GREENSBORO, N.C. — July is National Anti-Boredom Month. Given that everything from gas to food to rent costs more, money might be tight, which means that fighting boredom might be tough. Don't worry; we've got you covered.
There are a few misconceptions about boredom. The first misconception is that boredom is laziness, which isn't factual. Boredom is a lack of stimulation and dissatisfaction because you can't find anything stimulating. Laziness is a lack of motivation to do something. Another misconception about boredom is that it's always negative. Boredom is a catalyst for creativity. When your mind isn't busy with specific activities, it can wander and make unexpected connections. This leads to new ideas and solutions.
Here are a few ideas to beat boredom if you're on a budget. You can explore parks and trails within your city to walk or hike. You can volunteer. You can also visit community centers for affordable exercise programs, activities, and swimming pools. You can have a game night with friends and add a potluck dinner. You can visit bookstores for author talks. Challenge yourself to use budget-friendly ingredients to cook new dishes.
If a friend who's also bored invites you to do something, but you're on a budget, transparency is key. Be honest and upfront and offer alternatives. You can say something like, "Sounds like fun. I'm on a budget and can't swing the cost now. Would you be open to doing something different?"
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