How you avoid boredom from the routine?

[nova]

Since the pandemic work has been from the home and some of the time outside work takes a lot of toll. And things get so weird and bad that we get into the boredom. And things just stop working out in the favor. I wonder what could lead to the boredom and burnout from the risk. So I am thinking about advice from others which could probably help me with the way to get out of the same old rut. 

Do you have any advice on this?

[Isabela]

I do not work from home, but I tend to feel restless on my days off. I work 3 days on and have 4 days off, and by my last day I am ready to go back home. I think for me, its finding different things to do while at home that breaks the mundane routine of it all. Maybe even have your own space to unload or be away from all responsibility.

[QueenPaige4]

Hello, So I think having a separate space for yourself so you can feel like you've left work and not still in the work place would help. As well as find things you enjoy to do that can make you feel less bored. I have kids so its hard to imagine my life without them as they keep me busy and they are rarely ever boring.

[lammchen]

What stopped you from being bored while at work? Maybe those same things could help at home as well? If it's getting up from your desk to stroll around the office, do the same, or take a stroll around the yard?

My routine hasn't changed because of the pandemic and I'm a homemaker and I often get asked what I do during the day so I'm not bored. I say I'm rarely bored!! I have so many things to do and interests that life is not boring. I enjoy singing, playing my flute and doing arts and crafts. It's been a while since I read a book but I have a ton of them downloaded to my Kindle and waiting for me. I LOVE to go walking/hiking so if I feel I need an energy boost, I'll do a loop on my street and that's a half a mile.

[Deleted]

When I get bored I just go online to visit forums like this one. lol

[Sharon]

Boredom... I used to know what that was like. Nowadays I feel like I'm constantly wishing for more time to get things done. Just this morning as I was talking to my team, I couldn't believe that it was already Wednesday.

I do work from home and I initially struggled with work/life balance back when the pandemic first hit. It took a serious toll on my energy, and even relationships. My only regret is not seeking help sooner. Therapy had done wonders for my soul.

I literally have to shut down my work computer so I am not tempted to keep working. Overworking definitely results in burnout - burnout and boredom is not meant to be used interchangeably in my opinion. Boredom I find is having spare time and not knowing what to fill the extra time with. Burnout is simply overworking to the point where you spread yourself too thin and don't have enough joy in your day where you feel like all you do is work.

I think the ideal thing to do whenever you're feeling bore or feel burnout creeping in the best thing to do is have a nice real conversation with someone you trust. I sincerely believe that we are meant to be in community with people, regardless if you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert. We have an innate desire to be seen and heard and we need to be around people to feel that (in person and/or virtually).

[Absinthe]

I've been working since the start of the pandemic (my job is considered essential), so I haven't really had that "stay-at-home" experience. I was, however, out of work for close to 15-weeks on medical leave last spring/summer. During that time boredom wasn't necessarily an issue because I was rather ill. In general, I tend to read or play video games to engage my mind. I've recently started enjoying long bike rides as a way to get some of my endurance back as well. It also serves as a safe, socially distant way to get out of the house on my days off.

[demonskeith]

Games and anime, sure it's the same thing, but I make sure it's different types so it's still refreshing.

[ash]

It's hard but I think if you can try to do some different things every day whilst you're working from home, it might be a little bit better. Just do things like going for a walk, watching a TV show, going out to eat etc.

[Joshua Farrell]

With my standard work, I am generally making food from scratch for the work day at the business I work at. If I get bored, it is usually due to it being a slow day and not many people are coming down to eat, even with the standard amount of food prepared for a busy day.