Bored at Work? Check Out These Boredom Busters

These boredom busters are great to do while one is bored at work.

Not all jobs require one to be constantly working. As much as it may be taxing to have too much to do, surprisingly it can also be taxing to have too little to do. It can lead to one becoming really bored at work. These boredom busters can assist those who are stuck in a work situation where they must sit for long periods of time with no tasks or internet access. The appropriateness of these things to do while bored will vary from workplace to workplace, so they should only be used as boredom cure ideas.

Bring Arts and Crafts Projects

If one is sitting for a long period of time with no internet access, it may seem like there is nothing to do. However, a handy paper notebook and pen provide plentiful opportunities for arts and crafts projects.
The possibilities are endless with a pen and paper at hand, and one possibility is to write creatively. One may free write, plan out a novel, or write a poem. Free time gives one the option to simply sit and think for a while, which may ultimately lead to more productive writing.

Origami creation is another possibility. With a single piece of paper one can make paper boxes, cranes, balloons, among many other creative shapes.

With a notebook, one can also do more mundane, yet necessary tasks, like planning out a budget, recalling a "to-do list," or brainstorming different options when bored at work. One can feel free to cross out notes, make changes, and move comments around with arrows. The information can later be transcribed into an electronic format if organization and neatness are important.

Doodling in a notebook can also be a good way to pass free time and express oneself creatively. These doodles may later lead to a larger arts and crafts projects, such as paintings or charcoal drawings.

Bring Mini Projects from Home

Free time can also be used for mini projects from home. While doing a home project at work may not always be appropriate, it may be acceptable for some situations.

One possible project is card creation for a birthday or special occasion. The only materials required are paper and colored pens or pencils. Homemade cards can save money, and they offer a special touch for a special someone.

Another project that may be considered is making a photo album. This seems unwieldy, but it is definitely do-able if one only brings a few photos and one album. It may be helpful to keep an area sectioned off for the project so that it does not get in the way of any necessary work.

One may also want to consider bringing "mindless" tasks from home that he or she keeps putting off doing. These tasks may include organizing a file accordion, unraveling a knot, or finishing a knitting project. These simple mini projects may allow one to stay ready if needed for action.

Other Boredom Busters

There are also "old standbys" for those bored at work that offer amusement in a small package. These things to do while bored are discussed below.

A novel can transport a person out of their bored state and into another world or time. Whether one reads from a traditional paper book or an electronic one, he or she can escape from a dreary day into an exciting one. If one needs to stay alert, he or she may want to consider an "easy read" book that does not require too much analysis or interpretation.

A crossword puzzle or word search book can also offer hours of pleasure. These books can easily be put away or put down if a call comes in or work comes up. They allow one to avoid being bored without becoming too absorbed to do necessary work, no matter what the day is like.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when trying to avoid boredom is to vary activities. If one only brings a crossword puzzle book for an eight hour work day and little work comes in, he or she will likely tire of the activity. Instead, bring a variety of things to do when really bored, such as a book, notebook, and photo album. This can allow one to stay alert and awake.

How to Avoid Eating When You're Bored

Are you really hungry? Or just bored? At times, we eat because we have nothing better to do. It's something a lot of us do without thinking. Here are a few tips to help you establish a new routine and new habits:

Steps:

1. Make a hunger diary. Record your daily intake. Include a list of calories, if desired.
2. Recognize patterns of eating. Do they coincide with boredom? Is there a time of day when you are more likely to be bored?
3. Identify if you are actually hungry. Ask yourself, on a scale of one to ten, how hungry you feel. If the answer is seven or more, you should probably eat something. Otherwise, refrain from eating until you reach this point of actual hunger.
4. Satisfy feelings with other interests. Find other interests that are just as rewarding. Have fun with a friend.
5. Make an activity hat. Fill the hat with different activities and pull one out to do. This should relieve your boredom and the urge to eat.
6. Find an activity that occupies your hands. Try a manicure, needlework, typing or if you do play an instrument this is a good time for practicing. You can only do one activity at a time.
7. Concentrate on what you are doing. Force yourself to become preoccupied until the hunger subsides.
8. Go for a walk. This will take you away from the kitchen. Once your scene has changed, your cravings should subside.
9. Avoid buying certain foods. Identify the foods that you most commonly reach for and avoid having them in your home.
10. Avoid having food in your bedroom. Eat only at the dining room table. Stashed snacks can be a big temptation.
11. Choose nutritious food. Choose replenishing whole foods. Processed foods are deprived of natural vitamins and nutrients.
12. Schedule a small nutritious snack between meals. This may keep you from indulging at meals.
13. Eat celery or watermelon. They are mostly water, low in calories and can quench your thirst. You may burn as many calories as the celery contains just by chewing it. The sweetness of watermelon is very satisfying. They're both pretty healthy.
14. Drink a glass of water. Water is filling and may satisfy you for a period of time.
15. Never Eat Artificial Sweetener. They are no better for you than sugar and actually increase cravings.
16. Chew a piece of gum. It's refreshing and low in calories. It may help to curb your appetite and actually burn a few calories.
    
    

Tips:

• Enjoy eating. Savor your food.
• Forming healthy eating habits takes time, planning and discipline.
• Periodically adjust to a more realistic diet routine throughout your life:
  
  
  • Give yourself a little freedom to indulge once a day or once a week. Try a small piece of chocolate or a smoothie.
  • Exercise may require an extra snack or a few more calories.
  • Calories may need to be limited later in life to prevent weight gain from a slower metabolism.
• Consult with a dietitian to formulate a plan suitable to your needs. Everyone needs professional direction now and then.
• Overeating can be a symptom of underlying stress. Eating releases endorphins and provides for needed comfort. Weight gain and lack of control can lead to depression. Seek the help of a psychiatrist, if needed.
• Consult your physician with weight gain before it becomes a more serious detriment to your health.
• Consult your physician with binge eating and other eating disorders.
• If this is really hard for you, switch the junk food out for gum. Gum only has around 5 calories a stick and chewing it burns 11 calories an hour.(Nothing to be excited about, but still pretty cool.) Just don't chew too much, because um costs can add up.