It's ok to be Bored

When I'm feeling bored what I like to do is to sit down somewhere isolated and comfortable and just stare at the horizon. This is how I battle boredom, I don't fight it, I fully embrace it for what it is.

In the 21st century lifestyle, boredom has become more common than previous centuries. Having access to endless amount of entertainment these days, the separation between joyous activities and boring activities have become very easily identifiable. When we feel joy from an activity we label that as fun. When we feel no sense of rush from an activity we label that as boring. 

Having fun is a good thing, we should all strive to increase the joy in our life. The problem arises when people think they can keep their joy permanent. So we try many different things to keep us entertained all the time, but it's just simply impossible.

So what's the solution? This may seem counter intuitive but the only solution is to realize that there is no solution. Acceptance, that's the solution. Accept joy when it arrives and accept it when it leaves. Along with that, it is also very important to accept boredom when it shows at your doorstep.

Here are a few tips on boredom:

• Let it pass: The good news is that just like joy, boredom is also fleeting. Knowing that it will end soon will make it easier for you to embrace it.
• Be patient: Yea some boredom last longer than others but know that it will end sooner or later.
• Stop worrying: For us teenagers when we are bored it feels  like we are missing out on life. Know that you are not missing anything at all by being bored.
• Smile: Smiling at boredom affirms to your mind that you are one with boredom. That it doesn't bother you.
• Organize your thoughts: Boredom is the perfect opportunity to think and sort through your mind. This can help you figure out what you need to for your future.
• DO NOT SLEEP IT OFF: It's very easy to just lay down in bed and sleep your boredom off hoping it will disappear when you wake up. But it doesn't, you will only prolong boredom this way.
• DON'T BE DESPERATE FOR ENTERTAINMENT: The common practice for us living in the 21st century is that when we feel we might be facing boredom we turn our computer go on facebook, youtube, whatever and look for solutions to our boredom. The thing is, like I've mentioned before there is no solution, so it is never found. Just like sleep, this only prolongs the boredom rather than letting it pass.
• Take this opportunity to re energize your motivations: Look back at your goals. Have you achieve them yet? If not, what steps can you take to get closer to achieving them? If you have achieved your goals, what other goals can you strive to achieve? What other journey can you embark on?

For many young people boredom is perceived as a dangerous disease that they struggle so often to run from it. Not knowing that boredom is impossible to cure, their constant effort leads to self-destructive behavior. Many participate in parties with drugs and alcohol involve believing that the solution to their boredom lies in consumption of these chemicals. The truth is the solution to boredom can only be found within ourselves.