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Facing Boredom
What to Look For
You will “take a break” from working and find that you now have nothing to do.
You may feel very bored when waiting for something or someone (a bus, your spouse, your kids).
How Often Does It Happen?
About 41% of smokers say they sometimes smoke to overcome boredom.
What to Do
Plan more activities than you have time for.
For those empty minutes, make a list of things you like to do.
Move! Do not stay in the same place too long.
Carry a book or magazine for waiting times.
Look at what is going on around you (e.g. notice the shape of the buildings you pass, listen to the sounds of the city/outdoors).
Carry something to keep your hands busy, like a Rubik's cube.
Hum a tune or favorite song—maybe even listen to a portable radio.
Go outdoors, if you can.
Nicotine and Your Body and Mind
For smokers, boredom often brings the urge to smoke—this urge may have a physical and chemical basis.
Nicotine controls the way you feel by controlling the level of excitement in key parts of your brain and central nervous system.
When you quit smoking, you may miss the increased excitement and good feeling that nicotine gave you. This may be true when you are feeling bored.