In physics, the law of inertia states that a body at rest stays in rest unless acted on by an outside force. It explains why it’s easy to lie on the couch watching a movie and not move. Through coaching others, I have found that making time for important activities is one of the big bottlenecks. However, if you are able to schedule your time, it can be a game-changer. It’s working on your goals each day that brings happiness.

Start journaling.

If those thoughts are very negative, then hanging out in your own brain isn’t going to be a great experience. This is where the real work of sobriety is – facing up to your own mind. If you’re at the point where you’re emotionally drinking and unable to derive pleasure from everyday activities, it can be a sign that you need additional support to break out of this cycle. The contrast between the heightened emotional state while drinking and the flatness of mood when sober can make everyday life without alcohol seem uninteresting – sometimes unbearably so. This can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and stress when not drinking, which might make sober times feel particularly empty or boring.

Still, alcohol is a highly addictive substance that can lead to dependency, especially when consuming frequently and in large quantities.Try to look at boredom as a space for meaningful stimulation in your day.That’s why we might find ourselves reaching for a drink when we’re simply sitting and not doing much.Whatever the reason for your boredom, drinking can create a negative cycle around it.Over time, with regular alcohol consumption, our brain starts to adapt.

Why do I drink alcohol out of boredom?

So drinking because you’re bored isn’t doing much for you in the long run. Instead, you should find ways to cope with your boredom that keep you productively occupied and are more fulfilling. Most people drink to fill some sort of void, like boredom, loneliness, an unhappy relationship, job-related stress i drink because I am bored or anxiety.

Boredom can be Destructive

One of the best ways to deal with bored drinking is to anticipate it — why is not always easy. Say your main drinking occasion is when you socialize with friends. A drink or two while bored might make you too tired or too wary of driving to meet your friends. You might plan to start learning a new language during downtime, but put it off in favor of having a drink.

In another life, he’s pretty sure he was a Viking explorer—and he might still lobby for a holiday that celebrates Viking culture. The horrible irony to all of this is that alcohol amplifies loneliness. Create your account and connect with a world of communities. Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June.

Habitual patterns of alcohol consumption can play a significant role in boredom drinking. These habits are often Oxford House activated by certain cues or conditions, like boredom, which can lead to excessive drinking and result in a variety of health issues, including alcohol abuse. By recognizing and addressing these habits, you can break the cycle of boredom drinking and take control of your life. Danny has extensive experience in effectively treating incidental and complex trauma. He further describes his approach as science-driven, constantly reviewing the latest literature and theory. Danny ensures he has as many techniques as possible to help people improve their well-being and achieve their goals.

Drawing from her background in local improv groups, she infuses sessions with laughter and humor, fostering a non-judgmental space for clients.But I’m going to explore solutions for people who sit at various points along the “sobriety is so boring” spectrum.A relaxing solo activity like reading a book could be highly engaging if your current goal is to unwind, but very boring if your goal is to interact with other people.But many resources exist to help you create social circles.

Risks of Alcohol & Boredom Drinking

While it may provide temporary relief, the long-term effects are far more damaging. The cycle of drinking to fill time leads to mental, emotional, and physical challenges that can be hard to reverse. If your social circle often revolves around alcohol, it can be challenging to break that pattern. However, suggesting new activities or meeting for coffee instead of drinks can help create healthier habits. This guide to a sober lifestyle offers great tips for navigating social situations without alcohol. Up until now you’ve been outsourcing certain needs to alcohol – but alcohol isn’t doing a great job for you anymore.