The Art Of Coping With Boredom

The university experience introduces students to the thrill of learning and the challenge of overcoming boredom. While boredom in school can stem from a repetitive schedule of activities and subjects, university students may face the challenge of focusing on just one or two subjects for a minimum of three years. As one progresses through higher levels of education, the threshold for tolerating boredom only increases. Pursuing a master’s degree involves a whole year on a single aspect of an undergraduate degree, while a PhD can mean four years of honing in on a specific subtopic. Although universities offer stimulating opportunities, autonomous learning is emphasized, requiring students to create their own methods of entertainment and engagement.

The key to battling boredom is creating personal accountability and understanding that others likely experience it as well. Proactivity is key, as no one will create interest for students. Proper time management can aid in maintaining focus on a variety of activities without getting bogged down in tedious tasks. While turning to addictive substances may provide momentary relief, it creates other issues and limits one’s capacity for enriching conversation.

It is suggested that social interactions are more stimulating than being alone with individual thoughts. Engaging in volunteering provides purpose and accountability, suggesting a lack of meaning in life as perhaps contributing to boredom. If feelings of boredom persist and it affects an individual’s mental state, it may be necessary to speak with a healthcare professional.

Although technology provides a vast number of outlets for distraction, temporary diversions should not be confused with genuine interest. Immersing oneself in a topic or subject may ultimately result in being fully engaged and therefore eliminate boredom over time. Specialization and a love for a topic may even lead to a career path.