It may be becoming a trend to drink out of boredom. A recent survey conducted by FHE Health, a national provider of behavioral health services, suggests that this is the case. We asked the survey respondents a few questions to understand how Americans coped during the pandemic. 76 percent of them said that they “stocked up” alcohol as a preparation for quarantine. And 40 percent admitted they drank because they were bored.
It’s a concern because drinking to self-medicate boredom can lead to health issues. Alcohol can be substituted for healthier and more active forms of stimulation. In some cases, drinking alcohol can lead to alcoholism, which requires professional treatment and detox. The following tips for stopping a boredom-induced drinking habit are for people who want to improve their diet, fitness, and health.
What is boredom and how it can trigger drinking
It’s useful to know what boredom is. Boredom is simply a lack stimulation.
Our lives are often filled with distractions, social interactions, entertainment and other things that we find enjoyable. It’s easy to think that the life itself is entertaining us, despite all of the stimuli we encounter.
This is a false statement. People who are restricted, as many of us were or are, due to the pandemic, lockdown laws, and social distance laws, may be tempted by saying, “Life entertains me.” But, life does not reciprocate in this way. When you have nothing to do, and feel that you can’t change it, you may become bored.
When we drink to relieve boredom, it perpetuates and indulges this passivity. You can’t imagine a more passive way to spend your time than lying on the couch with a six pack of beer. While you may believe that drinking beer will make you feel better, in reality, it reinforces the idea that you have to wait until life entertains you. This pattern of behavior over time can create a sense of helplessness. So, every time someone drinks to relieve boredom they reinforce that learned helplessness.
Make a list of more fulfilling and rewarding things to do – then Do Them
How we feel about ourselves is heavily influenced by what we do, the behaviors we choose. This means that we are responsible for our own boredom and have the power to reduce it. Everyonehas the ability to improve their lives at any moment. However, many people lack the discipline and/or proactivity to do so.
You can find a lot of ways to get rid of boredom. Get in shape, invest in certifications for new skills or hobbies, look for a job and volunteer at a charity. Look at the things in your life that bring you joy or promote personal growth. When completed, even the smallest of tasks or activities can foster a feeling of accomplishment or self-enrichment. My car washing gives me a feeling of accomplishment. Even though it’s a small thing, it shows that we can feel better when we do even the smallest things.
Reframe boredom as an opportunity
Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches us that thoughts are the source of feelings. A person who is bored and drinking in front of a TV probably did not arrive there by chance. It’s likely that, whether the person is aware of it, a thought, or series of thoughts, preceded their behavior.
You’re alone on a Friday night, and have no plans. This is great, you might think. You might think “This is great! I’m a loser.” In the second situation, boredom will feel more painful and you may find it harder to resist a drink or two.
These judgments we make about ourselves, however, are not always accurate or fair. Try to see boredom as an opportunity to accomplish the things that you haven’t had time to do. There are many projects and activities you can complete that will bring you pride, satisfaction, or fulfillment. The best reason to do these activities that will enhance your life is boredom.
Set realistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations may exacerbate boredom. When someone believes that they should go out with their friends every Friday, but instead they are alone, they may justify boredom, self-pity and alcohol. Manage our expectations to reduce boredom and the unhealthy urges that accompany it.
It is not the circumstances that matter, but how you adapt to them. It is easy to drink to relieve boredom. But it takes effort to avoid being bored. You will be rewarded for your efforts.
