We dread boredom in our fast-paced environment. We want to be constantly active, distracted, and involved in some type of mental or physical activity. Even when you think that you are bored, you are on your phone and caught in the trap of an unlimited scroll of social media. What if we told you that being bored may be beneficial? That’s correct. Boredom has power, and in this post, we’ll look at how embracing boredom may lead to increased creativity, productivity, and overall pleasure.
But before we dived into the benefits of getting bored, let us understand what happens when we get bored and why we look for something to get engaged with.
When you get bored, your mind starts to look for stimulation. It seeks novelty and wants to engage in something that is mentally or physically stimulating. This is because the brain craves stimulation and needs to be engaged in some sort of activity to feel fulfilled (Westgate, 2018). When you don’t provide your brain with enough stimulation, it can lead to feelings of restlessness, dissatisfaction, and even depression. However, getting bored can also be an opportunity for introspection, creativity and problem-solving. It can be a chance for your subconscious mind to wander and find unexpected solutions to problems or come up with new ideas. Therefore, whether getting bored is a positive or negative experience depends on how you perceive it and what you choose to do with it.
Boredom sparks creativity
Boredom sparks creativity because it allows our minds to wander freely without any distractions or constraints (Mann et al., 2014). When we are bored, our brain seeks stimulation, and in the absence of external stimulation, our mind can begin to entertain itself. This means that the mind can go to unexpected places and make new connections. It can explore new ideas and perspectives as there are no constraints on what it can consider. This state of mind is often referred to as the “default mode,” which has been linked to enhanced creativity.
In this default mode, the brain is not focused on any particular task or activity. It is free to roam and explore, and as it does, it can come up with novel solutions to problems we may not have otherwise considered. For example, when we’re stuck on a particular project or task, taking a break and getting bored can give our brains the opportunity to create new ideas and solutions. This is why some of the world’s most creative ideas and inventions have come from moments of idleness, such as taking a shower or a walk in the park.
Furthermore, when we are bored, we tend to daydream. Daydreaming is a form of mental play that allows us to explore different scenarios and possibilities. Daydreaming has been shown to activate the brain’s default mode network, which in turn sparks creativity. This is why many creative individuals such as artists, writers and musicians often find inspiration when they are bored or daydreaming.
Boredom boosts productivity
Boredom motivates us to get things done. How? When we are bored, we may not feel like doing anything, but we seek to stimulate our minds and bodies. This means that we may turn to tasks that require little mental effort, such as cleaning, organizing, or getting ahead on work. Completing these tasks can lead to a sense of accomplishment, which in turn leads to increased motivation and productivity.
Additionally, when we are not distracted by external stimuli, we can focus more intently on the task at hand. This can lead to greater concentration and efficiency, resulting in completing tasks more quickly or thoroughly (Bench et al. 2013). Furthermore, adopting a monotonous activity activates the repetitive tasks, which are comfortable and allow the mind to relax.
Boredom can also be a great way to break out of a rut. Sometimes, when we’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, the key to getting back on track is to take a break and allow ourselves to get bored. This can give our minds a chance to reset and provide us with a fresh perspective on our work. Taking breaks to let yourself get bored at the right time can help you from burnout, and maintain focus and efficiency for a more extended period.
Finally, when we are not constantly engaged in entertainment and distractions, we can create a set of habits that lead us to develop an efficient routine. By doing so, we enable ourselves to work effortlessly, without having to force ourselves to sit down and focus.
Boredom helps improve focus
When we’re bored, we have fewer external stimuli vying for our attention, and our minds tend to wander less (Eastwood et al., 2013). This allows us to focus on one task or project at a time without getting distracted.
Moreover, practising mindfulness can help to retrain the brain to be more disciplined and focused. By regularly taking breaks from external stimuli, such as phone screens, social media, or endless emails, we teach our brain how to tune out unnecessary distractions. As a result, we can become better equipped at focusing on the task at hand and block out distractions that would otherwise hinder productivity.
When we reduce mental stimulation, our brain has to work harder to stay alert and aware. This increased effort can result in a stronger ability to focus on the things that matter. Moreover, by getting bored, we learn to understand our attention span better, our work energy, and our odds of success. This allows us to develop a keen sense of how much energy we have, how long we can focus on a specific task before getting tired, and what activities we should avoid.
Boredom promotes relaxation
In a world that often glorifies busyness and hustle, getting bored can be a great way to step back and unwind. By allowing ourselves to slow down and contemplate our thoughts and feelings, we can reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout. Some of the most successful people in the world also prioritize downtime in their busy schedules to recharge and reflect.
Boredom allows us to disconnect from the constant stimulation of modern life. In our busy lives, we’re often overwhelmed by external stimuli such as phone screens, social media, work notifications, e-mails, and so on, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Over time, this can drain our mental and emotional resources and leave us feeling depleted.
When we get bored, we have the opportunity to disconnect from these external stimuli and take a break. By doing so, we allow our minds to rest and recharge, resulting in a calmer, more peaceful state of mind.
In addition, boredom can be a chance for introspection and self-reflection. By taking a break from the constant stimulation of modern life, we have the space to contemplate our thoughts and feelings, process our emotions, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. This can lead to greater self-awareness, which can ultimately promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Furthermore, when we get bored, we tend to engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as taking a leisurely walk, listening to music, or reading a book. These activities help us slow down and unwind, which can be especially beneficial when we’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
How to embrace boredom
Embracing boredom can be challenging in a world where we’re expected to be entertained and engaged at all times. However, here are some ways to embrace boredom:
- Schedule downtime into your day: Make sure you have a little bit of free time built into your schedule. This could be a few minutes between meetings or an hour before bed. During this time, do something that requires little mental effort like taking a walk, reading a book, or drawing.
- Try new hobbies that require disconnection from technology: Engage in activities like painting, cooking, or gardening. Doing these activities can be therapeutic and help you focus entirely on the activity you’re doing without any distractions.
- Engage in small, mundane tasks: Often, when we are bored, we do not want to do anything at all. Still, you can make the most of it by engaging in small, mundane tasks like cleaning your room, doing the laundry or organizing your closet. These tasks allow you to be productive while also giving your mind a break.
- Unplug from Technology: Set aside time each day to unplug from technology, social media, and other online distractions. Use this time to meditate, sit quietly, or engage in a creative pursuit.
- Take a break: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a break and let yourself get bored. Use that time to relax, clear your mind, or do nothing at all.
Embracing boredom requires a shift in mindset, but it can be incredibly beneficial for our mental health and well-being. By practising mindfulness, engaging in simple activities, and disconnecting from technology, we can learn to embrace boredom and see it as an opportunity for relaxation, introspection, and creativity.
Final Say
There are many studies that show, getting bored is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, there are many benefits associated with letting our minds wander, embracing downtime, and stepping back from the constant stimulation of modern life. By fostering boredom, we can spark creativity, boost productivity, enhance focus, and promote relaxation. Give yourself permission to get bored, and see where your mind takes you.