5 Quick fix when your job is boring
Is your job repetitive, boring and
driving you crazy?
If you are feeling bored and frustrated with a repetitive or draining job, there are several strategies to make helpful changes.
Of course you could talk to your supervisor and ask for more responsibilities, look for another job, or even start your own business and get the hell out of there!
A Coach can help you find the best strategy depending on what your current situation and your ideal outcome are.
In this article however, I am talking about “first aid” kind of strategies that you can implement on your own without involving your workplace.
I've compiled the 5 most impactful steps to start improving how you feel and to enjoy your life despite an unfulfilling job.
Photo credit Ev on Unsplash
The 5 most impactful steps to start improving your life despite a boring job
As a side note, it is completely understandable to feel bored and frustrated with a repetitive or unchallenging job, and to feel like there's more to life.
For a big portion of my career, I was in a full-time role that I was doing well, that paid the bills, but that did not fulfill me or my full potential. I was getting more and more disengaged, although I didn’t think there was any other avenue for me, work-wise. So I stayed there, complained and drank a lot of wine!
If you recognise yourself in this story, read on. Today I know how to avoid focusing on the negative aspects of a job and bringing that negativity into my life. Three years of Coaching studies and experience, as well as research on the brain and its abilities, have helped me make the changes to my lifestyle that brought me here today, and I am here to share them with you.
In this article, I will share the top, most effective ways you can take the lead in making a change that will make your boring job less impactful.
Ok, so WHAT can I do if my job is boring?
1. Be on your own side
If after a long and exhausting day at work, when you are exhausted and your brain has checked out, it is common to feel like you “deserve” a whole block of chocolate, a bottle of wine, or junk food. Even though we often know that these unhealthy treats only have short-term pleasant effect, we are tempted to indulge because of the “dopamine hit”. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (it sends signal to the brain) that is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.
Later on that day or the morning after, you might feel regretful, hungover, and lethargic. In the long run, this could affect your sleep and even your body weight… all of which feeds the negative view of your job: “It’s my job’s fault”.
Notice that you are the one who’s getting punished, and be on your own side!
When your day s*cks, prioritise your wellbeing even more. Eat something that tastes good AND nourishes you, reward yourself with a nice drink, but not the whole bottle! Talk to someone who cares about you, go for a walk, pat your dog... These are the real, positive rewards that you deserve.
2. Pursue a hobby or passion
Find something outside of work that you enjoy and look forward to doing. This can be anything from painting, playing an instrument, cooking, or joining a sports team. Whatever it is, make sure it's something you genuinely enjoy and are excited about.
Quick note on this: several of my clients have the desire to start a business but they are too afraid, for many reasons. Here, I recommend doing as much as you can as a side hustle or a passion project.
3. Spend time with friends and loved ones
Remember the GOOD STUFF in your life, including your friends! Schedule regular time to see and connect with the people who make you happy. Whether it's a weekly dinner date, a weekend hike, or just a phone call, spending time with others can bring a lot of joy and fulfillment.
Oh and before you go, decide whether you want to talk about work or not... you might find that your catch-up feels even better when you leave that subject out!
4. Explore your community
Look for events or activities in your community that you might be interested in. This can be anything from art shows and music festivals to volunteering opportunities. Remain curious and open-minded, you never know what and who you might discover!
5. Learn something new
Whether it's a new skill or simply learning more about a topic you're interested in, challenging your brain will bring a sense of accomplishment and joy. You can take a class, listen to a podcast, or read a book on a topic that interests you. Not to mention the new neural pathways your brain will build as you learn these new things - you clever cookie!
"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often"
- Winston Churchill
A pat on the back
As you start to implement these steps, notice the benefits. Note them down and be grateful for the shifts that you notice; don’t take them for granted. This is what will keep you going and being consistent with this change, and any other change.
Once you have improved your personal life, you will start to see all the benefits on your mental health, and your work situation will have a lot less impact.
I hope these are helpful as a starting point and I would love to hear from your experience. Remember, I’ve been there, I know what it feels like, and I’m here to help.
Photo credit Anete Luzina on Unsplash
Remember that an accredited Life Coach is professionally trained to help you go through changes in the easiest, most effective way.
We’re here to help! And I'll leave you with this powerful quote from Einstein:
"It cannot be changed without changing your thinking."
Written by:
Sophie Anderson
SHARE
About the Author
Hi! I'm Sophie and I am so glad you're here! I help women and men make small, incremental changes that create a positive ripple effect on their entire life.
You have the power to turn your life around, starting today.
I am here to help you succeed.
Cairns Residents: Join our thriving Community!
I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I coach, collaborate and grow, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Peoples. I acknowledge and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the world’s oldest living culture and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. I pay my deepest respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.
I also recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.