Boredom Busters!

July as National Anti-Boredom Month was created in the 1980s by Alan Caruba to stop people from 'moping around' because of boredom after the Independence Day holiday and before the Labor Day holiday. July's oppressive heat forces people indoors and children have not returned to school yet, so finding fun things to do can sometimes be challenging. Often, boredom is about more than just having nothing to do; it's about the activities at hand failing to engage us mentally. Here are some fantastic ideas to keep your mind - and body - engaged all month long.

Explore the Great Outdoors: Find a local trail and spend the day exploring. Bring a picnic and make a day of it! Or, whether it's in your backyard or a national park, camping is a great way to break the monotony. Just make sure you pay attention to the temperatures and stay safe in the heat.

Get Active: While it's so hot outside, check into group fitness classes at your local gym; many offer classes such as yoga, Zumba, water aerobics, and spinning. If you're staying at home, put on your favorite music and dance around your living room while cleaning. It's a fun way to get moving and lift your spirits!

Get Creative: Tap into your artistic side this month. Creating something new can be incredibly satisfying and a great way to pass the time. From knitting and painting to making jewelry, the options are endless. You can use what you make in your home or at work, or you can gift it to a friend or family member.

Learn Something New: Learning something new can be both challenging and rewarding. There are countless online platforms offering courses on just about anything. Whether you want to learn a new language, pick up a musical instrument, or jump into coding, there's a course for you! If there's a topic you want to learn more about, find a documentary or read a book about it. You could also try out new recipes or baking techniques. (Remember the sourdough trend during COVID?!) Not only will you learn something new, but you will also get to enjoy some delicious food!

Engage Your Mind: While learning something new engages your mind, don't forget about other brain workouts such as working jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, solving sudokus, and playing board games. If you want to get out of the house, visiting a local museum is a great way to get in some steps and appreciate the arts.

Be Social: Spending time with friends and family can be one of the best ways to stave off boredom. Try hosting a game night - with board games, card games, or even video games! Or, pick a movie you all want to watch, come up with a menu that goes with the movie's theme, and make it a potluck! Even something as simple as taking a popsicle to your neighbor can lift up your mood.

Volunteer: Giving back to your community can be incredibly fulfilling. Find local volunteer opportunities and spend your time helping others. Local libraries, food banks, and summer programs for children are great places to start.

National Anti-Boredom Month is not just about avoiding boredom but also about appreciating it. Experts suggest that boredom allows our minds to wander, which can lead to creativity and new insights. So, while you're exploring all the activities and possibilities this July, remember that a little boredom isn't necessarily a bad thing; it might just be the pause you need to spark your next big idea. Boredom is just an opportunity waiting to be explored!