help you get its bright side. Here’s how:
1. Notice.
If you feel the discomfort of boredom, avoid moving it immediately. The fact that you notice that you are bored means that you have managed to (momentarily) resist the urge to immediately engage in mindless scrolling. Noticing and naming your boredom in order to consciously direct it opens up the opportunity to develop your resilience and the potential to use boredom for positive purposes. Above all, in a fight against boredom, do not make sudden decisions (such as quitting your job) as a way to escape the discomfort.
2. Decipher.
Not all boredom experiences are the same – research shows that different “types” of boredom manifest differently in the body and mind, producing different behaviors. Decoding which types you feel early on can help you develop a game plan to deal with boredom, or prevent it from escalating or crushing your decision-making.
Ask yourself what your boredom is telling you. You may need a micro-break because you have been working for a long time without stopping and you are tired? Or maybe your tasks have become monotonous and you have lost motivation and energy.
Think about what you are tired of specifically: Is it your role, the content or form of work, or your future prospects at work that are making you angry? Can you identify a pattern with a typical type of work that ignites this uncomfortable feeling? This can be an opportunity to consider your goals and values and whether you feel like you’re making progress or feeling “stuck.” Here are five research-based types of boredom to consider as you work to identify yours:
Apathetic boredom. This is one of the more positive types of boredom. It can feel like relaxation or a sense of blissful exhaustion and indicates a general indifference to (and withdrawal from) the outside world. This type of boredom can help promote rest and recovery, especially on busy days.
Boredom calibration. This one is pretty bad and one of the most common types. This happens when you are not fully engaged in a task or activity and your mind starts to drift. It may show wandering thoughts or not knowing what to do to change the situation, but wanting to get out of it somehow.
Looking for boredom. This type shows agitation and an active search for alternative actions and distractions to alleviate the negative experience (eg, through other activities, hobbies, interests, and hobbies). While not good, this kind of boredom can ignite activity and the search for change and often has positive results, such as creativity, innovation, and personal growth.
Reactive boredom. Reactive boredom arises in situations where a person is required to perform a repetitive or tedious task (such as being stuck in a long and ineffective meeting with no chance to escape). It is an action-oriented and extremely bad type of boredom, which causes trouble and frustration that can be expressed in a more angry or aggressive way towards others or into a boring experience. Those who experience this may often fantasize about other options and feel anxious to make a change or escape quickly.
Apathetic boredom. It can be related to feelings of apathy, lack of motivation, and emotional detachment from activities or events that one would normally find stimulating or enjoyable. Apathetic boredom is not necessarily accompanied by feelings of frustration or annoyance but rather a feeling of indifference and indifference. It can be the result of chronic stress, depression, or other mental health issues and can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. People who experience apathetic boredom may feel that they are going through the motions of life with no real purpose or joy.
3. Decide what to do.
Based on the type of boredom and what it tells you about yourself or your situation, decide what to do about it. Perhaps your boredom allows you to relax and unwind after a period of intense work. Or maybe it tells you something about your role itself.
All roles have certain elements that are monotonous, frustrating, or just plain boring, and sometimes these tasks must be done to get the “good stuff.” If you find yourself constantly tired, try using boredom to stimulate change, perhaps by engaging in doing the job to bring out the elements of your paper that you enjoy. This may include, for example, making changes to the type, variety, complexity, or importance of your tasks. You can intentionally avoid boredom by finding, imagining, and championing new ideas at work, which can also improve your leadership abilities and potential. Reflect and participate in nostalgia it can also counteract the sense of meaninglessness you may feel when tired.
4. Cultivate conscious boredom.
Moments of boredom can be moments to help you take a break from a fast-paced and hyper-connected world and give you a chance to be in the present moment. Use moments of boredom for positive intentions instead of mindless distractions, for example, by taking a moment to breathe, doing another activity that you find boring, or just thinking about letting the discomfort be. pass. As boredom ignites creativityyou can even include space for this as unstructured time in your work routine, for example, before you need to innovate, come up with new ideas, and be your best.
. . .
While boredom can be a bad feeling, it can also be an opportunity to reflect on your interests, values, and goals. By identifying the type of boredom you’re experiencing and identifying the underlying causes, you can take steps to address it and find new ways to interact with the world around you. Working with your boredom can also help you develop creativity, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new situations. So instead of avoiding or ignoring your boredom, consider working with it as a valuable tool for personal growth and a way to live a more fulfilling life.
