It’s a common thing today that we get bored. We need new stimulants. This phenomenon probably starts as soon as we start getting hang of the things. From children of 10 years to adults of 60 years face this problem. In this blog, we will explore the main reasons why we this phenomenon affects us.

At the stage of mid-life crisis

There comes a time when we are not happy with the way things have turned out for us. This usually happens when we are between 40 to 45 years of age. The reasons could be many.

• Not reaching the goals – Commonest reason is that we may have set some goals for ourselves. And not reaching those goals can bring a certain despondency.
• Fear of Missing Out – This is FOMO. Are we missing out something? This can take the shape of fear. But we may also be bored. If we are craving for something more stimulating.
• Being in the same relationship – By the age of 45, most of us, have spent substantial time with our life partner. That brings a kind of boredom. We need a change.

Boredom among children

Not that only adults feel bored. Children may also feel bored. Yes, they have always the freedom to build new friendships. And the world is yet unexplored. But children may also become a victim of boredom.

• When things are imposed on them – The environment in which they are may impose certain things on them. So whether it is the environment in school or home. There are certain rules they have to follow everywhere. This will naturally make them feel bored.
• They also need a break – All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. This is in fact true. The days when children used to have hobbies like painting and stamp collection are no longer with us. All they have in the name of entertainment is the idiot box or idiot mobile phone.

Boredom among senior citizens

Senior citizens are the most vulnerable of all to boredom. Why? Because in this fast-moving world, no one has time for them. Most of them are left alone while their grandchildren and children are away. Let’s go deeper.

• Everyone has their own business to conduct – Most of us have our jobs to look after. We are so busy with ourselves.
• Families have broken apart – The new generation likes to keep to themselves. They don’t like the elders meddling into their lives. Even if it is well-meant. What happens is that senior citizens have to spend time alone. Naturally, they end up feeling bored.

How do you kill boredom?

Killing boredom sometimes feels like killing a demon. Boredom is a monster. There is always the right and wrong way to kill your boredom. Wrong ways can land us in trouble. So let’s see the ways we kill boredom.

Young Adults

• Trying new things – There is nothing wrong in it. We can try new things. So whether it is downloading an app, reading a book or trying a new dish. But, one should avoid falling into the trap of overdoing things. Especially with substance abuse.
• Spending a few bucks – It is okay that we spend on ourselves. After all nothing comes for free in this world. Unless it takes the form of splurging money.

Senior citizens

• Trying to become doting grandpas and grandmas – Senior citizens will try to do whatever they can for children and grand-children. In this way, they gain a kind of satisfaction. In this way, they want to feel worthwhile. Because most of them would not be contributing financially.
• A few of them may become manipulative – Boredom could make them manipulative. They may indulge in all kinds of drama. It is straight of the Saas-Bahu soaps like Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Is there a right way to kill boredom?

If we use the wrong way to kill boredom, the monster will become bigger and bigger. Until, we find that it has taken a toll on us. So, can we kill boredom in a way that is healthy for us? Here are a few tips on dealing with boredom.

• Try meditation – If you learn the techniques of meditation, you will avoid feeling bored. Meditation connects you to your soul. When you feel a connection with the soul, there is no question of being bored. Our soul is the root of consciousness. And consciousness is like a vast universe. Once you start exploring consciousness, there is no end. Yogis like Swami Vivekananda and Paramhansa Yogananda have spent a whole lifetime exploring consciousness.
• Try praying or cultivating worship – Praying is also a form of meditation. Only that we’re doing it for a deity. But we must not pray only for the sake of gaining something. Self-less worship can be a great way of finding joy. Just see people involved in kirtans anywhere. Whether in Iskcon or Vrindavan. People do not feel any distress at the time of kirtan. Why? Because they are doing this in a self-less way. They do not want anything in return. They are celebrating the grandness of a deity. And they build a certain relationship with the deity. And this relationship can help you defeat anything. So a monster like boredom is nothing.