by Rebecca Walker — February 17, 2010—Researchers at University College London found that people who complain of high levels of boredom are at double the risk of dying from heart disease or a stroke than those who find life entertaining.
People who said they were bored were nearly 40 percent more likely to have died by the end of the study than those who weren’t bored, according to the study. Those with more menial jobs were more prone to boredom, and thus more likely to die at an earlier age.
The researchers say people who are bored are more likely to turn to unhealthy habits like drinking and smoking. The report also suggested people with boring jobs should find outside interests rather than turning to drinking or smoking.
The study of 7,524 civil servants will be published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. For more information, see the International Journal of Epidemiology Web site.
