My counsellor once told me to make sure I wasn't just doing things to distract myself.

That really resonated with me.. cause I used to do so much to AVOID feeling bored, rather than to SATE my boredom.

The difference? When I stopped avoiding, I immediately felt bad.

When I sate my boredom, even if I amn't actively doing it, I don't feel bored.

It's like the difference between just taking painkiller cause you broke a bone vs getting it reset. Former doesn't actually fix the fracture.

Pursuing my projects, actually makes me feel sated.

Its like the difference between snacking on fast food vs eating regular healthy meals.

The latter might be more effort, or even less fun to eat, but much more worth it in the long term.