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Hear the expression "bored to death" and you are unlikely to take it literally. But according to scientists tedium really could be taking years off your live.In a study of more than 7,000 civil servants over the course of 25 years, researchers discovered that those who complained of regular boredom were almost 40 per cent more likely to die younger.
And those experiencing "high levels" of boredom were more than two-and-a-half times as likely to die from heart disease or stroke, and women were really feeling the pain when it came to a dull day at work.
It is thought the reason for this tedium threat could be that those who are dissatisfied with the day-to-day grind are more likely to turn to cigarettes and alcohol, thereby increasing their risk of heart disease.
Marin Shipley, who co-wrote the report published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, said: "The findings on heart disease show there was sufficient evidence to say there is a link with boredom.
"It is important that people who have dull jobs find outside interests to keep boredom at bay, rather than turn to drinking or smoking."
Psychologist Graham Price told the Daily Mail: "For many people who are unmotivated or uninspired by life, or maybe have a tendency towards depression, the way out of it is to change their focus away from themselves and on to other people.
"From being all me, me, me, they should be thinking, what can I do for my family, my friends, my colleagues, even my boss."
Mind you, that's easier said than done if you work in the post room.
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