Key Takeaways
Chronic boredom is a constant feeling of unfulfillment that can affect your mood, motivation, and overall well-being.
Chronic boredom is closely linked to depression and higher substance use. It can also show up as a lack of motivation, restlessness, or emotional numbness.
People with chronic boredom often have challenges with emptiness or routines that lack meaning.
Boredom is a normal part of life. It shows up when your days feel too routine or when you’re not mentally challenged. In fact, about 63% of Americans feel bored at least once every 10 days. But if that feeling sticks around and everything starts to feel pointless, you might be dealing with chronic boredom.
Unlike everyday boredom, which comes and goes, chronic boredom is often tied to anxiety, depression, or burnout. If chronic boredom feels like it’s taking over your life and putting you in a funk, help is available. Talking to a therapist or making small changes — like exploring new interests, or reconnecting with your values — can help you break the cycle.
Common symptoms of chronic boredom
Chronic boredom is more than just sitting around with nothing to do. It’s a constant sense that life is dull and meaningless. You might feel like nothing excites you or that you’re just going through the motions.
Some key signs of chronic boredom are:
Low motivation: You lose interest in your goals, hobbies, or even relationships. This can lead to low self-esteem and a loss of purpose.
Persistent restlessness: You often feel uneasy or irritable. It can feel like you’re searching for something more but don’t know what it is.
Trouble concentrating: Your mind drifts easily, and you find it hard to stay focused.
Feeling empty or numb: You feel slightly disconnected, like you’re passing through life without really feeling anything.
Low energy or fatigue: You’re tired — not from lack of sleep, but from feeling like everything is meaningless.
Unhealthy coping habits: To feel something different, you might turn to things like increased substance use, overeating, reaching for high sugar foods and drinks, or excessive screen time.
What doesn’t help chronic boredom and why
Sometimes, things that seem helpful on the surface don’t fix the root issue:
Distractions: TV, books, or social media may quiet your mind temporarily, but they don’t fill the emptiness.
Overworking: Tackling a big to-do list and pushing yourself to be productive can backfire if you’re already burnt out.
Toxic positivity: Forcing yourself to “just be grateful” can shut down your real feelings instead of helping you work through them.
Making big changes without reflection: Quitting your job, moving cities, or ending a relationship won’t fix things if the problem is coming from within.
If left unaddressed, chronic boredom can drain your energy and make even simple routines feel exhausting.
Why you may feel bored all the time
Chronic boredom can affect anyone at any time and show up in all areas of life. It can be a result from different factors and even a sign of mental health conditions including:
Mental health challenges: Chronic boredom can be a symptom of depression and disrupt motivation, reduce pleasure, and interfere in meeting your goals. It can also increase your risk of developing anxiety and frequency of substance use. If you’re already coping with mental health challenges, boredom can make symptoms harder to manage.
Poor nutrition: If you’re not eating enough or missing key nutrients, your body may feel sluggish. Eating foods high in sugar or that are processed can lead to you feeling irritable.
Existing conditions getting worse: People with ADHD or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) tend to feel bored more often and more intensely. This can lead to frustration, low energy, and trouble focusing.
Lifestyle imbalance: Being constantly busy at work without time for rest or connecting with others can make life feel dull.
Overstimulation: Constant scrolling on your phone, binge-watching television, or multitasking can impact your ability to enjoy slower moments.
Change of pace: If you’re used to life feeling hectic or chaotic, noticing that it has slowed down can have an impact. In these instances, life feeling more predictable can bring up feelings of boredom.
Emerging from a chronic state of boredom
Getting past chronic boredom starts with figuring out what really matters to you and reconnecting. Things like rest, creativity, movement, and time with people you enjoy can make a big difference.
Some strategies to increase your motivation include:
Rediscover what excites you. If you’re a creative person stuck in a routine job with no room for self-expression, boredom can quickly take hold. Reignite your spark and support your mental health by making space for creativity in your life.
Follow your curiosity. Take a class, try a new hobby, or pick up an old one you used to enjoy.
Shake up your routine. Boredom feeds on repetition. Make small changes like trying a new café or saying yes to something different.
Be more present. Take a few deep breaths or do a short meditation. When you slow down, everyday moments like your morning coffee or the sound of birds can feel meaningful.
Move your body. Go for a short walk, stretch at your desk, or dance around your living room. Even a little movement can boost your energy and break up the monotony.
Spend time outside. Nature wakes up your senses. Whether it’s a beach walk, forest hike, or just sitting on the grass, being outdoors can lift your mood and clear your mind.
Reconnect with your support network. Spend time with friends who energize you and want to explore, laugh, and try new things.
Get support. Self-care strategies can help you get past chronic boredom, but sometimes you may need professional support. A therapist can help you understand what’s behind your feelings of boredom and guide you toward feeling more fulfilled.
Clinician's take
If you’re stuck in the cycle of boredom, a powerful first step is to try something new that sparks a sense of curiosity. This gentle shift can help break the cycle and naturally invite motivation to follow.
Find care with Rula
Feeling bored all the time can wear you down. Therapy can offer a supportive space to figure out if your boredom is connected to things like depression, burnout, or just feeling stuck in a routine that doesn’t match your interests. With the help of a therapist, you can uncover what really matters to you and take steps toward feeling more satisfied.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
About the author
Linda Childers
Linda is an award-winning medical writer with experience writing for major media outlets, health companies, hospitals, and both consumer and trade print and digital outlets.
Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post, USA Today, WebMD, AARP, Brain+Life, HealthyWomen.org, The Rheumatologist, California Health Report, Everyday Health, HealthCentral, and many other media outlets.
While juggling the responsibilities of being part of the “sandwich generation” and caring for both her toddler son and terminally ill mother, a nurse friend encouraged her to seek therapy, which helped her to learn coping strategies and manage her depression. Linda hopes her work will help to destigmatize mental health conditions and encourage others to get the help they need.
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Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
