Research suggests you can actually die of boredom. But not if you embrace the transformation that walking can give you every day of your life.
Boredom might seem a rather harmless irritant you associate with hold music or childhood visits to relatives. But make no mistake – long-term tedium is a serious issue, and in the context of our finite lives an unconscionable waste.
It can even kill you, warns chartered psychologist Dr Sandi Mann (pictured), author of The Science of Boredom: ‘Research suggests long-term boredom can actually shorten our lives. It’s designed to produce a reaction, and in response we’re more likely to eat unhealthy things, drink alcohol, get addicted to shopping, become sedentary or take part in risky behaviours.’
And if you doubt monotony can lead to mortality, check out a result of The Whitehall Study, which analysed middle-aged civil servants over decades. It found those most likely to get bored were 30% more likely to be dead in three years.
Luckily the ennui obstacle is very much surmountable. One of the best ways to counter the dreariness that can creep into our lives is to get walking.
‘I’m a massive fan of walking,’ says Dr Mann. ‘It’s an activity that gives you downtime – taking yourself out from the fray with nothing much to do but let your mind wander. And mind wandering and daydreaming are really key to coping with boredom.
‘They’re really good for creativity, which is the opposite of boredom, and which is about seeking more interesting ways to do things and getting stimulation in our lives. When we walk, our minds go on journeys and fantasies – we see things differently and come up with creative solutions and ideas. I know I get my best ideas when I’m walking.’
Another reason boredom is so harmful is its intricate link to stress, which can lead to heart disease, strokes, and depression. ‘The research I’ve shown suggests when we’re bored we find it stressful,’ says Dr Mann. ‘But walking often involves being in nature, and there’s a lot of benefit in being outside to relieve stress and anxiety.’
How the challenge chases away dull days
‘I never have a bored moment’
‘Since starting the challenge I now walk to work and arrive energised and ready to start the day. On the way home I listen to the birds, mull over the day, and arrive home totally relaxed. I think about where I might walk at the weekend and even spend my lunch hours looking up walks. I never have a bored moment as I’m either walking or planning a walk!’ – Karen Ley
‘I can’t imagine life without the challenge’
‘This is my first year doing this challenge with my son. I was in a bad place mentally after a few bereavements. I stopped going out and got angry with the world. Then I started seeing a health adviser who suggested I get out walking. Being out in the fresh air has done me the world of good and now I can’t imagine life without going out walking daily.’ – Sarah Burbridge
‘Oh, how I’ve missed being outside’
‘Having always loved walking, I’ve recently been reminded just how important it is in my life. I’ve been out of action since February due to a broken ankle and am just beginning to walk longer distances. Oh, how I’ve missed being outside! Walking has a huge impact on my mental wellbeing. I can find space for me, away from all the the madness of work and family pressures.’ – Susanne Simkins
‘#walk1000miles has given us a purpose’
‘During the first lockdown we were unable to get out as my other half was going through chemo, so when we were finally able to get out we appreciated it so much. And we haven’t looked back. Signing up to #walk1000miles has given us a purpose because, like many, it would be too easy to make excuses not to go out.’ – Anne Denness
‘It’s been the best thing ever!’
‘I was in a rut. Last September I signed up to do a sponsored walk for dementia in memory of my mother-in-law. I loved it, and met and reconnected with people I’d not seen for years whilst she’d been ill. On New Year’s Eve my partner asked what the plan is for this year. I blurted out ‘walk 1000 miles’! Mentally, physically, emotionally it’s been the best thing ever.’ – Ros Holmes
‘Bored is no longer in my dictionary’
‘I love to spot birds, butterflies and fungi. I geocache and enjoy the history of where I live. I’ve found all the trigs in my area and I love maps. I tootle around doing all these things and the miles add up nicely. Bored is no longer in my dictionary since joining this challenge – fun and adventure are.’ – Karen Padmore
