Managing monotony: What we do to battle boredom
According to a recent study by Talker Research, more than one in four Americans (27%) attest to being bored with their life.
These numbers are unfortunate, especially at a time when so many people see a world of opportunity and adventure just waiting to be taken. And from literature to read, film to see, traveling destinations to reach, and exotic entrees to taste, there are seemingly endless things to occupy our time. But still, no matter your age or occupation or general disposition, boredom can creep up on you—and grip pieces of your days and nights, no matter the season.
So, what can we do about it?
In honor of National Anti-Boredom Month (yes, this is a real thing), we’ve talked to our team at The Martin Group and asked what they do to manage their (or their children’s) periods of annoying monotony. Now officially in the warm embrace of another New York summer, this is the time of year when parties, plans, and outdoor play should absorb the time when the nag of boredom can scratch at your door. However, there are still those moments of waiting, general malaise, or idling from exhaustion during longer days or hotter afternoons and nights.
That’s when things can get a bit boring—but never fear.
Our team is ready for this summer’s gaps between planned activities, and we’d like to share some of our boredom-busting hobbies—and some background on each—with you. Here you go:
Grace Carra, Social Media Coordinator
What she does: Antique/flea market shopping
How it started: According to Grace, she was “born and raised shopaholic,” with a particular affinity for the treasures found at local boutiques, flea markets, and garage sales.
How it’s going: She’s always been a fan of cute, miniature things, so she now collects little tchotchkes, and adds them to a display shelf. Looking for them is fun, but it also offers the opportunity for something better: the chance to meet interesting salespeople. “I love hearing their stories—how they got into antiquing, the treasures they’ve found, and the history behind the items they collect,” says Grace. “It’s like every booth has its own little world.”
Cody Andres, Art Director
The activity: Fly fishing
How it started: Cody developed a love of this hobby 15 years ago, fishing various spots across Western New York’s vast landscape of waterways.
How it’s going: According to Cody, the reasons he loves fly fishing–and how it can fill his idle time—are simple. “Fly fishing allows me to really slow things down in life and just focus on the current moment,” he says. “Every day on the water provides an opportunity to learn and home in on specific casting techniques/setups—and catching a fish is just the icing on the cake.”
Meghan Fitzpatrick, Senior Account Manager
What she does: Sailing
How it started: Meghan began sailing in high school because her school varsity sailing team was one of the few teams that required zero prior experience—and, thankfully, didn’t have tryouts. “I loved it from day one,” says Meghan.
How it’s going: After a sailing hiatus during college, Meghan got back on the water again once she moved back home to Rochester, and has been engaged in it ever since. “It’s an activity you can do no matter how old or young you are, and brings along with it so many friends from all walks of life,” says Meghan. “But most of all, it’s some dedicated time where I can truly disconnect from the world and not be staring at a screen. There are too many other cool things to be looking at on the water.”
Jesse Schaller, Art Director
The activity: Drawing/illustration
How it started: According to Jesse, he’s enjoyed doodling and creating for as long as he can remember. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved drawing dinosaurs, monsters, wizards, and dragons—and the subject matter has not changed much for me since.”
How it’s going: With a 10-month-old child now roaming in his realm, Jesse doesn’t have a ton of boredom or spare time these days, but he still draws whenever he can—and appreciates the opportunity inside each creation. “Above all else, a part of yourself gets ingrained in the work along every stage of the process, from sketching to rendering to even preparing for print,” he says. “Drawing and artwork in general can capture time, feeling, emotion, and more that speaks beyond words.”
Taylor Sheehan, Senior Public Relations Manager
What she does: Self-care activities
How it started: For Taylor, self-care began as a way for some alone time away from her big family; and over the years, it’s included everything from reading a good mystery, listening to an informative podcast, or just laying out for a little sun.
How it’s going: As time has passed, Taylor has added additional self-care activities like painting her nails or even meditation to alleviate her boredom—but it’s more than that. Along with filling idle time, it’s about infusing her life with activities that boost her state of being. “It lifts my mood and makes me feel better both physically and mentally to know I’m taking time for myself, while staying somewhat productive.”
And for the kids …
Steve Soroka, Project Director
What (he makes) the kids do: Freeform LEGO construction
How it started: After years of buying expensive LEGO sets, the Soroka family took to shuffling individual pieces into big bins, mixing them together in a sea of shapes and colors. Then, on a day faced with bored children and nothing to do, Steve suggested building random creations using whatever pieces they could find. The result: a series of original cities, contraptions, and designs, as well as a new go-to activity.
How it’s going: After initially getting into this a few years ago, the Soroka clan’s interest has faded a bit. But according to Steve, whenever he suggests a return, they embrace the creativity of the activity like they’re discovering it all over again. “What I love about this activity is that there are no instructions or rules. You just dig through the bins and let your imagination lead the way,” he says. “There’s no finish line, and they can keep building endlessly, making it the perfect boredom buster.”
Kate Chokshi, Senior Vice President – Account Service
What (she makes) the kids do: Go outside!
How it started: It’s every parent’s plea; and just like the rest of us, Kate started suggesting this as early as she can remember. Since then, it’s continued throughout every year, with the best chance of it working being throughout our warmer months.
How it’s going: It continues to be the family answer to boredom with endless benefits, like fresh air, the chance for imaginative activities, and a necessary break from devices and screens. Living in a great neighborhood, Kate’s kids can always find friends for games or to open a lemonade stand—and now’s the time of year to do it. “In a climate that’s cold and gray most months of the year, I encourage them to get outside as much as possible in the summer. Plus, it puts them in a better mood and tires them out,” says Kate. “So, everybody wins.”
If you want to learn more about our team and what we’re up to inside (and outside) The Martin Group, click here.