Have we become addicted to constant stimulation, fearful of a little stillness? Research says yes. In fact, some people prefer pain over silence with their thoughts. A study from the University of Virginia showed that participants willingly gave themselves mild electric shocks rather than sit alone with their minds for just 15 minutes. Our aversion to boredom says a lot about modern life.
Today, we’re never without a screen or a scroll, constantly plugged into digital distractions that fill every gap. But what if these “empty” moments we avoid so much could actually fuel our creativity, resilience, and connection to others?
Why Boredom Fuels Creativity
It’s no coincidence that boredom and creativity go hand in hand. Research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology shows that boredom can push us into a state of “mind-wandering,” where our thoughts drift freely. When this happens, the brain activates a region called the default mode network (DMN)—a sort of mental playground where ideas can connect in unexpected ways, past experiences resurface, and insights emerge.
This doesn’t happen when we’re focused on external inputs or bombarded by notifications. Instead, it’s those quiet, seemingly uneventful moments—washing dishes, taking a slow walk—when ideas naturally start to come together. Consider choreographer George Balanchine, who said that his most brilliant ideas came while ironing. And philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer saw boredom as a guidepost, encouraging us to make our lives more meaningful. He noted, “Life swings like a pendulum between pain and boredom,” recognizing the discomfort in both but also the growth they can bring.
The Social Benefits of Embracing Boredom
Beyond sparking creativity, boredom has surprising social benefits. Studies show that people who can tolerate boredom are more likely to build empathy and form stronger connections with others. Neuroscientists have found that people who aren’t constantly engaged with digital devices become more attuned to those around them, creating a deeper awareness of other people’s emotions.
As we get used to boredom, we’re also building up what psychologist Dr. Sandi Mann calls “emotional endurance.” In a world that constantly shifts, this resilience helps us better handle life’s inevitable discomforts. By resisting the pull to fill every moment with stimuli, we develop a comfort with silence and waiting, a skill that is increasingly rare yet invaluable.
Boredom as Self-Care and Growth
Boredom might feel uncomfortable—maybe even painful—when we’re used to constant stimulation. But allowing ourselves to feel that restlessness, instead of seeking a quick distraction, opens doors to self-discovery. When was the last time you had a life-changing insight while scrolling through social media? Probably never. Some of our most profound moments arise when we take a step back and let our minds wander.
Starting small can help: take a short walk without your phone, sit in silence, or let yourself simply watch the world go by for a few minutes. Initially, this might feel unnatural. But over time, these pauses become a space for your most meaningful thoughts and decisions to surface.
The Radical Choice of Boredom
In a culture that equates productivity with self-worth, embracing boredom feels almost rebellious. It’s a statement that your inner world matters and is worth paying attention to. Try counting the cracks on the ceiling, watching the clouds drift by, or as Irish author Anne Enright suggests, let yourself be “productively bored.” What you’ll find might surprise you: boredom, far from being something to escape, becomes a space for creativity, resilience, and connection.
Boredom isn’t disappearing. Learn to sit with it, embrace it, and you might just discover that being bored is more meaningful—and even enjoyable—than you ever imagined.
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