I know it sounds impossible, with all the cries of how busy everyone is and all the Facebook posts of how overwhelmed by life they are, but sometimes I hear someone say they are bored.

I get it.

It’s not that there’s nothing to do, or nothing that needs to be done. Sometimes it’s just not in us to get up and  do it…whatever “it” is. Nothing sounds fun or interesting at the moment.

It’s like looking in a jam-packed closet and finding nothing to wear. Obviously clothes fill the racks and drawers, so the issue isn’t lack. Nothing looks appealing and we don’t like any of our options. Nothing calls to us, “Wear me! You know I’m what you want today.”

I’ve heard some say only boring people are bored. I disagree. Unless it’s a common occurrence. Then, perhaps,we need to dig a bit deeper. But the occasional ennui strikes most of us. It’s in those times when we contemplate how dull we feel that we need to beware filling the void with hurtful things: excessive eating, drinking, spending, video game playing.

Feeling a bit bored? Down in the dumps? Tempted to dawdle away the part of your life that is today?

Consider the following activities:

1.  Exercise
2. Look over your calendar. Too much to do? This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed. See what you can cut out of your schedule. Too little to do? Can you volunteer at church, your local elementary school, or favorite charity? Serving others can add to your fulfillment and energize you.
3. Memorize a favorite poem or passage of scripture. Your brain will thank you.  And it’s nice to carry your favorite words with you.
4. Like to cook? Prepare and freeze healthy meals so you are never caught empty-handed and thus tempted to over indulge.
5. Read that book you’ve been meaning to get to.
6. Clean out your kitchen junk drawer.
7. Jot down a list of your blessings.
8. Write your autobiography.
9. Run those bags of give-aways down to Salvation Army.
10. Call a friend.
11. Write a note of appreciation.
12. Send a card to a shut-in.
13. Take a nap with cream on your face and feet.
14. Spend extended time with God by reading the scripture, sharing your deepest thoughts with Him.
15. Check out that new museum you’ve been wanting to visit.
16. Is this a good time to clean the garage? (Probably not, but, you know…)
17. Rest without feeling guilty.
18. Enjoy the peace and quiet.
19. Focus on and receive God’s great love for you.
20. Make up a story in your head. Take a normal situation and ask, “What if thus and so were to happen?”

Are you ever bored? If so, what do you do in those times?