Simon Potter / Getty Images

Feeling bored usually happens when nothing in your environment captures your interest or attention.

You feel there is nothing to do.

Perhaps, you do not feel your life is fulfilling or meaningful.

Young teen boy with vacant stare resting his head on his arm

Simon Potter / Getty Images

This is more common in people who are extroverted, or in need of more social engagement than others.

Others need excitement and crave novelty, and may engage in sensation-seeking behaviors.

Explore ways to harness those uncomfortable moments of boredom and beat boredom before it strikes.

For example, you might feel restless or fatigued and your mood can plummet.

Boredom is one of the things people withADHDfear the most and will go to great lengths to avoid it.

Individuals with ADHD require more stimulation in their environment to sustain their attention.

This is related to the way their brain’s reward system works.

Scientists believe there arelower levels of dopamine in the brainof someone with ADHD.

On the other hand, there can also be a tendency toward more impulsive, thrill-seeking, andrisk-taking behaviors.

Common Signs of Boredom

How many of these sound familiar?

The opposite of bored is interested, energized, and cheerful.

How to Overcome Boredom

Get to know yourself and your favorite ways to avoid boredom.

Meditation and exercise are two daily habits that help you to endure unexpected boring parts of your day.

Be Prepared

Life is full of delays, so have a variety of activities on hand.

Creating balance in your daily life can help you feel empowered to minimize your suffering.

Facing the mountain can be daunting, even paralyzing.

We recommend creating a daily routine committed to a mixture of boring and exciting tasks.

Reward yourself for getting things done instead of procrastinating.

Play games with yourself.

For example, see if you’re able to do all the washing up in 15 minutes.

give a shot to beat your record.

How to Tolerate Boredom

Unfortunately, boredom is not something that can always be avoided.

Is there a problem you are facing that needs to be solved?

Make a mental list of pros and cons or possible solutions.

Do it’s crucial that you make a grocery list?

Do you gotta figure out what gift you are going to buy for your Mom for her birthday?

Practice Mindfulness

It can also be helpful to engage in brief moments ofmindful thought.

Pay attention to how you are feeling at the moment.

Spend a few moments just focusing on your own thoughts as they happen.

Try focusing on your own breathing.

If you find your mind wandering, bring your attention back to the present moment.

), try just letting your mind wander.

As a parent, it can be challenging when your children are bored.

There is a tendency to want to keep them entertained or occupied in some way.

Screen time is an all too convenient fix.

But consider this: These boring moments can force children to come up with creative ways to entertain themselves.

The same is true for adults.

That sense of purpose helps carry us through the more mundane tasks of life.

Being prepared can be one of the best tools for coping with boredom.

2012;221(1):59-67. doi:10.1007/s00221-012-3147-z

Dekkers T, de Water E, ScheresA.