Bored at work? Sure, we’ve all been there. Slow days, repetitive tasks, and the occasional lull are part of any job. But what if that boredom doesn’t just fade away? What if it hangs around, making you wonder, 'What’s the point of all this?' When boredom sticks, it can turn into something more serious: boreout. So, let’s talk about it!

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What’s Boreout, and Why Should You Care?

Think of boreout as the silent twin of burnout. Burnout stems from overwork, but boreout happens when you feel underused, unchallenged, and purposeless in your job.

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You might be busy—or even successful—on paper, but every task feels meaningless.

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When people go through the motions with low energy, no enthusiasm, and feel numb for an extended period, it affects more than just productivity—it chips away at mental and physical health.

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Boreout is probably affecting more people than you think, but it’s still a bit of a taboo topic. We’re all familiar with burnout and how much attention it gets, but when it comes to feeling bored at work, many don’t take it seriously. People tend to show more sympathy for burnout, but they often overlook the fact that chronic boredom can cause just as many problems. And because it’s harder to see the causes of boreout, people often assume it's the individual’s problem to solve, rather than a symptom of a deeper issue within the workplace environment.

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Research shows that when people lack challenges, their joy for life fades. In fact, boredom doesn’t just make your workday feel like an endless slog; it can cause you to feel detached in other areas, like relationships and personal interests. That slow, creeping sense of “blah” can become your new normal—and that’s when the real problems begin.

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What Causes Boreout?

Boreout happens when you don’t feel mentally stimulated or challenged. Maybe your daily tasks feel repetitive, or you’re simply not growing anymore. It’s easy to fall into a rhythm where you just show up to work, without any sense of excitement or purpose.

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When your brain isn’t challenged, it starts to disengage. That might look like distractions, a lack of motivation, and the overwhelming urge to scroll on your phone instead of focusing on the task at hand. And guess what? This mental disengagement has a domino effect: your creativity suffers, productivity plummets, and before you know it, you’re also becoming difficult to be around for colleagues, friends, family, etc.

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Boreout Doesn’t Stay at Work

Boreout doesn’t clock out at 5 p.m. If you ignore it, it can seep into your relationships, personal life, and overall outlook. You start feeling disconnected not just from work but from things you used to enjoy. Even hanging out with friends or family might start to feel like a drag, and you could end up reaching for distractions—endless scrolling, mindless TV shows—anything to fill the void.

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It’s easy to get stuck in that “meh” feeling about everything. And the longer it goes on, the harder it is to shake it off.

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How to Break the Cycle of Boreout

If you’re feeling stuck, the good news is you can do something about it. Here are a few things to try:

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1. Acknowledge the Issue:

Realizing you’re chronically bored is the first step. Ask yourself what’s missing—what made you feel engaged and excited in the past. Journaling or reflecting can help you get in touch with what you really want.

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2. Speak Up:

If there’s something you want to do, don’t keep quiet. Talk to your boss, suggest new projects, or volunteer for things that excite you.

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3. Set Personal Challenges:

Create small, doable goals that make your work more rewarding, like learning a new skill or dedicating time to creative side projects.

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4. Find What Excites You:

Outside of work, find something that lights you up. Whether it’s a hobby, a side project, or something completely new, doing something you’re excited about can help you remember what it feels like to be inspired.

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5. Make Room for Play:

Adding a bit of playfulness to your life is one of the best ways to shake off boredom. Whether it’s a new sport, painting, or something spontaneous, having fun releases feel-good chemicals in your brain.

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6. Reach Out for Support:

Sometimes it helps to talk it out with someone else. A coach, a mentor, or even a trusted colleague can offer a fresh perspective and help you get back on track.

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For Managers: How to Tackle Boreout in Your Team

As a manager, it’s key to notice when your team starts losing interest. Boreout is contagious, and if you ignore it, it can drag the whole team down.

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Here are a few things you can do to keep things fresh and exciting:

1. Invest in Personal Growth: Offer workshops to break the monotony. Team-building exercises or brainstorming sessions can help spark new ideas and improve collaboration.
2. Challenge Weeks: Get your team to step out of their comfort zone with “Challenge Weeks.” They can take on something outside their usual routine, like learning a new skill or working on a project they wouldn’t normally get the chance to.
3. Encourage Passion Projects: Let your team explore their own ideas. Give them time to work on things they’re passionate about. Having ownership and creative freedom can reignite their sense of purpose.
4. Gamify the Workspace: Make work fun by adding a bit of play. Reward achievements with points, perks, or recognition. A little friendly competition can make even routine tasks more interesting.
5. Employee-Led Initiatives: Let employees lead things like book clubs, fitness challenges, or brainstorming sessions. This builds camaraderie and a sense of belonging within the team.
6. Flexible Workspaces: The space you work in matters. Create areas that mix things up: quiet spaces for focus, open areas for collaboration, and chill zones for breaks.
7. Regular Check-Ins and Feedback: Make sure your team feels comfortable opening up about when they’re bored or disconnected. Regular check-ins and a culture of open feedback will stop frustration from building up.

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Why Taking Action Matters

It’s clear: ignoring boreout doesn’t just affect your work—it affects your entire life. If you let yourself get stuck in that cycle of boredom, it can spread to every part of your world. That’s why taking action is so important.

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Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, creative courses, or just seeking a new challenge, you can break free from the cycle and rediscover the excitement that’s been missing. Life doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending, monotonous routine.

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If you’re ready to add some play, challenge, and excitement back into your life, don’t wait. Let’s work together to create the kind of day that makes you want to jump out of bed. Take that first step towards feeling engaged and inspired again—your future self will thank you!