Boredom is one of those feelings I detest alot. Whenever I’m bored, I normally find myself overthinking or going down a mental path that’s not always positive. I’ve noticed that in moments of idleness, my mind starts focusing on things that might be bothering me, or I start reflecting on my life and the things happening around me.
Reflection can sometimes be useful, helping me decide on my next step or clarify certain decisions, but it can also make me feel down. At times, I even find myself talking out loud when I’m thinking through things, which has led to some funny misunderstandings. People have looked at me and assumed something’s wrong even my mum, but honestly, it's just my way of processing my thoughts. Still, it can be isolating and often makes me want to stay by myself.
To avoid getting caught in that space there are some steps i take to keep myself entertained and in good spirits when I feel boredom creeping in. One of my favorite go-to distractions is my phone. I spend a lot of time scrolling through social media— mostly TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube . Each platform has its unique vibe, and sometimes, seeing funny videos, interesting posts, or even learning something new helps me feel connected to the world around me. TikTok, especially, has been a lifesaver on many occasions. The short videos and constant variety keep my mind engaged, and I can laugh or even pick up new ideas in just a few minutes. Social media, in general, is a great way to pass the time and keep boredom at bay, especially on those lazy days when I just want something light and entertaining.
Another way I deal with boredom is by watching movies, with action films being my favorite. There’s something about getting caught up in a thrilling storyline, watching characters face challenges, or seeing a good fight scene that really brightens me up.
Action movies are like an adrenaline rush from the couch. No matter how bored I am, I know I can always count on a good movie to lift my mood and keep me focused on something other than my own thoughts. Plus, when the story is intense, I forget whatever else is going on in my mind, so it’s a perfect escape for me.
Aside from social media and movies, I also like to get outside and take a walk when I need a change of scenery. Walking helps clear my mind and gives me some fresh air, which always feels refreshing. Even a short walk around my neighborhood or hostel compound can make a difference. I’ve noticed that moving around and being outside is a good way to shake off that sense of restlessness that boredom brings. Sometimes, I’ll put on my headphones, listen to music, and just lose myself in the rhythm or even take pictures of different things. I really enjoy this because it’s almost like my body gets a break, even though I’m active, and the music helps drown out any negative thoughts I might have had before stepping outside.
And when I really want to lift my spirit, I’ll turn up the volume and start dancing along to my favorite songs. Music has this magical way of energizing me, and dancing is just a natural reaction. Even if I’m just dancing alone in my room, i always feel better and occupied. It just has a way of allowing me let go of anything weighing me down, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
All of these things are like my personal toolkit against boredom. They don’t just keep me busy; they actually improve my mood, help me feel connected, and get me out of my head. I think it’s important to have ways to escape boredom that don’t involve overthinking or isolating myself, and my routines do just that. For now, I feel like my strategies work well, and I’ll keep relying on them whenever that feeling of boredom strikes.
