Bored and restless

[Worrier35]

Can anxiety cause me to feel bored and over tired? Havent been sleeping well the past couple of days. Never the less Ive been keeping busy with my home business and being out and about shopping. I also walk every morning with my dog as well. So I do keep busy. So why do I feel bored when I'm home alone? Or not want to be home and alone!!? Because it's boring not talking to anyone or seeing anyone. In person anyway. My husband works 13 hour days, so I don't expect to be entertained all day everyday. Is this depression? Or is it my anxiety causing me to feel this way. Sigh....I have been doing so well with my OCD and intrusive thoughts. Now this 😞dont know if this makes sense, but I just feel tired and bored at the same time. Am I just avoiding feeling anxiety, and just sitting with it and accepting it.

[LadyO4]

Anxiety can cause all sorts of reactions, so I wouldn't rule out boredom and tiredness completely! I do know that people who experience high levels of boredom can slip into feeling depressed because they feel the meaningless and loss of a rewarding job or home life, or from guilt they are not making more of their life, or diminished incentive or pleasure in activities. Not all boredom triggers depression though.

When you feel yourself slipping into this stare of boredom, can you ever identify what it's telling you about your life? I know for myself that one way to beat boredom is to become actively involved and connected in the lives of others, or getting involved in an activity that makes me feel fulfilled, like with nature, a hobby, a skill, or an interest. Your boredom may be telling you something about yourself.

An imbalance of hormones is usually the biggest culprit for anxiety related issues, but for many people I know it has more to do with the emotional side, or even the spiritual side of why they feel this way. Have you had a chance to discuss this with anyone at length? About your life and all it entails? About what has transpired that lead you to this point? About your gifts and talents? Your purpose in life?

Anxiety and depression easily originated from so many things; your past history, personality type, any disappointments you face regularly, relationships and expectations, medications, chemical imbalances, diet, loneliness, and things like that. If this is something that continues to bother you, I would encourage you to seek out the help and support of someone who is equipped to address these kinds of issues. It could be someone you look up to and respect, a friend, a therapist, a church staff member, a functional doctor, a counselor, a support group, a hotline worker, or someone you know that you can trust.

Everyone is different so please be kind to yourself and take this a step further; find out why you feel this way. Don't be hesitant to make some phone calls and gather information. Keep an ongoing journal of how you feel everyday, so in the event you do discuss this with someone, you's have a current track record of what's been going on that can help paint a picture of your life.

Talking to the right person is key, and my hope and prayer for you is that God will lead you and guide you and bring these answers into your life. Thank you for letting me share mu thoughts.

[Worrier35 in reply to LadyO4]

Hi Lady04, thank you so much for taking the time and responding, really appreciate it. I know what is bothering me actually. I havent been out in the work force for almost 2 years. I worked in retail for 11 years. I do miss working and that has played heavy on my mind. I have my own home business I started after I quit retail. Its enjoyable and makes some money, enough to keep it a float. Sometimes a profit if its fall and winter season. However, I've been feeling like it's not enough. My husband has told me numerous times I dont need to work, money isnt an issue. Which is a blessing. But I feel like I need to do something more for myself other then house duties, cleaning cooking dinner etc.

I do journal, and I do excersise everyday. I also mediatate and go to sleep around the same time every evening. I read self help books and research alot. I also have a close relationship with my family that I speak with or see everyday.

So, what I have concluded is that I need to do something more, like going back to work. I noticed that when I quit I sat here and thought alot of the time, which isnt good and has created anxiety for myself. Also created boredom and restlessness.

I dont take medication, although it has been brought up by my Dr. I have an appointment on July 3rd to get my hormones checked. See how that goes. As for now I have been doing pretty well with accepting my symptoms, just some days are harder then others I suppose.

But you are right when you said that boredom is telling me something about myself. And I came to that conclusion today while journaling actually so thank you again for your response. I really needed some input and advise.

Have a great day!

[LadyO4 in reply to Worrier35]

I think it's wonderful that you can connect the dots and clearly see the link between job loss and anxiety. Your job must have met some deep needs inside you.

The other thing I was going to add to that is volunteer work. Something happens inside your heart when you see a need being met in someone else, as it meets a need in you too! I have found my purpose in life to take on new dimensions when I make myself available to others. And you don't have to look very far to see the needs in people all around you. Our communities are filled with opportunities.

Right before I saw your response here, I was reading an article on how eating turkey can have an affect on anxiety. It's actually the tryptophan in the turkey that converts to serotonin which gives us a heightened sense of well-being. I looked it up because I eat a lot of turkey for that reason and wanted to research it more in depth. Exercise does the same thing. Once the hormone gets released into your bloodstream it regulates mood and social behavior. How much exactly is needed? That varies from person to person.

Have you ever thought of joining a woman's Bible study group? Many people will say they are not religious and therefore the idea is not something they would pursue, but woman are all the same around the world. We all have the same needs, and God has designed friendships in such a way to meet those needs. Is there a Bible believing church in your area? it wouldn't hurt to make some calls and gather information. Getting connected with other woman could prove to be a huge source of encouragement for you!

[Worrier35 in reply to LadyO4]

Lady04, I did come to the conclusion that working was great for me. Not only was I making some money, but I was with customers all day. I enjoyed helping customers. Truth is I'm a people person, I like to help others and i enjoy listening to others. A bible study group sounds like fun, and I think that would be really nice actually. I will keep that in mind, thank you!!! I do believe that friendship is what I need the most. My husband is my best friend, but I think both of us could benefit from meeting new people and building friendships.

[Lyn842]

I think they all kinda go together. Boredom can bring on anxiety. Then you get tired of not enjoying anything. Lack of sleep just makes everything worse. Just from what you've said, it sounds like anxiety from boredom and a bit depressed. If you don't get out of your "funk" see a doctor. What would you like to be doing if you could? Your husband working such long hard days prob doesn't help him to be in the greatest mood or want to do anything social. Try making him feel special in whatever way you can. Whether it be his fav. meal or something more intimate. It will help you plan something you Want to do instead of the same hum drum stuff.

[Worrier35 in reply to Lyn842]

Hi Lyn842, thank you for taking the time to read my post and respond!! I have noticed that when im continually busy I feel this way. Or if my anxiety is really bad I just feel exhausted. I've come so far though in the past year. And you are right about my husbands mood, it isnt the greatest and he is always tired. But we always have a nice cooked meal together and cuddle. We go to the movies when we can and do things together when he has time off I look forward to his days off lol!!! We have been doing a fitness program together too. So that has helped us accomplish a healthier lifestyle together. I will talk to my Dr. If I feel like this constantly. Thank you for your suggestions!!

Take care