Chase Away Boredom

Do you not sometimes feel a weariness that spoils your whole day? Do you not throw down the book in your hands for no reason at all? Do you not intend to write your aunt a letter, and yet, for all that, find yourself unable to begin it?

Boredom is a sworn enemy of man. It is an illness — and because it is an illness, it can be treated. Before you now is a program that takes ten days to carry out, and the doctors and psychologists say that if you apply it you will be cured of that ailment of yours. Do each day what you are told, and do not think about what you will do the following day.

The first day — Buy two tickets for a picture show, a lecture, or something of the kind, to be held five weeks from now — no sooner. And invite an ordinary friend of yours, not an intimate one, to attend it with you.

The second day — Write two letters to two friends with whom you have not corresponded in six months.

The third day — Borrow a book from one of the libraries you frequent. And over the coming eight days, read one chapter a day — no more.

The fourth day — Arrange with one of your friends to go to the market the day after tomorrow to shop.

The fifth day — Pay two short visits: one to an old friend, the other to a friend whom you have not seen for a long while. And invite one of them to take tea with you in two weeks' time.

The sixth day — For months now you have been thinking of inviting your friend (F.) and her husband to dinner. Telephone her today and invite her to your house for some day next month.

The seventh day — Volunteer to help in some social project — even if you can manage no more than writing addresses on envelopes.

The eighth day — Arrange a plan to spend two days away from home within the coming three months.

The ninth day — Make today's tasks different from what they usually are. If you were going to the market in the morning, go in the afternoon. And if it is washing day, do not wash.

The tenth day — Do you know a friend of yours who feels lonely and isolated? Invite her to visit you next week, and introduce her to another friend of yours.