Beat the Boredom: 5 Ways to Keep Intellectually Stimulated at a Mediocre Job

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Work sucks. And it sucks even more when the job you’re working is a boring, mind-numbing, string of monotonous processes which you have to suffer through until your boss decides to let you go for a 30 minute lunch break. And while some of us are courageous enough to say good bye to our mundane occupations and look for something better, most of us are not, or simply cannot afford to be. So for those of us who have wasted countless hours staring out the window and daydreaming of better days, or looking at the clock so many times it seems as if it’s barely moving, here’s a couple of things you can do to put some meaning back into your life or at the least some increased brain activity.

1.  Start a blog — Anonymously

If you think you’re job sucks… let people (other than your boss) know. Whatever experience it is that you’re going through right now, be it a crappy internship that lured you in with a promise of networking with important figures (which you now realize must have been the copy and fax machines), or a mundane job that promised you great growth potential, odds are there are people out there who are stuck in the same dead-end boat or who are thinking about getting in it. Starting a blog that documents your experiences in the workplace and warns others about the fine print they may have missed is a great way to vent some stress and offer useful advice to others like you. And, hey, you might even stumble upon a new talent in the process.

2.  Become a Mentor

If you want to put some meaning back into your life but don’t have a lot of time to commit to any big projects, you should consider becoming a mentor. NYC currently has a great program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, in which you can volunteer to be a mentor for a child who needs a supportive adult in their life. After you attend the initial orientation session and training programs, the commitment is only four hours every other week. Helping a child in need is a great way to take your mind off the daily stresses of your job and more importantly, to help someone else along his or her life’s journey.

3.  Start A Club

If the only thing that brings you your much needed after-work solace is baking (and eating) 4 dozen oatmeal raisin cookies you’re in for a lot of weight gain unless, of course, you form a club. Whether it’s Baking Buddies United or Wizards of the Word (the Harry Potter Book Club), forming a club or a chapter of an already existing organization can be a great way to explore your interests with others who share similar passions. Additionally, having a book club or baking club meeting can be a great opportunity for social as well as professional networking (provided you do not require that everyone wear costumes).

4.  Discover Your Brain Age

If you have some money to spend on a Nintendo DS or can steal one from your little brother, you might want to try buying Brain Age. The self-professed brain-training game that exercises your pre-frontal cortex through quick calculations, reading aloud, and various memory games. According to Dr. Ryuta Kawashima ’s research, doing these types of exercises increase overall brain functionality and decrease your brain’s age (which is apparently often older than your actual age). Whether this is complete crap or a legit way to exercise your pre-frontal cortex, we can’t be sure. Either way, this game will keep you entertained for hours (making you feel as if you’re actually getting smarter)…or it’ll frustrate the hell out of you and force you to come to terms with the fact that your brain’s older than your grandma.

5.  Learn to Play an Instrument

Are your friends tired of watching you play your air guitar rendition of every song that comes on at the bar? Then, perhaps, it’s time to learn how to play an actual guitar (not one that hooks up to your x-box either). Don’t have the money to purchase a brand new guitar? No worries, sites like Amazon, Ebay, and Craigslist have tons of new and used instruments for very low prices. With all the instrument tutorials that are available online you won’t have to spend a dime for private lessons either (although if you’re planning on quitting your day job you should probably go for private lessons). And, if you’re still in college, many universities offer introductory piano, guitar, flute etc. classes free, or of little cost to the student.

So before you grab another paper clip to tag on to the paper clip mobile you’ve been working on since August, choose one of the aforementioned suggestions and prepare to embark on your new intellectually stimulating experience! At least, until you can find a new job.

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