How Can We Be Bored While Doing So Much?

still life is one of many painting subjects, and one that has lots of options for bright color

As a kid, did you ever say to one of your parents "Mommy/Daddy, I'm bored"? When I said that to my mother, the response was usually a list of things that she thought I should do that I didn't have any interest in doing!

Apparently Covid-19 has caused an increase in boredom, with people staying home to prevent the spread of the virus. Being bored is a sign that we're not engaged in what we're doing, even if it's a supposedly meaningful activity. And, if it's too easy or too difficult, we can get bored.

landscape is also fun, these are only 4" across, and were both painted from the same photo

That's so interesting! I thought that boredom only happens when we have nothing to do. The idea that in the middle of a task one could be bored is new to me. Maybe I've staved that off by constantly listening to podcasts while I'm doing things that don't require lots of thinking.

Here are some ways to keep boredom at bay:

If you're stuck doing something that seems boring, you can rethink it. Maybe the why behind it will make it more palatable. Cleaning the house comes to mind...

Making a schedule can help. If it's routine to take a walk first thing every morning, it becomes easier to do. For me that went from being a have-to-do, to my favorite part of the day.

Adding in a few treats each day can make a difference. Taking a break to watch that TV show that only you think is funny, a cold popsicle on a hot afternoon, a piece of chocolate...

Time with other people, even if it's only on zoom or the phone, can be a boon. A regular dinner meeting with friends, a chat with your mom (brother, sister, cousin), looking up an old friend, or even a group text, keeps us from feeling isolated.

flowers are a favorite painting subject of many people

My favorite way to avoid boredom is to work on learning something new. But apparently, that learning needs to be in a manner that's not too easy and not too hard. Both situations can take us back to boredom. And that's why a really good teacher is needed, to keep the students in that sweet spot.

My husband and I have been taking French a couple of nights a week for the last few years. And we've learned so much! You won't be surprised to hear that we have an excellent teacher, who really knows how to hit that sweet spot. I try to do the same thing for my painting students. And that's why I teach a special class for the true beginning painter, where we break things down step by step, starting with choosing materials, including every step to make a solid painting even for those who can't draw, and ending with cleaning and storing the brushes and other supplies.

simplification is a key to learning to paint

As fall approaches and outdoor activities become less viable, more of us will be looking for things to do indoors. If you'd like to dig in to learning something new this fall and find painting intriguing, why not join us in this weekly class? We are starting at the beginning and leaving nothing out. Check it out here.

My reference on the study of boredom and how to avoid it is here.