The Benefits of Boredom
In the age of smartphones and constant stimulation is it even possible to get bored? In a world that’s full of text messages, dating apps, social media profiles and as much infotainment and media as we could ever hope to consume, might there be something we’re, dare we say it—missing?
A recent British study found that when given mudane tasks lacking in intellectual stimulation, subjects will find ways of making the tasks more creative. As they innovate the manner in which they complete the tasks, there’s a definite spike in creativity with various sectors of the brain lighting up a little like a fireworks display.
This begs the question: is our relentless pursuit of digital distraction and social interaction preventing us from achieving those loftier climbs of thought, those deeper insights? Many of us who have had a eureka moment or two will recall zoning out or daydreaming just prior to having a revelation, solution, or epiphany. Perhaps enlightenment and boredom are just two sides of the same coin. And, if we, as human beings deny ourselves the time and seclusion we need to experience boredom, are we also depriving our creative muses from getting what they need?
Activating our inborn “imagination network” requires engaging several regions of the brain in tandem. Interestingly, this is also the default mode for the brain, what scientists refer to as “self generated cognition.” This is the state we’re in when we let our minds wander. And wandering as you wonder requires space, time, and a dearth of external stimulation.
If boredom is good, being someone who takes time out of every day to be unstimulated should actually be a priority. Sure, that may sound antithetical to those of us who are constantly pushing ourselves, working harder and harder for our art but we must care for our muses, lest they abandon us for that other writer, other filmmaker, or musician just down the street.
So, the next time you’re getting ready to binge watch the hottest show on Neflix or explore various wormholes online, why not turn off any and every device you have and sit and stare off into space instead? Don’t think of it as being unproductive, think of it as allowing those deeper thoughts float to the surface. And remember brain overload is real (and bad for you), so embrace the boredom when it happens and work towards getting bored more regularly.
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