BOREDOM DEFINITION: a state of weariness brought about by dullness or a lack of stimulation PHYSICAL SIGNALS: Resting the chin in the hand Staring off into space Half-closed eyes Sleeping or dosing The chin resting on the chest Head thrown back, eyes staring at the ceiling Limp posture Slouching in a chair with one’s arms dangling Restless movements (rolling the neck, foot-tapping) Engaging in small talk with people nearby People watching Eating or drinking out of a desire to do something Flipping through brochures or other reading material at hand Frequent trips outside or to the bathroom Flipping through TV channels Aimless wandering or pacing Texting or web surfing on the phone Quick laughter Complaining Whining Yawning Doodling Wandering attention Participating in mundane activities out of desperation Becoming productive out of a desire to do something Jumping at any opportunity that arises List-making Indulging in habits (picking at nails, scratching) Passive destructiveness (shredding paper, bending paperclips) Sighing or mumbling under the breath INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Lethargy Heaviness in the muscles A jittery feeling in the extremities Feeling antsy Hyperactivity MENTAL RESPONSES: The mind cycling through options of what to do Daydreaming Seeking out others, even people one normally wouldn’t pursue Negative thoughts Feeling as if time has slowed down Difficulty concentrating CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM BOREDOM: Purposely irritating others as a way to entertain oneself Pulling pranks Getting into trouble at school Throwing oneself into a new hobby or project Increased exercise Frustration Impatience Apathy Depression Sitting or staying in one place for long periods of time Self-pity A feeling of worthlessness A desire for purpose CUES OF SUPPRESSED BOREDOM: Overcommitting Being in constant motion Being determined to have a good time Adhering to a strict routine so there will always be something to do Jumping to a new activity at the first sign of boredom Talkativeness; incessantly calling others just to chat WRITER’S TIP:No one likes to be bored, but this trait doesn’t have to be a negative one. Turn it into a positive by using it as a catalyst that pushes your character into uncovering a truth, discovering a new passion, or mending an existing fault in society.