- Boredom has been linked to increased mental illness since Sigmund Freud’s time, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide.
- The pandemic is causing an unprecedented level of uncertainty which can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair.
- Finding an activity you enjoy can help keep motivation high during pandemic lockdowns.
- Setting achievable goals and mixing up your routine can help maintain focus and prevent burnout.
- Learning an instrument, like the drums, is a great way to stay active and have fun.
With the pandemic dragging on, many people feel increasingly bored by the day—and that boredom severely affects their mental health. While it might seem like something as simple as boredom shouldn’t affect our mental well-being so severely, the truth is that the current circumstances are leading to an increase in mental disorders across America. Here’s a closer look at how this is happening.
The Link Between Boredom and Mental Disorders
Boredom has been connected to an increase in mental illness since at least the 19th century when psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud wrote about it in his book Beyond the Pleasure Principle. Since then, numerous studies have linked boredom with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide.
A recent study comes from James Danckert, Ph.D. He claims that boredom is one of the greatest threats to contemporary mental health. He argues that when people are unengaged and without purpose, it triggers feelings of apathy, hopelessness, and despair—all of which can lead to depression.
Additionally, boredom has been linked with anxiety due to people continuously dwelling on or worrying about their circumstances. Constant rumination can increase stress levels, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.
Finally, boredom has been linked to an increase in substance abuse. When people are bored or feeling unfulfilled, they may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of numbing the pain or distracting themselves from their emotions.
With so many people stuck inside all day with nothing to do but worry about their jobs and futures, it makes sense that these conditions are becoming more common.
The Uncertainty of COVID-19
This situation is particularly tricky because no one knows when it will end; this level of uncertainty can be highly damaging to our mental health. In addition, the inability to plan or make decisions causes feelings of helplessness and despair that can lead to further anxiety and depression.
To make matters worse, there’s no clear answer to resolving these issues; what works for one person might not work for another. This means that everyone needs to find their way through these difficult times—something that isn’t always easy when you’re overwhelmed by boredom and uncertainty.
Staying Active Despite Lockdowns
With more and more places going into lockdown due to the pandemic, it can be easy to feel discouraged and unmotivated. This can then lead to boredom and eventually mental disorders. Therefore, staying active during this time is important both mentally and physically. Here are some tips on how to keep functioning despite lockdowns.
Find an Activity You Enjoy
It’s crucial to find an activity that you enjoy so you’re more likely to stay motivated. If you’re just starting, try a few different activities and see what works for you—it could be anything from running or yoga to dancing or rock climbing. Doing something you look forward to makes it easier to stick with it over time.
Set Goals
Setting small, achievable goals can help keep you motivated in the long run. Whether walking a certain number of steps per day or doing 20 minutes of exercise three times a week, having something concrete to work towards will keep you focused and on track. Don’t forget to reward yourself when you reach your goal!
Mix Up Your Routine
If your routine starts feeling stale, try mixing things up by trying new activities or taking on different challenges. This will keep things fresh and help prevent burnout from doing the same thing repeatedly. It can also help break up the monotony of being stuck at home all day.
Learn an Instrument
Playing an instrument you’ve wanted to play for quite some time can ensure you stay active during the pandemic. Try out the drums if you wish to use an easy-to-learn tool while working up a sweat.
Playing the drums is a great way to stay active and have fun. Not only can you hone your musicianship, but it’s also a full-body workout that will help keep you fit. In addition, you can take drum lessons online to stay safe at home. These lessons can teach you the basics of playing the drum and how to play it with various genres of music.
Make Social Connections
Staying connected with friends and family is another important part of staying mentally healthy during this time. This can be done virtually through video calls and online chats. Having someone to talk to can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation that often accompany lockdowns.
Overall, staying mentally healthy during this pandemic is vital for our physical and mental well-being. While it’s easy to get bored in the current circumstances, there are still ways to stay active and engaged. With these tips, you can stay mentally healthy and make the most of your time at home during the pandemic.
