Boredom - We all know it well

[MyFreeWill]

As I have been posting in the last few days but have been on and off this site for a long time - BOREDOM - often comes up as an issue. Both as a reason we drink and a reason we can't stop or start again.

I remember it being an issue for me when I would swear I would not drink "that" day and I would get bored around 3pm and think just one drink will make cleaning the toilets more fun. Or whatever insane rationale I had - like a fun person should be having a bottle of wine by themselves and singing karaoke at 2pm on a Thursday before my kids and husband came home.

Boredom. You fall prey to the mind not being able to be still or silent or content. It can't be fulfilled for some reason and you really and truly feel bored. Nothing is as fun unless you are drinking.

But at the same time you become so isolated and removed from normal life and depression, guilt, angst, fear and so forth set in that we should welcome boredom.

The actively drinking alcoholic mind is tricky.....it wants what it wants and it wants it now. And if one or two drinks make you feel good - ten will make you feel fantastic and free.....until morning when the guilt sets in. And then the boredom.

[mario]

Boredom - We all know it well

Myfreewill
Try adding something new or doing it a different way. If that just doesn't cut it, stop doing the same thing over and over again. Obviously, if repetitive tasks are a part of your occupation, then you may, unfortunately, have no choice but to stick it.

Breathing in the fresh air outside for just ten minutes can freshen up your mindset, and the space and (maybe) sunshine can do wonders for your mood.

Are you rested yet still feeling lazy? Try to convince yourself to do just one small thing: something small or short in duration or just part of a task. Taking baby steps towards a goal can give you a sense of accomplishment that will beat any boredom.
Try to think of alternative ways to do what you want to do, working with what you have available.

Do something physically or socially active. Doing some exercise can get you into a better frame of mind, as well as the added bonus of keeping you in shape. Social activity (i.e. talking to someone) fulfils one of our basic human needs. Face-to-face contact is an another good way

Making a plan & goals when you stop drinking is a must check out the tool box in the monthly abstence thread :-)

[MyFreeWill]

Boredom - We all know it well

Mario -
All great tips! I have been able to overcome the boredom factor but know it is an issue for many. BUT, those great tips ALWAYS apply - especially the fresh air and walks or exercise. I find that it always works wonders.

After about 30 days sober, my mind finally started to really calm down and I was able to be in the present.