Do you know anyone who is bored on a regular basis? Do you find yourself feeling bored often? A study, conducted in the United Kingdom the mid-1980’s, identified a significant connection between individuals who experience chronic boredom and a shorter life expectancy. The expression being “bored to death” has some literal truth to it, according to the study, which followed 7,500 civil servants in the UK for a period of 25 years.

The study conducted interviews with the workers, recording attitudes and their outlook on life. The updates continued until 25 years after the initial interviews. The data found that subjects who had stated they were bored in the original interview screening were almost 40% more likely to have died by the end of the study than those who found life to be interesting.

This same study also revealed that people living with “high levels of tedium” were 2.5 times more likely to die of heart disease than those who lived a more varied life style. This particular study is an intriguing example of the connection between our mind and body, and how our thoughts and feelings have a huge impact on our health and even longevity.

According to Daily Health News journalist Lauren Zander, most of us live with experiences of boredom, but when our lives take on a chronic sense of boredom, the effects can be very destructive to our work, relationships and ultimately our health and longevity. When we are willing to examine what aspects of our lives feel “boring,” we can identify what areas of our life we may feel stuck, frustrated or unfulfilled in - and this allows us to make a plan and take action to change it.

Boredom is a loss of interest or enthusiasm for aspects of your life that can cause you to “go through the motions” of life, rather than being engaged and enjoying it. For instance, in personal relationships it is easy to get in a rut and not look for new ways of enjoying the company of the people we care the most about. By taking a step back and looking at our relationships as if we were meeting the person for the first time, this brings a renewed perspective and interest in what we may take for granted on a daily basis.

If your work or personal life is leaving you disinterested or bored, try “renovating” your relationship by adding new and imaginative ways to refresh your communication or shared experience. Try kissing in the car instead of waiting to get home, bring home some special “treats” for your kids or partner, plan a lunch time activity at the office with co-workers, or even a mystery party at home with your friends to liven up rapport.

Find new ways to refresh your relationships and your life. It’s not only fun, but this can help you live a longer and healthier life!

- Dr. Georgianna Donadio