Let’s talk about one of the five primary triggers for acting out – boredom.
Solomon had something to say about boredom. “Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger” (Proverbs 19:15).
Some studies indicate that 90 percent of Americans suffer from boredom at some point each day. Dr. Shahram Heshmat, a professor at the University of Illinois, writes, “The chronically bored are at higher risks of compulsive behaviors.”
He offers several causes of boredom:
- Monotony of the mind
- Lack of flow
- Need for novelty
- Not paying attention
- Lack of emotional awareness
- Loss of inner amusement skills
- Lack of autonomy
- The role of culture
So what’s the way out of boredom? I suggest thought replacement. When you find boredom taking your mind into a dangerous place, immediately refocus on something positive, pure, and helpful.
Recovery Step: Prepare now for the next time you fight boredom.
