9 Reasons Why You Might Be Bored With Life

Cows spend most of their day-to-day existence chewing their cud and giving off blank stares. Dogs chase their tails for fun while cats play with balls of yarn. But as humans with a higher level of functioning, it takes a bit more mental stimulation to keep us entertained. Unfortunately many of us are prone to boredom. Sometimes it feels like life is going by at a snail’s pace. Does that sound like you? If so, here are 10 reasons why your life has become boring.

 

 

1. You feel confined
When we feel like we are in control of our lives, it becomes much easier to find ways to keep life interesting. But when you feel trapped, constrained and aren’t allowed to make decisions – such as when you have a partner who controls you – it makes it difficult to overcome boredom. Stand up for yourself and take control your life.

 

 

2. You aren’t willing to develop your inner amusement skills
Some of us only feel stimulated if we are, say, in front of a television or playing around with our smart phones. In the long run, this is not a psychologically healthy thing to solely rely on external stimulation. At some point nothing will seem exciting or novel enough. After you watch it 10,000 times you ask yourself “how bad can I hurt this dude?” Our inner amusement skills – that is, the ability to find constructive ways to handle boredom – are key for keeping the external world interesting.

3. You don’t attempt to make any goals for yourself
Setting goals is important if you want to enrich your life. There are many facets of your life that need tending to whether it’s related to work, health or social life. Read a new book once a week. If you are an active person, why not make it a goal to eventually do 100 push-ups or run a marathon? If you are intellectually curious, take free online courses and learn how to do something practical. Make a new acquaintance once a week. There are virtually limitless ways in which you can challenge yourself.


4. You’re afraid you might fail
Let’s face it, doing the same routine all the time is not satisfying at all. But what is keeping you from trying something new and different? Could it be that you are worried that you will fail? While understandable, you should realize that it is impossible to overcome your boredom if you never give anything a try. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and seek new opportunities.

 

 

5. You are always declining invitations to hang out with friends

There are plenty of great reasons not to go out on a Saturday night with your friends. Perhaps it’s too cold outside. Maybe you are tired after a long, busy day of doing nothing. You might run into somebody at a party or night club who annoys you. Ditch those nonsense excuses and socialize! If a night of music or wild partying isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives. Chill over a cup of coffee. Get a group together and go bowling.

6. You don’t get out of your town enough
No matter where you live – whether it is in the quiet British countryside or in boisterous New York City – everybody needs a change of pace every once in a while. This means giving yourself some time to travel around. Visit a city that you’ve never been to before. Better yet, fly off to some exotic destination and make new friends along the way.


7. You don’t try to evolve
People get a whole lot more satisfaction out of life if they are willing to change themselves and grow as individuals. This isn’t to say that you have to compromise on your principles nor does it mean you have to fundamentally change yourself as a person (unless you have serious flaws that need to be worked on, of course). But if you are able to focus on self-actualization, it can go along way towards eliminating boredom and finding true purpose.

 

 

8. You’ve stopped doing the things you enjoy
Were you once a fitness nut, a decent chess player, or passionate painter who suddenly gave it up? If you are feeling bored with life, why not rekindle your interest in your past hobbies? Reinvigorate yourself and do the things that make you feel whole again.

9. You have a negative attitude about trying new things
Do you scoff when a friend suggests attending salsa dancing together? Do you always say “no” to attending a modern art museum because you are convinced that it is a complete waste of time? The truth is, the problem might not be with the activities, it could very well be with your mind-set. Keep an open mind and give these activities a try. You might discover a new way to cure your boredom.