Don’t Get Stuck in a Rut!

“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.”

— Andy Warhol

Ever find yourself feeling bored even when everything in your life seems great on paper?

I too can relate to this, even as someone who’s always seeking out my next new adventure. When the novelty of summer starts to wear off, it can become a time when boredom starts to creep in. You might wonder why, despite all the exciting plans, we still find ourselves or our kids feeling bored.

Let's dive into why this happens and how we can tackle it together.

That's due to a psychological phenomenon called habituation.

Habituation is our brain's way of adapting to repeated stimuli. Whether it's a new job, a shiny gadget, or even a fun summer activity, our brains quickly get used to it, making it less exciting over time.

Imagine walking into a room with a strong smell of cookies baking. Initially, it’s overwhelming and delightful, but after a few minutes, you barely notice it. This same principle applies to experiences and activities in our lives. This is why the thrill of a new video game or the joy of a new park can fade quicker than we'd like. Don’t get me wrong…allowing kids to experience boredom provides opportunities for imagination and creativity, and it’s a part of life. However let’s take a moment to understand it from a brain-based perspective.

Why We Get Bored

1. Predictability:

When our daily routines become predictable, our brains stop getting stimulated by the same old experiences. Even fun activities can become mundane if they become too routine.

2. Lack of Challenge:

Our brains crave challenges and new experiences. If we're not learning or trying something new, we can start to feel bored. This is particularly true for kids, who are naturally curious and eager to explore.

3. Constant Availability:

When something is always available, it loses its specialness. Think about how less exciting a weekly trip to the amusement park would be compared to a once-a-year visit.

4. Material vs. Experiential:

We tend to habituate faster to material possessions than to experiences. A new toy might be exciting for a few days, but a new experience, like a family camping trip, provides lasting joy because it creates memories and learning opportunities.

(Quick) Q-tips for Combatting Boredom

1. Take Breaks:

If you or your kids are feeling bored, sometimes all it takes is a little break. Step away from the routine and come back to it later. A short break can make everyday activities feel fresh again.

2. Introduce Variety:

Our brain responds to novelty. Mix things up! Try different activities, visit new places, or even change your daily schedule a bit. Variety is key to keeping our brains engaged and excited. For kids, this could mean alternating between different types of games, crafts, and outdoor adventures.

3. Emphasize Experiences Over Things:

Focus on creating experiences rather than buying new toys or gadgets. Plan a new outing, learn a new skill together, or engage in a creative project. These experiences tend to bring more lasting joy than material possessions.

4. Mindful Appreciation:

Practice gratitude and mindful appreciation. Take moments to reflect on what you have and imagine life without it. This can rekindle appreciation and joy in the ordinary things.

5. Encourage Exploration and Learning:

Foster an environment where exploration and learning are valued. Whether it’s through reading new books, visiting museums, or exploring nature, encouraging curiosity can keep boredom at bay.

6. Change the Environment:

Sometimes a simple change of scenery can boost creativity and reduce boredom. Move activities to different rooms, spend time outdoors, or rearrange spaces to create a fresh environment.

Change can be daunting, but it often brings renewed excitement and joy.

Encourage trying new hobbies, taking up new projects, or even making bigger changes like a new haircut or a room makeover. These changes help break the monotony and introduce new stimuli to our brains.

Boredom is a natural part of life, but understanding why it happens and how to counteract it can help us make the most of our time, especially during the summer. By taking breaks, introducing variety, focusing on experiences, and embracing change, we can keep ourselves and our kids engaged and joyful.

If you need some inspiration, here’s a freebie which includes TONS of activities (that don’t involve screen time). Trust me, you'll be surprised at how quickly the time flies when you're all laughing and playing together.

So, let’s make this summer not just fun, but also rich with new, exciting, and meaningful experiences!