Blog 8: Boredom

My occupation experience has gone a lot better than I thought it would in the beginning. Bowling has become something I enjoy to do. Could this be because I got better? Or is it just simply the fact that I have found more to enjoy in the game than my performance? I truly think its the second one. I enjoy going bowling for the aspects of getting up and doing something other than work and school. This occupation has gotten me out of the house on days I know I would have just stayed home and worked. While technically this occupation is for school, I think bowling has truly reminded me of the importance between school/work/life balance. 

When it comes to bowling I think people will experience many different types from the model within Wesgate & Steidel (2020).  However, bowling for me tends to land under F (Enjoyment, Low Boredom.) I believe that bowling fits best under this because it has a high meaning to me but a low demand. Bowling is meaningful to me because it is something I remember my family always doing growing up. When I go bowling there is very little demand. I truly just go and play a few games not really thinking or worrying about anything else. 

The concept of boredom is a big part of our occupational influence. Personally, I think I tend to enjoy boredom now more than I used to in the past. In the past being bored was the worst for me. I would always try to find little things to do just to avoid boredom. I feel like my current life is so busy that sometimes I search for the concept of boredom just to give my body and mind time to relax. When it comes to my current occupation; I can see bowling being an occupation that I go and do in the future to fix my boredom. 

Westgate, E. C., & Steidle, B. (2020). Lost by definition: Why boredom matters for psychology and                   society. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 14(11), Article                                                           e12562. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12562