Boredom occurs when you experience intense boredom. The word boredom, fed up, apathy, indifference, reluctance or annoyance are some of its synonyms. Curiously, the word boredom comes from Latin, specifically from fastidium, which is equivalent to disgust.
The use of the term
In relation to food, boredom occurs when food is abhorrent. Thus, if someone habitually eats a certain dish, there may come a point where they feel aversion and rejection towards it. On the other hand, foods that we dislike also produce disgust or boredom.
Certain repetitive situations are monotonous to us, since they do not provide any stimulus or incentive. When this happens, boredom occurs and it is a feeling of some sadness and demotivation.
From the point of view of human behavior
A temporary feeling of boredom is a very common and not very important circumstance and can be easily solved (for example, by doing an entertaining activity). However, when it lasts over time, it can become a symptom of a depressive state. It must be taken into account that boredom is associated with lack of appetite, laziness and vital fatigue. To overcome boredom and discouragement, psychologists recommend a series of guidelines:
1) incorporate some hobby or pastime into our daily life,
2) establish short, medium and long-term objectives,
3) introduce healthy habits (especially physical exercise and a good diet),
4) take care of the physical appearance and
5) incorporate reward mechanisms to self-stimulate.
These tips can be useful, since boredom generates a certain addiction and some people are “hooked” on sadness. From a psychological point of view, boredom presents two versions, one moderate and temporary and the other of a chronic type.
From the philosophical point of view
Some philosophers have addressed the question of boredom. The Stoics spoke of emotional indifference and apathy. Existentialists have dealt with the concept of existential angst or life as meaningless. For Schopenhauer, excessive pleasure leads to dissatisfaction. Nihilism is a current that is based on the denial of the meaning of human existence.
Photo: Fotolia – Tatyana Gladskih
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