Why Boredom Might Be Good for You?
Why Boredom Might Be Good for You?
When we hear the word boredom, what comes to our minds? A dull state where time doesn’t pass where you’re simply doing nothing, but your brain strives to do something or as Tolstoy called boredom is “the desire for desires,”. For a long time, boredom has been viewed negatively—an unproductive, idle moment in which life feels pointless. Philosopher Schopenhauer saw it as evidence of life’s meaninglessness.
In today’s world, we rarely let ourselves feel bored. We constantly fill our time with distractions—scrolling through social media, watching endless videos, or reading endless posts on our phones. Smartphones give us quick pleasure and distract us from boredom, but this habit can harm our mental health over time.
Boredom can be a double-edged sword. For some, it has a darker side, as those who experience chronic boredom may be more susceptible to mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and addiction. It can also negatively impact academic and work performance. However, for others, boredom can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, creativity, and imagination. In fact, boredom may give our brains the chance needed to process emotions, generate new ideas, and engage in deeper thinking. The nature and duration of boredom might play a significant role, but do we also have a role in how our brains respond to it?
Research on brain activity during boredom shows that not everyone reacts to it in the same way. When we perceive boredom negatively, it can activate brain areas linked to negative emotions, such as anxiety, which hinders us from benefiting from the experience
Our brains on boredom.
It’s important to note that certain brain areas are responsible for problem-solving and task management, known as “executive functions.” However, when there is no external stimulation—such as when we’re showering or lying in bed—a different area, called the default mode network (DMN), becomes active. Boredom triggers the DMN, allowing our minds to form new connections between the cells and think deeply. This mental state can lead to creative breakthroughs, solve lingering problems, and spark fresh ideas.
For example, researchers Sandi Mann and Rebekah Cadman from the University of Central Lancashire found that participants who performed a boring task, like copying phone book numbers, were able to generate far more creative ideas than those who were not bored. When we’re bored, our imagination takes over, helping us think outside the box.
Boredom and self-reflection
The problem with modern life is that we are always occupied—our brains constantly engaged with posts, reels, or other forms of distraction. In this state, we rarely allow ourselves to let our minds wander. In mind wandering, our attention shifts away from the present task to unrelated thoughts or daydreams. During moments of boredom, the activation of the default mode network (DMN) in the brain enables us to reflect on past experiences and imagine future possibilities—a process known as “autobiographical planning.” By sparking mind wandering, boredom provides essential moments for self-reflection, helping us process thoughts, set goals, and envision the future. This mental state fosters creativity, self-awareness, and valuable mental connections. In essence, boredom gives our minds the freedom to explore ourselves and grow.
How to Use Boredom for Good
Instead of avoiding boredom, learn to use it effectively:
- Pay Attention: Notice when you feel bored and pause before reacting. Acknowledge it as an opportunity, not a problem.
- Understand Your Boredom: Different types of boredom affect us in unique ways. Recognizing which one you’re experiencing can help you respond better.
- Choose Your Next Step: Let boredom guide you—whether it’s time to relax or address something deeper. Decide what feels right for you.
- Make the Most of It: Use boredom to slow down, reflect, or spark creativity. Resist distractions and embrace the moment.
In the end, research helps us see boredom in a different light. It isn’t always the enemy we’ve been led to believe. So, the next time you feel the urge to reach for your phone and scroll through social media, pause and allow yourself to be bored. As the author of Bored and Brilliant, Manoush Zomorodi, said:
“Take a break, stare out the window, and know that by doing nothing, you are actually being your most productive and creative self. It might feel weird and uncomfortable at first, but boredom truly can lead to brilliance.”
References
- Perone S, Weybright EH, Anderson AJ. Over And Over Again: Changes In Frontal EEG Asymmetry Across A Boring Task. Psychophysiology. 2019
- Why Is It So Important To Be Bored? Psychology Today. 2023
- Zsila, Á., Reyes, M.E.S. Pros & Cons: Impacts Of Social Media On Mental Health. BMC Psychol. 2023
- Gosline A. Bored to Death: Chronically Bored People Exhibit Higher Risk-Taking Behavior. Scientific American. 2007
- Does Being Bored Make Us More Creative? Creativity Research Journal. Published Online. 2014
- Baird B, Smallwood J, Schooler JW. Back To The Future: Autobiographical Planning And The Functionality Of Mind-Wandering. Consciousness And Cognition. 2011
