Benefits of Boredom

Can boredom actually be good for us?

We often hear that Boredom is good for children, but how about for adults? Actually, there are several benefits of boredom for adults too.

First, what is boredom? It is a deeply unpleasant state of "unmet arousal": you are aroused rather than despondent, but, for one or more reasons, your arousal cannot be met or directed. These reasons can be internal—often a lack of imagination, motivation or concentration—or external, such as an absence of environmental stimuli or opportunities. So while you want to do something stimulating, you find yourself unable to do so;  moreover, you are frustrated by the rising awareness of your inability.

So, what are the benefits of this state?

1. Boredom can improve our mental health. In this age of advanced technology and increasing platform of social medias, our brains are overloaded with informations and distractions. So taking a break can be a valuable opportunity to help our overloaded brains relax and alleviate stress.

2. Boredom can increase creativity and social connection. Boredom can provide an opportunity to turn inward and use the time for thought and reflection. Boredom can enable creativity and problem-solving by allowing the mind to wander and daydream. In the absence of external stimulation, we use our imagination and think in different ways. Also, through the opportunity to turn inward, we are able to reflect on social connections and find valuable relationships.

3. Boredom motivates a search for novelty. Novelty seeking implies dissatisfaction with the status quo, and a willingness to challenge established ideas and practices. Great achievements are facilitated with dissatisfaction with the status quo.

4. Boredom motivates the pursue of new goals. Boredom encourages us to shift to goals and projects that are more fulfilling than the ones we're currently pursuing.

5. Boredom and self control skills. Boredom creates an opportunity of choice on how to react on the given situation. We are responsible for our own actions and decisions.

Now that we know the benefits of boredom, let’s make this opportunity to reflect and restructure our life.