It isn’t always a bad thing.
There’s no doubt our world can be pretty tumultuous, and it seems there’s always something or someone trying to grab our attention. From commitments with family and friends to never ending demands from work – and let’s not forget about all of the marketing and advertising that bombards us from every direction – sometimes it feels like there’s just no escape.
Despite the non-stop battle for our focus, many of these interactions don’t really serve us. Take social media, for example. How many posts and videos do we mindlessly scroll through without actually learning anything? And what about the hundreds of emails we receive each day, but only a handful actually matter?
Of course, what truly matters is different for each of us, and it isn’t anyone’s place to tell us what to pay attention to, but let’s face it: life’s constant distractions can cause us to veer off course easily. As a result, we have very little free time in our day to fully appreciate the simple joys of our existence.
Research shows that not only does the use of smartphones distract our minds, but it also gives us a little dopamine “hit” that temporarily makes us feel good. It motivates us to take action, and each time we hear a notification, we check our devices. The problem is this dopamine boost doesn’t last long. It’s short-lived at best, often leading to letdowns that can have a negative impact on our quality of life in the long run.
This is where boredom can come in. Psychologists say that most of us are afraid of feeling bored because we aren’t used to being left alone with our thoughts and feelings. So, instead, we allow distractions like technology and other external events to take over. But on the other hand, embracing moments of not doing anything just might offer some incredible benefits.
How is Boredom Good for Our Well-being?
Boredom may have a negative connotation, but there’s evidence that shows it’s much more than that. According to hope+wellness (an online resource dedicated to interconnections between experiences and the mind and body), when you’re bored, it means nothing is demanding your attention at that moment. Experts say this may support good mental health because it temporarily frees us from the external distractions that rob us of opportunities for contemplation, thinking creatively or simply being without any expectations from the world around us.
According to the National Library of Medicine, while boredom is something we all experience, it is often linked to depression and doesn’t receive as much attention as other emotions such as happiness or anger. However, recent studies have demonstrated that it actually provides the tranquility we need to be more grounded and at peace.
Gives You Time to Process
When you’re bored, your brain has a chance to process and encode what’s going on in the background. It’s like giving our minds a break to catch up on all the cognitive power we use in our day-to-day lives.
Sometimes the processing happens without our even noticing, but at other times, we can be more mindful about it. Taking the time to think through our day, daydream or reflect on what we’ve learned – even if it’s only for a minute or two – can be helpful in clarifying our thoughts and feelings.
Boosts Creativity
Ever had that moment when you’re racking your brain trying to solve a problem, and then, out of nowhere, the answer just pops into your head? Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life can greatly impact your brainpower. Whether it’s zoning out in the shower or catching some Zzz’s, giving yourself a little time for stillness might lead to new solutions and connections you might not have considered before.
Encourages Curiosity
Our brains love excitement and new experiences, and when we’re bored, we have the chance to be curious. Having time to think about new interests can often lead to exhilarating breakthroughs that allow us to come up with fresh solutions and new ways to do important things.
Reinforces Self Control
Learning how to be bored is a skill that many of us have forgotten or probably never learned in the first place. Nauman Naeem, MD, a pulmonary and critical care specialist interested in human potential and behaviors, notes the importance of “getting comfortable with the uncomfortable feeling of boredom”. He says that with screens always within reach, mindless scrolling makes boredom easy to avoid, but embracing it can help us resist the urge for constant distraction.
Learning to regulate ourselves emotionally during moments of stillness can become a valuable skill that we can rely on, no matter what challenges come our way.
