We all know about burnout, but “boreout” is a lesser-known issue that can seriously affect your mental health and job satisfaction. Boreout happens when your job feels repetitive, meaningless, and unchallenging, not because you’re overwhelmed, but because you're under-stimulated. Psychotherapist Joe Nucci explains it as "slowly disappearing from your own work life while still showing up every day." Over time, boreout can lead to anxiety, depression, and a drop in energy and self-worth.
Common signs experts say might indicate you’re experiencing boreout include:
- Feeling uninterested in tasks and mentally checked out
- Faking being busy to look productive
- Seeing no opportunity for growth or promotion
- Spending time on non-work activities like scrolling or taking extra-long breaks
- Making careless mistakes, feel sluggish, and question your value at work
- Isolating from coworkers and experience low mood or apathy
To fix boreout, experts suggest:
- Acknowledging the problem — Recognizing boreout is the first step toward change
- Talking to your manager — Ask for new challenges or more meaningful responsibilities
- Adding variety — Volunteer for different projects or collaborate with new people
- Gamifying your tasks — Turn boring work into a competition with yourself or coworkers
- Changing your environment — If possible, mix up your routine or workspace
- Reconnecting with others — Build relationships beyond small talk to boost engagement
So, if your workday feels like watching paint dry, it might be time to shake things up… before your brain officially checks out.⠀
Source: Huff Post