What do you do when boredom creeps in? Do you instinctively reach for your smartphone, drowning in an endless stream of notifications and entertainment? Or do you allow yourself to sit with it, embracing the quiet, letting your mind wander into uncharted thoughts?
I find myself caught between these two states. But every time boredom hits, I make a conscious effort to pick up a book rather than mindlessly scroll through Instagram. It’s a small but significant choice, and I take pride in it. Because I know that every tap, every swipe, is meticulously designed to hijack my attention, pulling me further away from the present moment and into a cycle of passive consumption.
The Comfort Crisis and the Death of Boredom
Lately, I’ve been engrossed in Michael Easter’s book The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self. In it, Easter embarks on an extraordinary journey through the Arctic, hunting caribou and facing discomfort in ways most of us never will. But one chapter stood out to me – the one exploring boredom. In it, Easter discusses the work of James Danckert, a leading expert on the psychology of boredom, who suggests that boredom, as we once knew it, may be dying.
Danckert describes boredom as a process in the brain that governs pleasure, reward, and engagement. It can be deeply uncomfortable, which is why we’ve become so adept at avoiding it. Historically, boredom was an accepted part of life. It was normal. Expected. Even necessary. It was the fertile ground from which creativity, self-reflection, and problem-solving often sprouted. But today, it feels like a luxury – one that many of us, especially younger generations, might never truly experience.
Why Boredom Matters
We’ve become conditioned to seek stimulation at every moment. Smartphones, social media, streaming services, wearable tech, artificial intelligence – our brains are in a constant state of engagement. Even when we don’t realize it, we are unconsciously avoiding boredom. But here’s the paradox: some of the most brilliant ideas, the most creative breakthroughs, have emerged from boredom. Moments of stillness allow the mind to wander, to connect seemingly unrelated dots, to innovate.
Danckert argues that boredom itself isn’t inherently good or bad – how we respond to it determines its impact. Some people see boredom as unbearable, something to escape at all costs. Others, however, use it as fuel for motivation and creativity. I strive to be in the latter group. I want to experience boredom more often, to lean into it rather than run from it.
This isn’t just a personal preference. iIt’s a growing concern in a hyperconnected world. Studies have shown that constant digital stimulation can lead to shorter attention spans, reduced creativity, and even increased anxiety. Boredom, on the other hand, has been linked to improved problem-solving skills, greater self-awareness, and enhanced mental well-being.
Raising a Generation That Can Still Be Bored
As a parent, I feel this responsibility even more acutely. I raise my daughter in a way that might be considered unconventional in today’s digital world. While many parents readily embrace screen time, I strictly limit it. My biggest concern? The day she enters primary school and finds herself surrounded by children with smartphones while she doesn’t have one.
On long trips, I don’t hand her a tablet to keep her entertained. Instead, I let her sit with her thoughts, to engage with the world around her. She isn’t even three yet, but I hope this choice helps her develop patience, imagination, and resilience.
The Challenge: Rediscover Boredom
Of course, none of this is to say that technology is inherently bad – it’s an incredible tool when used mindfully. But I also believe that boredom is an incredible tool, too. It’s a space where we can reconnect with ourselves, free from the noise of the outside world.
So, here’s my challenge: try getting bored. Really bored. Put your phone away. Turn off the music. Sit in silence. Go for a walk without distractions. Let your mind roam freely. You might be surprised at what you discover.
After all, the most extraordinary ideas are often born in the most ordinary moments. And perhaps, in those moments of boredom, we can reclaim a part of ourselves we didn’t even realise was lost. In a world that never stops, maybe it’s time to pause – and rediscover the power of doing nothing. So take a deep breath, step away from the screen, and embrace the quiet. Who knows what you might find?
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