Aight, remember the good old days when waiting in line meant, well… just standing there? No doomscrolling, no notifications, no sudden urge to check if someone liked your three-day-old Instagram post. Fast forward to now, and we can’t even sit still for five seconds without reaching for our phones. Boredom used to be a normal part of life, but now? It’s practically extinct.
When Was the Last Time You Were Truly Bored?
Seriously, think about it. When was the last time you sat in silence without looking at a screen? When was the last time you stared at the ceiling and let your thoughts wander? For most of us, it’s been a while. We’ve trained ourselves to avoid boredom at all costs, stuffing every spare moment with social media, Netflix, and endless YouTube rabbit holes (you started with a recipe video and somehow ended up watching ancient aliens explain the pyramids—don’t worry, we’ve all been there).
The Science Behind Boredom (And Why It’s Actually Good for You)
Here’s the kicker: boredom isn’t bad. In fact, science says it’s necessary. Studies show that moments of boredom can boost creativity, improve problem-solving skills, and even help with mental clarity. Our brains need downtime to process information, make new connections, and spark fresh ideas.
Ever wondered why your best ideas come when you’re in the shower? It’s because your brain finally gets a break from the overstimulation of daily life. Without boredom, we don’t give our minds the space to think freely.
Constant Stimulation = Brain Overload
The problem is, we’re living in an era where boredom has been completely replaced by constant entertainment. TikTok, Reels, gaming, endless news cycles—our brains are always on. And this has some serious side effects:
🚀 Shorter attention spans – Ever struggle to finish a book? Or even a long article? (Hey, if you’ve read this far, congrats!)
📱 Dopamine addiction – Every like, comment, or video hit gives us a tiny dopamine rush, keeping us hooked.
😵 Anxiety & restlessness – The inability to just sit with our thoughts makes us more anxious when we have to.
🤯 Less creativity – When our brains are constantly processing input, there’s no room for original thinking.
Are We Afraid to Be Alone With Our Thoughts?
Here’s a wild thought: what if we avoid boredom because we’re afraid of what’s in our own heads? When we’re busy scrolling, we don’t have to confront our emotions, our worries, or our deeper thoughts. But self-reflection is essential for growth. If we never allow ourselves moments of stillness, we miss out on truly understanding ourselves.
Relearning the Art of Doing Nothing
So, how do we bring back boredom in a good way? Try these:
🔇 Digital detox – Leave your phone behind when taking a walk. No music, no podcasts, just you and your thoughts.
🖊️ Journaling – Instead of doomscrolling, jot down whatever comes to mind.
🌳 Sit and stare – Seriously, try it. Go to a park, sit on a bench, and watch the world go by. You’ll be amazed at what you notice.
🛀 Boredom breaks – Give yourself intentional moments of nothingness. Let your mind breathe.
Final Thoughts: Do We Even Remember How to Be Bored?
We’re drowning in content, and yet, we feel more restless than ever. Maybe it’s time to bring boredom back—not as a problem, but as a superpower. Because when we stop filling every second with distractions, we might just rediscover the beauty of stillness.
Now, if you’ve made it to the end of this article without checking your phone, congrats—you’ve taken the first step. XAXAXA!
References:
🔗 The surprising benefits of being bored – BBC Future
🔗 The Creative Benefits of Boredom – Harvard Business Review
🔗 Bored? – Scientific American