Advice for restlessness/boredom?

Hi cerry im glad you posted this i can 100% relate..so be intresting to see other replies. I also struggle with focus motivation and have plenty things i could do and or need to do. But as you said gambling i could also spend hours fixated on.

Why dont you join the group chatroom at 1pm

Loux 

Probably because gambling brings a high that really isn't good for you. I think it's natural for it all to feel mundane but trust me, mundane is a million times better than feeling the low of emptiness. 

Do you have any hobbies? If not, get some. There are so many things you can do and you have the time to really get into it all as you must have free time because you don't gamble anymore. I'm on my 8th day gambling free. Got paid today and not gambled. I play my guitar a lot more, found a new TV show, I'm writing more and I'm working on a podcast. It's all interesting and exciting. But everyone is different and you have to find what interests you apart from the demon that is gambling

Hi, well done on 4 weeks gamble free but this is still early days in your recovery and gambling will still be in your mind. There is no magic wand to make it disappear but time will make it fade.

To fill your time think about what used to interest you before gambling took over your life and try and get back to these things. It's difficult with the lockdown to do much right now but simple things like reading a book or watching some tv will fill your time.  We can still do daily exercise so get out for some fresh air as I find exercise very theraputic, I am used to going to the gym and really miss it now they are closed again.

I remember the first few weeks when I stopped and I felt numb at what I had done and being found out but it gradually eased and now seems a lifetime away so don't let this derail you.

Stay strong and good luck

Hi

I believe it ebbs and flows within us and is a fairly natural human feeling. Some nights I cant watch a film or read a book but other nights are fine. I turn to other things...I get up and potter about. I organise my collectables..I start work on my bike at odd hours because the moment feels right...or I do other things.

Some nights I cant do anything and just fall asleep to the telly. The next night Im madly into a computer game. I think its perfectly normal due to our chemical flows and balances

I know that gambling isnt the answer. You will rattle a bit during the cold turkey but have to work out what you are calling boredom and what is coming down from seeking a quick escape drug.

I know what you mean but I dont think there is any real excuse for boredom.  There is always something we should find productive or interesting to do.  Even the housework has got to be done if I dont want to live in a mess

This lockdown isnt helping because I cant see my friends and one female friend in particular.

The bottom line is that gambling gave you a high but its a destructive highly addictive drug and vice.

You need interests that excite you...play an instrument...go ballroom dancing...learn to windsurf...... lol...the list is endless.

Mundane can be nice and relaxing but there are all sorts of wholesome things to get your adrenaline flowing...find them!

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

it could be anything even soemthing little like sorting draws out i dint have any major hobbies that would take up a lot of time apart frm gaming , do i just do lots of little things and make them last all day walk to the shop instead of drive / lots of sorting out / asking family if they need any errends running / documentaries are a good one put ur headfones on it really gets ur mind into it / listen to ither gamblers recovery stories i can sit and read these for hours / start reading / do something you have never done before / start a gambling free journal of your gamble free journey something to be proud of when you can sit and read it back , how about write our own life story you might find out a lot about yourself and maybe (if u dont no already ) how your problem started ! just a few ideas and mainly dont gamble today best if luck mate