Many researchers likewise hope to expand on the types of study being done. To get beyond self-reported data, Danckert wants to start looking at brain structures, and seeing whether there are differences between people who score highly on the BPS and those who don’t. These data could help him to understand why boredom manifests so strongly in some people with traumatic brain injury. Novelty might also have a role in overcoming boredom in the classroom. The team found evidence of a cycle in which boredom begot lower exam results, which resulted in more disengagement from class and higher levels of boredom.
Break the Boredom Drinking Loop
I certainly would have if I’d read this article five years ago. Feeling bored, sad, lonely, or anxious about something are all very human things to feel. By focusing on eating healthy, nourishing foods, you are actively working on reversing those symptoms. If nothing else, it starts to chip away at any notion you might have that you’re unworthy. If you have the time, sign on to a longer-term project like helping with this year’s charity bake sale or the big 5K race your city holds yearly. You’ll get to meet new people and be a part of something positive.
- Darcie finds fulfillment in working with the LGBTQ+ population, leveraging her skills to support and empower.
- Now that you know the chemical reason for your boredom, let’s explore additional factors that might be contributing to these feelings.
- And I would think about what else I could do with my afternoons and my evenings that didn’t center around wine.
- And with the connections that you made and had the adventures that you had, while drinking and the period of time before your life is filled, and joyful and exciting without alcohol.
- Counselors can help patients overcome alcohol addiction in healthy ways.
Start building healthier drinking habits today.
Hailing from Boulder County, Courtney embarked on her academic journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She furthered her education by completing a master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling from Capella University. Additionally, Courtney obtained certificates in Alcohol and Drug Studies and is certified in Branspotting, a clinical treatment technique aiding individuals in processing trauma.
Drinking Out of Boredom Becomes a Self-Reinforcing Cycle
And the authors of the book, Amanda Eyre Ward and Jardine Libaire actually joined us. I met them for the first time when I interviewed them on my podcast. And they were kind enough to say, yeah, we’d love to come to your book club and talk about it. And the conversation was not only about the book, but there were 17 women on the call. Someone people need the support of professional addiction treatment to combat boredom and avoid relapse.
Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues
So I’d move the dinner along more quickly, thank them for hanging out, and dart back home. You slowly transform into someone who can’t have fun or feel happy without alcohol. Chronic alcohol use can also affect the brain regions responsible drinking boredom for regulating mood and stress.
To stay sober, you must keep yourself and your thoughts occupied. Addiction centers pair you with trusted healthcare professionals who are there to offer medical support through patients’ journeys to quit drinking. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities are available. Alcohol abuse can negatively impact your mental health.
Practicing Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques
If someone else loves hiking, ask them to take you on a hike. Ask to join people on a bike ride, ask to go watch something that you would normally not go watch. Have someone else tell you what their passion is and get interested. It will open your eyes to what other people do and it’ll be good for you. And that’s something to do in sobriety when you’re not drinking that might interest you.
- And I just lay there quietly enjoying life, something I used to do in college, going to parks or around campus, but I never do anymore.
- Sitting in traffic, for instance, is one of those things that most people would rather forego.
- In fact, alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants surged 24% shortly after stay-at-home orders began.
- Many bored drinkers likely don’t realize they’re bored drinkers.
- You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
What Is the Cycle of Addiction?
And when the vegetables show up, she suddenly has a ton of mushrooms. And she has to figure out what to do with them, or fruits that she had never discovered. Now, I personally love Pinterest, and I don’t know if you guys do, too. But Pinterest for me is a great tool to learn and to dream. I like gardening and had a big 2020 plot of land that was just weeds and nothing else.
- This might explain why, in such moments, we impulsively reach for distractions, like the remote or a social media scroll.
- By recognizing and addressing these habits, you can break the cycle of boredom drinking and take control of your life.
- And one day, it will occur to you that you’re actually happy and enjoying your life.
- Alcohol is still an easy release of stress and boredom at the end of the day.
- If you have a willing friend or family member, take them along.
And not only did Jardine Libaire and Amanda Eyre Ward Substance abuse were the authors contributing great ideas on this. And by the way, I did a podcast interview just with Amanda and Jardine about their book, and you can go back and listen to that if you’re interested. And we usually drink at the first hint of being bored. If you have kids, you know that your kids always say, I’m bored, there’s nothing to do.
This can be another way to inspire you, for a healthy and exciting life without alcohol, but also to not focus on everything that’s going on in your life that you’re not partaking in. I mean, literally, stop following the winery that you’ve been following forever. By exploring new hobbies and interests, you can effectively replace boredom drinking with more fulfilling and enjoyable activities. Stress, anxiety, and loneliness can all be potential triggers for boredom drinking. People may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with these negative emotions, but in doing so, they may be putting their mental health at risk.
