How the hell does one make it to 40 and not become bored with nearly everything in life?

Work - boring. Pet animals - boring. Kids - I don’t have them but assume they get boring. Sports - used to like them, boring as hell now. Working out - boring. Politics…used to like it, boring as hell now. Outdoor activities - boring, once you’ve seen one mountain you’ve seen them all. Traveling - boring, and too expensive. Video games - boring. Social media - boring, yet here I am cause it’s like crack. Most hobbies - boring.

Like it’s just the same thing all the time…for 40 years. It really gets uninteresting after awhile. It’s also tiring cause it feel like constant lifestyle chasing to fill emptiness.

I can’t be the only one with these thoughts.

Update: I went for a walk because it’s nice out. Totally boring. And my sciatica was acting up.

in Adultingby K-man_100

13.0K

78%

2mo

Locuralacura

540

2mo

Learning new stuff keeps me from being bored. Learning languages. Learning philosophy. Learning to cook new food. I'm still improving my Handwriting, spelling, basic arithmetic. It helps if you learn slowly.

1ofZuulsMinions

101

2mo

Me too! I’m in my late 40’s and I’m taking classes to learn robotics AND my boss is teaching me how to write code in our downtime at work. I love learning new things!

VaritasAequitas

2mo

What a cool boss! Is your profession like software based or something, or is he just a fanatic about coding?

1ofZuulsMinions

2mo

I’m a control room operator at the airport, but after the flights are gone there’s not much to do, so he’s just been showing me for fun.

VaritasAequitas

2mo

Wow, so probably a great view while you get shown all that coding! Great for you!

eyeballtourist

2mo

Yup! Lockdown made time to indulge anything I wanted to learn and do. Portrait drawings, model making, figure studies, and lots of new recipes!! I wrote my first book while "bored".

Keep a bucket list of hobbies, places, and experiences. It's a wish list for your life.

Lady_Camo

2mo

When everything is boring, you don't have a bucket list because every single thing on there is dreadful just thinking about it. Good it worked out for you, but I doubt you're as depressed as OP.

SaintPatrickMahomes

2mo

You’re a nice guy and your advice is good, but what I think OP needs is to start good old fashioned hard drugs and alcohol.

Nothing makes you feel more alive than beating addiction.

Richard-Brecky

2mo

Hitting bottom sucks but the ride down is fun as hell.

jarheadatheart

2mo

There’s no ride like riding the pink cloud.

Spaceballs-The_Name

2mo

Riding your 13th Step is fun too

ltrtotheredditor007

2mo

God dammit. There’s actually truth to this.

Locuralacura

2mo

Yeah, you're right.

positivetimes1000

2mo

That made me laugh so hard! 🤣🤣🤣

Variable851

150

2mo

I'll be 52 this month. You aren't obliged to stick with the same friends, job, or hobbies for your entire life. I took up archery a year and a half ago and I love it. I ride motorcycles. I'm learning to weld because I've wanted to for years and I like to make things. I'm learning to use Blender so I can 3D print. I'm a terrible employee so 8 years ago I started my own practice which keeps me motivated and the work itself is interesting. I don't have to do any work that I don't want. You do sound depressed as others have noted. What do you find interesting? What have you found that improves your mood, even if only temporarily?

onedonutforver

2mo

Where do you find the time for this? I have increasingly found it more and more difficult to maintain hobbies in my mid 30s

Variable851

2mo

Well, it's 11 pm my time and I'm still finishing work from yesterday and if I keep going for another hour, I might finish today's work. I minimize how much time I waste. "Netflix and chill" sounds good on paper but that's time I could have used to go to the archery range. Or practicing to weld. On my weekends, instead of sleeping late, I get up earlier than I start my workday (which admittedly is 9:30 am) so that I can get riding time in before my wife and son wake up. If it is rainy, I'll go out and work on the other motorcycle I'm rebuilding. My garage has a treadmill in it and a decent universal gym so I don't waste time going to and from the gym and I can exercise anytime I feel the urge or have a few minutes to spare. Sounds hectic, doesn't it? I haven't even mentioned being involved in my son's boy scout troop which is like a part-time job I never wanted and doesn't pay anything.

Addendum: I finished working for the night at 12:08 am. Went to bed 12:22 and now the cycle repeats lol

Boognish-T-Zappa

2mo

You have way more time for hobbies in your late 40s and 50s than you do in your 30s. At least that was the case for me.

New_Canoe

2mo

How? Do you have kids?

I’m 42, work a full time job, I play guitar in bands, draw/paint, wood work. I actually started building my own guitars during covid. I also have a bow and want to get into archery. I also have kids, tho they are now adults, but I was doing that stuff at the same time when they were kids.

What do you do that you don’t have time?

Personal-Function474

5.4K

2mo

You may be depressed

leogrr44

1.6K

2mo

Yep this whole post is screaming depression

edit: for people disagreeing, look at OP's post history. They are struggling. Talking about the possibility that someone is depressed is not criticism. Disinterest in life is a VERY common symptom of depression and thinking like this in a chronic way IS NOT NORMAL. This is coming from someone who has been diagnosed with major depression and has been fighting it for 20 years. The stigma surrounding mental illness that it needs to be hushed and shoved under the rug needs to be changed. Mental illness is a huge epidemic that needs to be addressed. Many people are struggling and need support.

WeHaveAllBeenThere

406

2mo

I get jaded sometimes. Then I go to Colorado for a few weeks and am refreshed.

Some people use mushrooms. Some people go sky diving.

There’s plenty of options.

Other daily things to help; a routine you like. A job you like. Take care of the stressors (bills, messy house etc). Healthy body. Cook, don’t eat out. Find someone to share all of it with. I’d recommend a pet but this person needs to take care of themselves first. Volunteer, serve others. List goes on.

Better yourself in the jaded times and the future you will reap the rewards.

Edit: lol y’all are pathetic… I didn’t say it would be easy. Didn’t say it would all work for everyone.

Did nobody pick up that these are the things that helped me personally? My goodness

JustinMccloud

255

2mo

so I had this for several years, every thing bored me, someone gave me a dog (which i was in no way prepared to look after, at the time) but it changed my life. I got up early to take it for walks, played with it, and all the color started to come back into my life, magical, then 4 years later she died (old age). destroyed me, but i got another puppy, ollie and life is still great and love everything about it

TrickySession

140

2mo

At the lowest point in my life, an adopted dog saved me. Exactly like you said, “The color came back.” That’s such a beautiful way to put it 💛

MrBlahg

2mo

It was chickens for me. Those goofy little dinosaurs saved me when I needed it most. Something new, something to care for, something to love.

DLMH3510

2mo

OMG, I have a rooster named Frank. He murdered all of his siblings and now has the whole coop and all of the dried worms for himself. He loves to strut and crow and charm me for treats. Dandelion flowers are his favorite food. Never thought I would be so enthralled by a chicken, much less by a mass murdering chicken.

kphillipz

2mo

This took a dark twist. God damnit frank! Lol

Behndo-Verbabe

2mo

My best friend was a dog. He was always there for me and truly soothed my soul. When he passed away after 15 Years of friendship it was the saddest moment in my life. I will always be grateful for him and his love.

LetsGoAllTheWhey

2mo

The color came back wagging it's tail.

Runningoutofideas_81

2mo

This is the sweetest thread, hard to read, my eyes are blurry for some reason.

[deleted]

2mo

"If only life had more color i could see"

Mary10123

2mo

Ugh looking in the mirror at you. I’ve always had one to two cat, whose time always overlapped, that I raised from kitten till adulthood, developed a bond with each of them of course and each one adopted the previous ones best traits plus some.

Some unforeseen circumstances cut that “process” off and I lost the last of the line. I felt a depression I haven’t had, possibly ever (and I’m deeply sad at baseline)

You never know how much of an impact they have until they’re 100% gone. If you’re like me, you may not even realize until someone points it out to you

Vlermuisman1023

2mo

Dearest Mary10123.

How extremely odd, even our user name numerals are close, why do you use those specifically, I keep seeing mine throughout the day in some of the oddest places too.

Anyway, I read your post, I am so sorry about your loss.

I resorted to having cats throughout my life, one or two at any given time. I said goodbye to Hitler on the 29th Feb last month, after 17 wonderful years, this void in my life is considerable, but I still have Gemma, she is now 2, and she will have to be the last.

You spoke about the bond, they way and the time line you adopted, and the impact of loss, it is very strange to me that there is another sounding to have the same type of mindset.

And although the topic is about boredom in your 40s, it iwas striking to see myself, but in someone elses words, it just caught me off guard, and for a change, I thought I will say something.

Thank You, good luck and have a fantastic day.

Ok_Drama8139

2mo

Honest question. I love other peoples dogs. Visit friends and cousins regularly. But i don’t think i could deal with the smell, dirt and hair everywhere at my place. Does that part get overwhelming for someone already kinda overwhelmed with lifes challenges and obligations?

JustinMccloud

2mo

it didnt for me, and there are breeds out there, that done loose much hair, and yes there are times where it gets a little hard (or did at the beginning) but for me it was the perfect thing i needed in my life. but you are 100% right to question this, having a pet is a huge responsibility and dont do it if your not up for that. but for me I was actually a responsible (i basically raised my siblings) person and i needed to be responsible for something again and that saved me. so i guess that is something that you need to decide for your self

Ok_Drama8139

2mo

Thank you for the perspective!

floydbomb

2mo

Dogs are a lot of work if you're not a terrible owner and it can definitely get overwhelming. I occasionally watch my parents dog for a week at a time and while I absolutely love that dog to death (and dogs in general) Im usually thrilled to go back to my regular routine once they return. So I can recognize that I love dogs but Im not a good dog owner if that makes sense

not-the-rule

2mo

Yes, definitely overwhelming. Don't forget about having to scoop poop every day, sometimes multiple times a day, for 15 years. Lol

User deleted comment

2mo

gammonb

2mo

For me, yes. I seem to be an outlier, but my dogs have really been a net negative on my mental health, especially anxiety. I’m glad they help so many others, but it’s certainly not a universally positive experience.

Winthefuturenow

2mo

Hahahah, ah yes Colorado. I moved here over a decade ago and was a bored, fat and drunken miserable schlub of a human being.

Then I started walking a lot, biking, partying with things other than booze (I still drink, just occasionally)…and though as you say it wasn’t easy I am much happier. My family back home is disgusted with my happiness. My family, my wife and I started here are so much better off in multiple ways I’m shocked I was so hesitant to move out here.

The routine, especially the morning routine is what really did it for me. Insisting on exercise of some kind, even if it’s not much or a lot has really helped me. The mushrooms gave me the inspiration to do more. The lifestyle allowed me to be who I am instead of trying to fit other people’s ideas of who I am.

whorl-

2mo

Having more money now has def helped my depression

Ok_Broccoli1144

2mo

I use mushrooms

dispatch134711

2mo

Boy doesn’t even like his PETS

every year that passes I treasure those little guys more and more

BaldChihuahua

2mo

This sounds just like depression

fecal_drippings

2mo

Oh, I’m fine. It’s just that life is pointless and nothing matters and I’m always tired. Also, I can’t sleep, I’m overeating and none of my old hobbies interest me.

Edit: https://i.imgur.com/s2KjTiM.png

epicscallion

2mo

I typed your symptoms into the thing and it seems like you might have network connectivity problems

Electronic_Finger_35

2mo

Depression. Severe. Welcome to the not so enjoyable club.

Justaregularguy001

182

2mo

Therapist here.

It’s called anhedonia. An inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable. One of the defining criteria and symptoms suggesting someone is experiencing a depressive episode.

Edit: Online posts are not a substitute for mental health treatment or assessment. If you are feeling depressed, please seek out professional help.

Edit: For clarification. Anhedonia is merely one out of eight possible criteria to qualify for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. To fully qualify, you need at least 5 or more, the symptoms need to last longer than a two weeks, and need to occur outside of culturally normal periods of grieving for say, death of a loved one.

Even then there are other depressive disorders to consider, a need for differential against the classes of anxiety disorder, consideration of possible drug use/abuse, and more. Just because you may experience anhedonia, it does not mean you have clinical and diagnosable depression. I could write more, but I don’t want to dedicate more time to something like this. In the spirit of adulting, I’m going to go to work now, then spend time with my family. Good day to you all.

rw3iss

2mo

What if the episode's your whole life, is it still just an episode?

tiletap

2mo

Well, then we're talking Persistent Depressive Disorder/Major Depressive Disorder.

User deleted comment

2mo

logical_butthole

2mo

It's a really long episode.

iburstabean

2mo

Like another commenter said, MDD or PDD. Also dysthymia

User deleted comment

2mo

Wifabota

2mo

Sleep is one of those things where you can only "try" so much. I'm sorry.

onwardtoaction

2mo

Fuck this resonates. jUsT gO tO bEd EaRlIeR

living_n_socal

2mo

I have this. I talk to my therapist about this. A few things do make me happy sometimes.

mandance17

102

2mo

I guess a lot of people qualify these days

InEenEmmer

2mo

Kinda expected with the rise of certain trends.

The spirit/brain, or however you want to call it, needs nourishment just like the body does. Things to engage with.
But nowadays trends like social media, television, games and such will give a quick and easy relieve of that hunger of your brain for engagement, but it won’t be truly fulfilling. It is kinda like fast food for our body’s nourishment.

And we all know what happens if you only eat fast food, it stills the hunger for a short period, so you will eat more sooner. Overtime you will grow fat and get other health concerns.

The same goes for the nourishment of our brain. Sometimes a quick snack on instagram or a small bite of Seinfeld is okay, but if it becomes the main diet there will be problems over time. Your brain will feel malnourished or under stimulated, or depressed.

So it is important to also find fulfillment in your life. Think of things you can call an achievement or doing things with which you find connection with people.

NickNackPattiwack999

2mo

Love this!!

Saymaka

2mo

Me reading the post: phew, yes, thank you! Other ppl get it. This is totally a thing.

Me reading your comment: aw, crap.

SwanSongDeathComes

2mo

People tend to think of depression as being like really sad. Most of the depressive episodes I’ve had I didn’t even realize I was depressed until I started coming out of it. Everything just felt flat and boring.

Mcbrainotron

2mo

It’s not crying all the time… it’s more like the color drains out of the world and previously exciting things don’t hold their wonder anymore

SwanSongDeathComes

2mo

Yeah, and part of why it’s insidious for me is that the color drains out and meanwhile you sort of forget what color was even like, so it’s not like you immediately miss it.

ApplicationCalm649

2mo

Came here to say this. Boredom and disinterest in everything was the first sign of my last major depressive episode. Go see a doctor, OP. Don't ignore the problem like I did.

notarobot1111111

2mo

Great! How do I uninstall it?

gastritisgerd

2mo

Yeah, get your vitamin d levels tested, op.

No_Swim_735

117

2mo

When the society is horribly diseased, depression is merely a symptom of it

icemann155

2mo

I think this is the culprit...I do want to add though that kids are 1000% anything but boring

Ok-Steak1479

2mo

DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN BECAUSE YOU THINK IT WILL SOLVE YOUR DEPRESSION!!!!!

thezombieparade

2mo

You'll be too tired to be bored

cowtown45

2mo

Kids-boring….what lol I laughed so hard. It’s never boring when you have kids. They are always doing something unhinged.

accidentalscientist_

2mo

They might not be boring, but their actions can leave you feeling nothing. That’s depression.

Dramatic_Accountant6

2mo

Or unable to get down to their level

DisciplineBoth2567

2mo

Nah, they can be monotonous, repetitive and boring for some people. I guess you may not be bored per se if you’re stressed or trying to wrangle them in but I can see bored as in under stimulating and unfulfilling

Sufficient-Record695

2mo

By depressed, you mean life,... right?

[deleted]

1.8K

2mo

My friend, you have depression. Mentally healthy people don't find everything boring. No longer experiencing enjoyment of things you used to is a classic depression symptom.

naturalbornunicorn

215

2mo

I used to think life was so miserably boring that I didn't particularly want to exist anymore.

I eventually sought treatment for depression. Life still has boring moments, but I don't feel that boredom on a constant, aching, bone-deep level, anymore.

The_Syndic

2mo

I have four kids and a wife with BPD. Four year old just finished cancer treatment a few months ago and wife had a miscarriage a few weeks ago. I honestly crave boredom.

Solanthas

2mo

I can't imagine the suffering of one's child being seriously ill. Sending love your way, my friend.

BatmansBrain

139

2mo

Ok so what next

ffigu002

2mo

Seek help, therapy or medication I suppose

User deleted comment

2mo

argabargaa

2mo

Thats the issue I've been having. My depression symptoms can't be solved with meds or talking it out, because im depressed about something bigger than all of us civilization and the state of the planet as a whole.

loveofphysics

2mo

This guy gets it

Hilldawg4president

2mo

No, this guy probably has treatment-resistant depression

Ryanmiller70

2mo

How with no money?

ind3pend0nt

2mo

Get outside. Going for a hike or just sitting in the sun helps me. I need like 2 - 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.

Beardamus

2mo

These are great suggestions that will help. They are, however, hard to just do if you're depressed.

secretagentmermaid

2mo

Start small. Very, very, very small. Only able to sit inside in pajamas, want to go outside but can’t? Change your clothes. Even if it’s into more pajamas. Even if it’s just your shirt or just your pants. Once you have that little win, you get just a bit of dopamine and serotonin. That can sometimes be enough to give you the motivation for the next step. Which is either, change the rest of the clothes, put on normal non-pajamas, or put on outside shoes, whatever is the step after what you actually accomplished.

Each small step can give you what you need to do the next one. Could be that today you can only change into a different PJ shirt. But maybe tomorrow changing your shirt can help you also change your pants. Maybe then you can shower.

Eventually, this could help you go outside. Not for a whole walk around the block. 5 minutes in the sunshine. That’s it.

Take literal baby steps.

The other part of this is to forgive yourself. Being unable to do things can make you hate yourself and/or feel useless or lazy. While you’re working on slowly getting moving, also try and work on recognizing why you feel this way inside, and at the very least learning to forgive yourself for struggling.

Brave-Scale

2mo

This is great advice!!

bcali8

2mo

Look into behaviour activation online. There are good strategies for people with depression to start small and work towards goals.

Magic_Bluejay

2mo

Start small. Simple things too like make your bed.

vulcanfeminist

2mo

Yeah it's hard, lots of things are hard, effort sucks, but it's usually worth it. Things worth doing are rarely easy. If not being depressed is the goal then putting effort into managing it is both necessary and worthwhile.

thebigshipper

2mo

Let boredom fuel your creativity. Remember that one day you will be dead and try something new.

TwoElksInaTurtleNeck

2mo

Yay

barqers

2mo

I feel the same as OP. However this really cracked me up.

JedBartlettPear

2mo

I don't think that that that's how depression works

TheViewFromHlfwayDwn

2mo

It’s not. When I’m struggling I can be doing my favorite things and feel nothing. It’s a health issue not a try something new issue

NumerousPets

2mo

I can assure you kids are anything but boring. Seeing the excitement in their eyes over the smallest things is awesome. But one should never have kids for the sake of entertainment... that will backfire lol

IlezAji

2mo

Okay, but like, what about somebody who’s never actually enjoyed anything? Asking for me, I’m that person, been like this my entire life so not a “no longer” situation but a “who I am inside” one.

Hilldawg4president

2mo

See a doctor, if you've truly never enjoyed anything in life you have a medical problem. Your happy hormones aren't being produced or aren't being processed correctly, something of that nature. Hopefully something there's treatment for.

notaredditer13

2mo

Echo: see a doctor. This is not normal.

JedBartlettPear

2mo

Reading that list, okay work can be pretty boring, but pets?!?! Second item and it seems like a dead giveaway for depression. Maybe pretty bad too, I still always liked the cat and she's a jerk

OrganizationOk7696

2mo

No he doesn’t. He has life in modern society problems. He’s right. There are no more frontiers. Only work till death.

jhertz14

2mo

Sit in your car to go back and forth to the same office 5 days a week with essentially no vacations for decades.

OP CLEARLY has depression. /s

lostmyshuffle

2mo

These people have never heard of depressive realism.

Arsenic_Bite_4b

982

2mo

I'm over 40 and I see the same mountain through my window and as I'm driving around every day. I see it in with clouds, and without, with storms and more or less snow, during the sunset and in the middle of the day.

Every time I've seen it for the last four years I've lived here I'm blown away by how majestic and beautiful it is. The exact same mountain.

You kind of have to decide how you want your life to be. Do you want to be bored by everything, or get to experience how wonderful things can be?

ETA: Since many have mentioned it, this is in the absence of a structural problem like depression. I have major depression myself. If you have depression, your decision is how you're going to deal with said depression. The point being I'm over 40 and things are definitely not boring.

stories4harpies

193

2mo

You put this way better than I was going to.

I love walks. I walk down my same street everyday. I guess I could get bored of the same street and the same houses. But...

Today it was so pleasant and warm. Things are starting to bloom. A cardinal landed in a tree with white buds and it was so brilliantly red.

Sitting on my porch with the same view never feels boring either, just relaxing and serene.

I do think this is really just about outlook and choosing to be content.

To be fair work is boring and tedious and I want to retire as soon as possible. But nature? How could nature ever be working?

Uknow_nothing

2mo

I like a word you used, “content”. Specifically about the idea that when you get older things must get so boring. When I was in my 20s I thought that older people were boring. They never go out, they form families, they settle into a job. They go to bed by 10 pm.

In my mid 30s, I LOVE “boring”. I can’t imagine wanting to go out and drink. I love a rainy night snuggled in watching a show or movie. Most of the reason people go out in their 20s is to find someone anyway.

And we do go out, we go for hikes. We explore. Finally, with any luck, you start to have some level of disposable income compared to your 20s. You take on hobbies. Hopefully these hobbies nurture your inner child. I have an aunt in her 60s who is still an avid skier and mountain biker. I’d love to take on fishing, something I’d have thought was boring in my drinking/EDM days. Boring is zen.

Arsenic_Bite_4b

2mo

I like a word you used, “content”.

I'm also with you on "content." Happy is great but is naturally fleeting. Our brains were not built to be continuously happy. See hedonistic adaptation.

Content is something one can sustain long-term and actively make a choice to pursue. It take a change in perception though, I've found, one has to stop looking for the big exciting things for personal fulfilment (though they're not bad to have sometimes), and kind of return one's gaze to very small victories one can have every day.

In getting older and changing focus, I'm sure I seem more "boring" to many younger people, but I am magnitudes more fulfilled and content than where I was 20 years ago.

cbaltz622

2mo

You speak to my soul

n1rvous

2mo

Mindset plays a huge part in life. I choose to look at the glass is half full. I have a friend who chooses the opposite. Positive mindset is so much better to live with. It’s not as easy as I’m making it out to be, but it’s for sure something a person can control, for the most part.

FireflyEvie

2mo

"Mountain's out!"

bauul

2mo

I've lived in the area over 10 years and being able to say this when it happens still makes me excited

ThneakyThnake808

2mo

I caught a nice glimpse of the mountain yesterday on my way to work, and it is so majestic every time

No_Act1861

2mo

It's funny you mention that. I have cyclical depression and I often use the mountains as a guide of if I need to be thinking about getting help. If I look at them and find them dull, or uninteresting, I know my mood isn't right.

Thick-Finding-960

2mo

I live by the ocean and every time I look out at it, it’s breathtaking.

Seeing the way it changes, a cloudy sky, the sun peaking through on the water, or when the waves are big and dangerous… it takes me outside myself. I’m so grateful to have such an intimate relationship with this beautiful place.

chrysostomos_1

2mo

I used to see My Rainier every day. I still miss it.

SparklyRoniPony

2mo

St Helen’s and Hood for me; and on really clear days I can see Adams and the tippy top of Ranier.

291000610478021

2mo

Well.. I mean it helps it's something beautiful like a mountain

AMasterSystem

2mo

Have you ever seen a moon?

The moon is like a mountain in the sky.

The moon changes shapes and sizes and colors and many other environmental variables.

Defiant-Specialist-1

2mo

“The moon is like a mountain in the sky” is so poetic and beautiful a line. Gave me a whole new feeling about how great the moon is.

youburyitidigitup

2mo

OP mentioned mountains.

IlezAji

2mo

People don’t choose how they react to things or what they like or dislike though.

I don’t like mountains or nature. You could Vlockwork Orange me in front of that mountain and tell me all about how beautiful it is, I’ll never see it that way.

I honestly don’t see anything that way though and never have…

TexasTokyo

153

2mo

Lots of consuming and not so much creating can be boring, yes.

HeadGoBonk

2mo

What do you create?

Rob_LeMatic

2mo

not op, but I write short stories and am working on a novel. i do pyrography. I sketch drawings. I've become a pretty great cook and I learn new recipes or techniques. I try to find different funny ways to respond to comments here and when I remember, I save them in a note to maybe try to put together a stand up routine. I keep a dream journal and sometimes incorporate my dreams into stories. I've been learning to lucid dream and can sometimes direct what happens in my dreams. I used to write music, but now I just occasionally do karaoke

markevens

2mo

Music.

I'm not great at it, but I'm getting better.

Adm_Ozzel

2mo

Ooh, I know! Poverty!!! I make what should be good money, and yet with each passing year I can afford less and less, and my debt racks up to crippling levels. Everyone seems to invent new ways to fuck me out of more $ on a regular basis. Keeps things lively :)

savagelionwolf

2mo

Agreed and poverty is depressing, I see most people are saying OP is depressed and that's probably true but what led to the depression? I'm 41m and while I still find joy in a number of things, I find myself complaining about the cost of living and I use my lack of disposable income as an excuse to not do things like travel, go to concerts and eating at nice restaurants. I stopped doing a lot of things I enjoy because I'm not wealthy and now I'm bored and kinda depressed.

snes_guy

2mo

Eating at restaurants is legitimately boring, honestly. I have disposable income but in the last few years restaurants have had terrible service, food is very overpriced, and I don’t have fun eating out. Cooking is much more fun to me.

SpeedyTurbo

236

2mo

My god this subreddit is depressing

AMasterSystem

2mo

Are anti-depressants covered in the /r/adulting WIKI or FAQ?

profitableblink

2mo

Being adult is depressing.

BloodShadow7872

2mo

Just think you're a kid then, much more fun than just thinking you have to do grown up stuff.

[deleted]

2mo

well not for everyone.

No_Adhesiveness_8207

164

2mo

Pet animals are absolutely not boring!

dachinesechicken

2mo

In my deepest suicidal depression days the one thing that kept me hanging on was my cats. I couldn’t imagine doing that to them.

DramaticAvocado

2mo

same. I've been sick at home from work for close to five months now. it really took a toll on me mentally, and I had some very dark days. Having my cat on my lap instantly made me feel better, I don't know if I would have made it without her.

fireflylibrarian

2mo

I came here to say the same thing. My favorite part of the day is reading a book while the cats curl up on my lap.

ASK_ABT_MY_USERNAME

2mo

karma is a cat purring in my lap 'cause it loves me

Bobafettm

2mo

Literally the single best part of my entire life… they make me who I am.

Mar-velousDick

2mo

Once you've seen ONE MOUNTAIN? My dude...do you know how many mountains there are?

thematchalatte

2mo

LMAO imagine OP going to Japan and see Mount Fuji.

"Ehh it's just a mountain. I've seen it"

FTR_1077

2mo

I moved from Mexico to Texas.. from a place surrounded by mountains to the flattest land I never thought could possibly exist... God, I miss the mountains so much, sometimes in my morning commute I see the clouds in the horizon while the sun raises behind, and I genuinely believe those are mountains.. it takes a second to come to the realization that is just clouds.

Fuck, I miss the mountains..

Wise-Necessary-7305

2mo

Brain chemistry. Some assholes get lifelong feel good chemicals. Others like us don’t. 30ish and feel the same. Love my kids but the responsibility of parenting fucking sucks in many ways, boredom of the monotony being a big one. This life is a fucking trap.

User deleted comment

2mo

Recent-Character6231

2mo

Study where they deprive rats of dopamine and the rats starve to death with food literally right beside them because they didn't have enough dopamine to care about not dying. As someone with severe ADHD I get so fucking jealous of these people that just "enjoy" life. What the fuck does that even mean?

Then you see all these people saying he's "depressed" or he needs a new challenge or go on a vacation. They aren't being malicious but they can't understand what it's like because there's a high chance they've never had a dopamine level anywhere near as low as OP. The older I get the more I think the ones that don't feel this way are the psychotic ones. Nothing gets me quite as sad as seeing someone who is working a min wage job get up to go to work and say "that's life." I guess I'm happy they have enough dopamine to think that way, I don't.

NetJnkie

2mo

I'm 49 and not even close to being bored with everything. Love spending time with the family. My dogs are awesome. Love to fish and shoot. Still love to play video games, just not as often as I used to do it. I can't wait until I retire in 10 years and get to do all this stuff full time.

youburyitidigitup

2mo

How will you retire at 59??? Which country are you in?

NetJnkie

2mo

USA. Good paying jobs. LCOL areas.

Kindly_City_3491

2mo

A friend of mine just retired at age 50. He lives in Upstate New York.

ppardee

2mo

Stop trying to fill the emptiness. Be empty for a while. Your enjoyment of things will come back.

Kids are definitely not boring, but they're not boring in the sense that being in a crashing plane isn't boring...

PlusSign1999

153

2mo

"if you're bored, then you're boring.". - Harvey Danger

VERONICAMARK44

2mo

I’m the best closer in town - Harvey Specter

olyfrijole

2mo

Come up to my hotel room. - Harvey Weinstein

Rob_LeMatic

2mo

the agony and the irony, they're killing me

TrixoftheTrade

2mo

“Boredom indicates a lack of inner resources.”

[deleted]

2mo

Sounds like you need a new challenge, something to work towards. I found coaching others at work and helping people in my community really helped me. I joined a community group and met people from all walks of life, saw their challenges and how little control they had over their lives. Which also made me realise how lucky I am. I still can’t reach the levels of excitement I had 10 years ago in my early 40s but I do atleast feel like I’m alive now.

MsMisty888

2mo

Life begins to actually feel really long in your 40s and even 50s. Like, what am I supposed to do for the next 40 years? Especially when you are not wealthy.

DramaticAvocado

2mo

really? I hope so. I'm 30 now and the last five years felt like one year in my early twenties.

poopface41217

2mo

This sounds like depression. If you go through a basic mental health screening, you'll be asked "Have you lost interest in things you once enjoyed?" or something like that. I've gone through bouts of depression on and off my whole life, and the first sign it's sneaking back up on me if when everything kind of sucks and nothing interests me anymore. Maybe talk to you PCP or GP about getting a mental health screening.

FreakInTheTreats

2mo

This feels like the greatest argument against prolonging human lifespan lol

whatshisnuts1234

2mo

I'm also curious. In 27 and I've already lost any and all passion, ethic, or drive I grew up with. I'm in a constant state of mental and emotional exhaustion, and I dont even work. At this point I'm trying to get rid of everything I own that's not bare bones survival kit, my video games, my car, and my motorbike. Everything else just feels like a burden. (Tbf, my car is a HUGE burden because it needs floors, brakes, wiring, and a new ragtop)

I feel this question on a spiritual level and I have no idea how everyone doesnt just get up and walk away from it all.

K-man_100

2mo

THIS! Everything feels like a burden to me. STUFF is just burdensome. I feel like my mind is screaming for a life of minimalism:

small living space
few belongings
no pets
no kids
no mindless TV like sports

I honestly want nothing.

movzx

2mo

Your post reads like depression. You should get checked out.
If that's what you want, do it. It's not hard to be minimalist. It's damned cheap too. You can buy some cheap land, a cheap trailer, and only head into town for groceries.

DylanRM86

2mo

No social media / mindless smartphone use would be a much better start.

patienceparse

2mo

Welcome to your midlife crisis! This is about the time that you reinvent yourself to more authenticity rather than doing what everybody else says will make you happy. What do you want to do?

odorous

2mo

Everything is better on weed.

fetalintherain

2mo

Sounds like you're close to nirvana

K-man_100

2mo

Lol

KMDR1998

2mo

I feel the same and I’m only 26. I finished uni in August 2022 and started working office jobs full time the same month and I’m already bored of the monotonous life style

AMC_Unlimited

2mo

I’m there with ya, but as John “Cougar” Mellencamp once said, life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone.

Medium_Reality4559

2mo

Ah, welcome to the mid-life awakening. It’s all shit. It all matters and nothing really matters at the same time. Quite the paradox. What a fun phase of life (🙄). I hope it’s better on the other side of the hump.

torosintheatmosphere

2mo

Same. Was thinking this, this week. Like even if I won the lottery. Meh wouldn’t have a burning desire to do something. Feel like I’ve seen and experienced what I need to.

OldAd6354

2mo

I often have the same thoughts but I keep going because I have a kid that needs me and I have some goals.

But what gets me going are the small things... the cup of coffee in the morning, the weekends where I can sleep in and try to relax, the show/movie that I'm looking forward to.

I also plan small vacations for my son, see friends sometimes... and food. FOOD is a big one. Always something to look forward to.

You have to start glamorizing the small things because that's all there is. And I'm grateful for all that I have. It took a lot to get me where I am.

malvinamakes

2mo

the cats are offended tbqh

do people *bore you? you didn't mention humans.

stang6990

🍰

2mo

Exercise is free and one of the highest influences on your mood. In some countries doctors actually write prescriptions for it.

Green_Lawyer_1049

2mo

I feel the same way. I don't think I'm depressed though. I'm just bored of the same shit. One thing that does help me is trying to learn how to work on cars/motorcycle. I grew up in a household where my dad's favorite tool was duct tape. There want a lot of turning wrenches. Learning about it and saving money doing my own repairs is fascinating. But beaidea that I hear u man

OkPhilosopher7444

2mo

This happened to me when I turned forty. Each morning while getting ready for work, the Violent Femmes song "Day.... After.. Day..' would play in my head as I mechanically did the same things over and over. Therapy helped. But ultimately I think the best thing to do is to just do something different. It can start small. Take a different route somewhere... Eat something different... Talk to a stranger... When you have new experiences, different synapses will fire in your brain and eventually you can get out of living on auto-pilot.

I know it can seem impossible or unimaginable for things to change but they can!

garlicbreadmemesplz

2mo

As someone with permanent depression… Have you considered Baldurs Gate 3?

darcymackenzie

2mo

My mom said, If you're bored, you're tired. You might have burnout.

[deleted]

2mo

Life is boring af. Just cuz you’re bored doesn’t mean you’re depressed. It means you’re understimulated and maybe even gifted, tbh

K-man_100

2mo

I’ll go with gifted! 😂

techy098

2mo

Imagine you earn 1 million per year without bound to a single location, do you think you will be bored?

I am sure you can use your imagination to create a happening life every damn day of your life.

Imagine you have a million in passive income and do not have to work.

We are bored because we cannot afford to live an interesting life and we do not know how to live like a monk who can pretty spend hours in meditation to remove boredom from their lives.

terrapinone

2mo

There was a skit about this on SNL. Quite funny. https://youtu.be/TfE93xON8jk?si=_LPC9tlbJmViNOHp

KSWind17

2mo

The older you get, the more you chase peace over excitement. lol

K-man_100

2mo

Haha. Word. I swear the older I get the more I just want NOTHING in my life. Stuff just makes everything so complicated. I’m intrigued by a life of minimalism, but my partner isn’t. Seems to be a contentious issue in our relationship.

stuckhuman

2mo

"Learn to be bored and un-high in this life or leave"-- GC Brown. He is no longer with us.

Working-Bet-9104

2mo

That’s what THC is for.

Intelligent_Tone8194

2mo

I haven’t been bored since I was 15. Can’t relate. I’m 40.

Zealousideal_Sir_264

2mo

You hit a certain age, it's different for everyone, where boring is good. Everything else is a bunch of drama.

HealthTechnical5972

2mo

sounds like youre done with this world; look into astral projecting.

NewFeature

2mo

When I reached this point. I quit everything and lived as a monk in Tibet for 10 months. I came back and found it all interesting again. Now, this obviously didn’t happen but the thought of it is nice and keeps me going.

smalj1990

2mo

MOTORCYCLES!!!! This is the answer you seek.

TwoElksInaTurtleNeck

2mo

Is that what a middle life crisis is? Get the danger machine around 40s so we can feel something?

IvanLendl87

2mo

Got to engage in something genuinely competitive - tennis, triathlon, 5K races, bike races…something. That keeps your mind & body engaged and your spirits up.