When you hear about families who have lost a loved one due to Covid-19, complaints about being bored seem petty in comparison.

However being bored can lead to destructive behaviors like going outside or picking up unhealthy coping mechanisms (stress eating, excess alcohol consumption, etc)

After sheltering in place nearly two weeks ago, I had a weekend where I was COMPLETELY BORED OUT OF MY MIND. I didn’t want to cook anything, I didn’t feel like watching another TV show, and I had finished reading my trashy books for the weekend. I certainly didn’t want to read anything serious…

I examined some of my behaviors and decided that there were two things in particular that needed to change.

  • Spending too much time on Instagram and Twitter 
  • Lack of routine if nothing was scheduled


Spending too Much time on Instagram and Twitter

Social media is a place for “social” behaviors that aren’t really social at all.  Endlessly scrolling my Instagram and Twitter was leading me to become even MORE bored because it’s boring. 

On Instagram people are posting about being bored.  I knew it was time to do something different when a singer that I like had an Instragram Live where she was folding laundry and she still had 2000 people watching!

Twitter is even worse because people are sharing misinformation, outrage, and nonsense. It is hard to look away though because it’s a place for up-to-the minute information..even if it’s wrong.

Solution: 12 hour “No Social Media” zone

This week I’ve decided to stay off of Social Media from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.  12 hours of No Social Media.  It’s only been 7 hours but I’ve already been more productive and less bored.

We will see how it goes but I definitely recommend cutting down on social media during this time because it’s not really social and most people are bored so the content is boring.  Plus all of the misinformation and focus on fear can heighten anxiety levels.

Lack of Routine

I still have some clients/calls and obligations that have moved to a virtual space but if I don’t have those things scheduled then there is free time. 

As you saw above I was using my free time to be bored on Social Media.

I’ve decided that I need a routine so that I’m more disciplined about getting things done and also so that I have time to do nothing.

Yes do nothing.  So many people are using this time to strive and set ambitious plans.  There’s nothing wrong with that but I do think that we’ve been given this time to reflect, reassess, and refocus on what’s really important.

Let’s do our part

I hope we don’t forget why we are sheltering in place and why we’re not going outside. It’s to stop the spread of disease and also so that our healthcare system isn’t so overwhelmed that the doctors and nurses cannot do their jobs by tending to sick people

Let’s do our part by staying at home, not gathering in large groups, and taking care of ourselves, and our neighborhoods to support those who are elderly and who have compromised immune systems.

If you have the means, then donate to local food banks or even support a neighborhood small business during this time.  So many businesses may not reopen when this is over.

We can all do our part at this time.  Nothing is too small in a crisis.  Even checking in on neighbors means something!

I hope we use this time to also focus on our health and promoting lifestyle behaviors that support increased immune function.

We are all in this together!!