Strategies for Overcoming Boredom and Dissatisfaction
What is ennui?
The French have a term called “ennui” which refers to a general sense of weariness or dissatisfaction. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “The French loanword ennui comes from the very same Late Latin word that gave us annoy – inodiare (‘to make loathsome’). We borrowed ennui several centuries after absorbing annoy into the language. Ennui deals more with boredom than irritation – and a somewhat specific sort of boredom at that. It generally refers to the feeling of jadedness that can result from living a life of too much ease.”
Past Uses
Historically, the unique word makes appearances in writing and literature. Merriam-Webster also describes how the poet Charles Lloyd used the word rather dramatically in his 1823 Stanzas to Ennui, referring to the weary sensation as a “soul-destroying fiend” which visits with “its pale unrest.” Thomas Jefferson wrote of ennui in a letter dated 1787, scribing, “Thus the days of life are consumed, one by one, without an object beyond the present moment; ever flying from the ennui of that, yet carrying it with us…”
Present Day Significance
Today, the word ennui essentially means boredom – but usually the type of boredom that carries feelings of dissatisfaction, listlessness, and weariness. It can also be described as a somewhat consuming feeling that comes in a wave. The French say “Je m’ennuie” to mean “I am bored” or “I’m getting bored.” This weary boredom is distinctly different from depression, the latter of which is a serious clinical health condition marked by persistent sadness, low energy and hopelessness. Rather, ennui is more of a “flat mood” that comes and goes. Unlike the more complicated depression, ennui is related to identifiable causes and situational factors, like being forced to listen to the same lecture repeatedly. Such repetitiveness can justifiably deliver boredom and weariness at the same time.
Ennui Among Seniors
While ennui can affect individuals of all ages, it is not limited to a particular group. Anyone can experience this feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction. However, seniors, especially those who are newly retired, are more susceptible due to change in routine and employment status. This tendency is often linked to the shift in daily structure and reduced social engagement that can accompany retirement. Fortunately, chronic ennui in seniors is not inevitable. By actively seeking out new activities and exploring ways to enrich daily life, seniors can counteract ennui and maintain a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Recognizing Ennui
It is important to reemphasize that ennui is distinct from depression. Depression is a serious health concern, potentially driven by genetic, environmental, or psychological factors. Unlike ennui, depression requires medical intervention. In contrast, ennui is a situational state that can be addressed with purposeful action and lifestyle changes.
Overcoming Ennui
There are three main steps to overcome ennui; recognizing it, identifying causes, and doing something meaningful to fix it. Here’s an example: Imagine it’s Saturday and you are heading out the door to attend a fun barbecue. Suddenly a thunderstorm rolls in, and the event you looked forward to attending is abruptly cancelled. You sit in your living room, staring at the ceiling, feeling bored, disappointed, and low-spirited. The feeling of ennui sets in. Fortunately, you can lift your outlook by pursuing other activities that spark your interest, such as practicing yoga or having a craft day instead.
Managing Ennui Through Action
Ennui can be managed by transforming unoccupied periods into opportunities for productivity and creativity. Here are some actionable ideas:
- Embrace physical activity. Whether exercising at the gym, doing Pilates at home, or walking through the halls of a museum, getting the body moving can break cycles of boredom and listlessness.
- Get involved in a fun project. Embarking on a hobby you knowingly enjoy, such as baking, drawing, painting, birdwatching, making jewelry or candles, or discovering a new hidden talent like crocheting or knitting, can keep you feeling productive, engaged, and happy.
- Make social connections. If your picnic is cancelled and you’re now alone, why not reach out to friends? Pick up the phone and invite some of the picnic guests to your home. Or text a friend and ask them to hang out. Staying socially engaged is a great “pick me up.”
- Change your routine. Boredom can be the consequence of an uninspiring routine. Instead of sticking to a strict household chore schedule, read a book, dance to your favorite record, or watch a movie. The laundry or other chores can wait until you feel ready to take them on.
- Do something special for yourself. Don’t normally treat yourself to a nice meal out? Do it. Always wanted to get a facial? Do it. Don’t usually make time for a bubble bath? Do it. Most days we neglect ourselves, so a little self-care and indulgence is a great way to spark joy.
- Do acts of kindness. Donating, volunteering, or simply offering a kind word to someone can make a positive difference not only in the lives of others, but also in your own. Acts of kindness provide a satisfying outlet for helping others and can boost your sense of happiness and connection.
- Keep the mind engaged. Challenge your brain with puzzles and games that require thoughtful problem-solving. Consider joining a group of card players, participating in trivia nights at a local restaurant, or inviting friends over for game night. Staying mentally active can energize your mind and foster social interaction.
- Play with a pet. Spending special time with your favorite furry companion strengthens your bond, elevates your mood, and soothes the soul. Interacting with pets can provide comfort and joy, making it an effective way to counter feelings of boredom or isolation.
- Read or write. Settle in with a good book or use your creativity to write poetry, music, or journal entries. Reading and writing not only engage and strengthen the brain but also offer enjoyable ways to fill your time and express yourself, all terrific for boosting mood and fighting boredom coupled with the blues.
- Engage with the natural environment. Activities such as gardening, observing wildlife, or walking alongside a stream can positively impact mood and well-being. Research conducted by UCLA Health indicates that spending time in green spaces or natural surroundings may alleviate psychological stress. Notably, dedicating just 20 minutes to any environment reminiscent of nature has been shown to significantly lower the stress hormone cortisol.
Meaningful Actions to Lift Your Spirits
When feelings of ennui arise, there are meaningful actions you can take to lift your spirits, such as those described above. Avoid negativism by limiting your exposure to others in a negative state. If you’re feeling “slightly down” due to feelings of ennui, don’t compound it by listening to depressing stories in the news, engaging in heated discussions on social media, or calling a friend who complains 24/7. Also, avoid alcohol or recreational drug use that can exacerbate negative feelings. These things will only make you feel worse. Instead, focus on positive and uplifting actions.
Recap: Beating Feelings of Ennui
Of French origin, the word ennui appears in literature but is challenging to describe. It generally relates to being bored with a flat feeling that can come in a wave. Once you recognize the feeling, identify the cause, and act, it is generally fixable. Participating in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies described above, connecting with friends, breaking old or boring routines, or practicing self-care, can make a positive impact on your mood and overall well-being. It is particularly beneficial for new retirees to find meaningful purpose following retirement to avoid ennui. If feelings of boredom or listlessness persist, it is important to recognize that there may be underlying causes beyond ennui such as depression. In such cases, this signals the need to consult a doctor to have your physical and mental health evaluated, ensuring you maintain optimal quality of life.
Help is available: Depression is a serious medical condition not to be confused with ennui. If you are experiencing depression, contact your physician. For immediate help, Suicide and Crisis Support is available 24/7/365 via the 988 Lifeline – and conversations are free and confidential.
Disclosure: This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice.
