Why You Need to Be Bored!
Updated: Sep 2
In the last decade, the rise of smartphones has created a massive shift in society, allowing us to almost completely eliminate boredom.
Stopped at the crosswalk waiting for the light to change? You pull out your phone.
At a restaurant with friends or family? You pull out your phone.
Getting dressed in the morning? You pull out your phone.
Over and over again, this cycle repeats. We pull out our phones to fill the empty spaces between daily tasks, often to the point where it becomes a true addiction. We feel like we simply can't live without our devices; we need them all the time.
This constant need to avoid boredom has become so common that it even birthed a new dictionary word: doomscrolling:
"To spend excessive time scrolling through online content (especially news) that makes one feel sad, anxious, angry, etc."
Why You Need to Be Bored
Here is a short video by Harvard Business Review and Dr. Arthur Brooks that provides a clear, succinct explanation of why boredom, when managed correctly, is actually essential.
This pairs perfectly with a study highlighted by Texas A&M University on why feeling bored might be more powerful than you think. As the article states:
"Boredom isn’t just that restless feeling of disinterest; it’s a psychological signal that motivates us to seek new experiences."
When managed effectively, boredom isn't a drawback, it's a catalyst. It could drive positive outcomes, from sparking ideas to helping you refine and define who you truly are.
3 Simple Ways to Embrace Boredom
In the Car: Put your phone inside the center console or glove box before you turn the key. Don't pick it up until you safely reach your destination—let your mind wander to the sound of the road.
In the Queue: Next time you're waiting in line at the coffee shop or bank, keep your phone in your pocket. Use those 2–3 minutes to observe your surroundings or let a work problem untangle itself in your head.
During Morning Prep: Resist the urge to turn on a video, podcast, or scroll through emails while getting dressed. Let your brain start the day in quiet mode before the incoming noise takes over.
So give your brain the quiet time it needs. When you stop filling every empty moment, you give your mind the freedom to solve problems, think clearly, and come up with fresh ideas when you least expect it, and you will see why you need to be bored.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or medical advice.