It is very important to avoid boredom and loneliness especially if you have been diagnosed with depression or are trying to quit smoking or other addictions. Staying busy and distracted is very important in order to avoid thoughts and actions that lead to cravings, negativity and other harmful behaviors. So let us take a look at some ways to overcome boredom at home, when alone.
1. Change your daily habits
Do something different. You need to first identify your daily habits that lead to those depressive thoughts and harmful habits such as smoking or alcohol intake. Realizing those triggers is essential to quit those sad habits. Separate the habits and you will successfully be able to curb those harmful actions. Try and replace all bad habits with permanent good habits to delete the bad consequences that follow.
2. Indulge in hobbies and crafts
This is the best way to beat boredom at home alone. Here are some activities you can take up:
- Cake decorating
- Calligraphy
- Model building- airplanes, boats etc
- Painting
- Scrapbooking
- Woodworking
- Playing an instrument
We have discussed some great ideas in our article on 35 Easy ways to beat boredom
3. Play indoor games
If you are feeling bored with life, indulge in some card games (Solitaire), darts, board games, video games, word games, handheld games/mobile apps, logical games, pool, etc. Shoot some hoops and lose weight in the process.
4. Take action
You can:
- Exercise
- Do yoga, tai chi, meditate
- Dance
- Clean and re-organize the house
- Sing
- Take a tub bath/spa
- Give yourself a pedicure
- Gardening
- Play with pet
- Ride a bike,
- Cook
5. Call up someone
Talking to someone who uplifts you is the easiest way to overcome boredom and depression. Let them speak about themselves instead of you telling them about your life. Often, hearing about other people’s problems gives you a different perspective and makes you feel better about your situation. Rely on friends, family and other supportive relations. You may be having friends who make you feel sadder or angrier. It is best not to talk to them when you are feeling low or bored and depressed.
6. Manage stress
Manage stress before it manages you! Alter, avoid and accept your stressors. Change your perception about stressors by changing your thoughts and attitude. Build your resources and strengths. Exercise is the best stress-beating activity. You can take up the following:
- Cycle- burn 250 calories in one hour
- Jump rope- 900 calories in one hour
- Swimming- 275 calories in one hour
- Walk- 2 mph will help burn 240 calories in one hour
- Tennis- burn 400 calories in one hour
7. Massage
Arrange with a partner, spouse or friend to give each other massages. A back rub a couple of times a day is the ideal remedy to beat stress and overcome boredom and loneliness. If you can afford professional massage therapy, go for it.
8. Journal
Journaling is a great way to let out the positive and negative feelings. Write down your feelings in a private diary or notebook. Not only is this harmless, it is also therapeutic. The technique is also a great way to come in touch with your feelings.
9. Find meaning to your life
Ask questions like ‘who am I?’ and ‘why am I here?’. These questions can help you find meaning and purpose in life. Many find the answers to this through religion, meditation etc. Repeatedly ask yourself this until you find meaning to your life.
10. Learn to enjoy your own company
We come here alone and we go alone. The best way to not be bored at home alone is to learn to enjoy your company. Notice the good things about yourself instead of seeking perfection. Treat yourself with love, respect and kindness.
11. Rest
A well rested body is resistant to stress, boredom and depression. Sleep at a reasonable time and wake up at a reasonable time. If you have trouble sleeping, take a bath or a short walk before bed. Visualize your body and mind healing and feeling happy and energetic before you sleep.
12. Take up a charitable cause
Often when we constantly think about our worries, we fail to notice other people’s problems. Invest your time meaningfully in a church or other community service. Do something for Mother Nature. Kids and teenagers can do something for their school.
13. Nourish your body
Eating a healthy diet is also important to have positive and happy thoughts. In many people, underlying nutritional deficiency can lead to depression. Cut your alcohol and caffeine intake and instead focus on vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Limit intake of salt and sugar.
14. Divert your thoughts
Go see a movie. Get a hobby as suggested above and do it often.You can also join a club or read a great book. All these can prevent boredom loneliness and depression.
15. Keep a gratitude list
List down 20 things you are grateful for. Fill up your life with those things. Repeat the list when you feel low.
16. See the humor in every situation
In tense situations (especially when alone and bored), try seeing humor in it. Humor and imagination combined together make up for great distraction and uplift the mood.
