Bored? Study shows you could die

A new report in the International Journal of Epidemiology followed over 7500 civil servants between 1985 and 1988 and assessed their level of boredom.

Following up in April 2009, those that had high levels of boredom were 37 percent more likely to be dead than those who did not report being bored.

University of London scientists responsible for the report --, Annie Britton and Martin J. Shipley --  said this may be because people who are regularly bored are also unhappy and unmotivated.

This can lead to adoption of unhealthy habits, such as drinking, smoking, and drug use. Such habits increase the chances of a stroke or heart-disease.

The original survey found that 10 per cent of the respondents reported having been bored within the previous month, with women reporting being bored more than twice as often as men.

Younger workers and people with menial jobs were also high in the boredom scales.

Shipley suggests people with menial jobs or who are bored at work should try to find interests outside work.