BOREDOM: A HOW TO GUIDE AND WHY
An Intro to The Wonderful World of Boredom and How To Get There
Think hard and try to remember the last time you felt truly bored in your own time… keep trying… anything?
The Oxford Dictionary defines boredom as “the state of feeling bored; the quality of being very boring” with example sentences including “Television helps to relieve the boredom of long winter evenings”. In contrast to the esteemed knowledge of the Oxford Dictionary, I’m looking at boredom differently, as something we need and don’t dread. It seems none of us even have the time to be bored anymore and this isn’t out of fear of being so, but more so how easy it has become to consume 24/7.
I’m here to act as the middleman between you and this state of living we all fear. Here to welcome you with open arms, kiss your forehead, and tell you it's going to be OK - better even?
This scarcity of boredom is a slippery slope as what better than a dose of this substance to get the creative juices flowing? See, I think we need boredom to keep being creative. So, in a bid to think independently of your TikTok FYP, I’ve found some simple tools to get us all well and truly bored.
Do Not Disturb Mode
I’ll start you off with a simple but important one, one we can all achieve with the swipe and press of a button. With all the text tones and ring tones and Facetime calls, it’s hard to switch off and not get distracted. The key thing to remember is not to panic – The group chat will survive without one hour’s input of your GIFs and memes. This way YOU get to decide when to check your phone, not the notification from your Deliveroo App telling you they miss you…
Set a Timer
This is a new thing I’m trying and TBH it’s kind of working so I’m passing on the baton. Try setting a timer whether it’s for 30 minutes or 2 hours to dedicate some time all to yourself to see what thoughts or expressions come up. In the beginning, this can be literally anything down to sweeping the floors (a go-to of mine) just to get that habit formulated and your thoughts respective to that of a screen. The thrill of a countdown happening really hurls you into a state of boredom that gets you thinking almost immediately. Creativity really can happen when under pressure, trust me!
Keep inspiring things around you (don’t rely on digital forms of entertainment entirely)
It is nice to not have to rely on technology when you’re trying to get inspired. This obviously may apply differently depending on your hobbies and goals but keep books and magazines within arm’s reach – we are supporting Print Media after all (oh, the irony preaching this from a digital format). And if these tactile mechanisms don’t match your aesthetic, conversations also work. Get chatting with people around you about any independent thoughts you had that day and bounce off one another. My whole thought process for Are You Bored Yet? was spurred on by random conversations on the floor of my lounge.
Days off / Cancelling plans / Saying no
In a state of overwhelming over-consumption of just about anything now, it’s hard to find some free time in which to welcome boredom (unless of course, you’re hanging out with the wrong people). So be prepared to start saying no (politely ofc), maybe cancelling the odd plan here and there, or, to not offend anyone, keep some days free. Act on the spur of the moment and see how you feel when faced with a whole day ahead of you – you never know where you’ll find yourself!
Once you’ve mastered the art of these 4 simple steps, you’re on your way to being well and truly bored, congratulations! You might find it nice to think for yourself, form some new opinions, and maybe even find a new hobby. And if that doesn’t work, you can always just come back here.
Love,
Your Treasured Guide
you've got me inspired to be bored!