In today’s modern world scenario, constant stimulation become a norm, and boredom is often associated with a misleading depiction. Similarly, finding a moment for ourselves to have peace and tranquility is also diminished with the constantly evolving pace of a technology-driven world and its effect on our lives. The constant work and getting fueled with information, often lead to stress and disconnect with new possibilities. However, numerous research has shown that individual experiences with boredom have unexpected benefits for both creativity and mental health.
On the other hand, the same research also indicates that mindfulness in times of boredom will help to pay attention to the present moment. It evolves with the awareness of thought and the observation of sensations with the current thought. This article will help you unlock the advantages of boredom, backed by numerous studies and even real-life examples.
Understanding Boredom
Usually, boredom is often misleading and not depicted correctly. It is associated with momentary feelings without any benefit or advantages to a person’s life in terms of productivity and enhancement in their respective career. In a real sense, it is a complex emotional state and mechanism where stimulation remains very low as compared to the other state of mind. Various research indicates that boredom often occurs in various contexts including if a person waiting in a line, not having any excitement towards the work he is doing, or scrolling social media feeds.
Boredom = (Lack of Interest) + (Time) – (Engagement)
These are some examples of where boredom occurs, however, these impressions of the state of mind don’t come in the term of a highly productivity life. In addition, people disconnect with it as it doesn’t suit the norm of the common man’s perception. Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum, boredom is backed with numerous benefits, positive research and scientifically proven over and over again, that will not alienate the individual’s creativity and growth.
The Benefits of Boredom
Creativity often occurs during isolation & boredom.
Leo Tolstoy famously mentioned, “Boredom is the desire for desires.” It is the ability to stimulate creativity. Further, we can build new imaginative palaces in our minds. J.K. Rowling is famous for her work in the Harry Potter Series. Once in her life before fame, she was traveling on a long train. During her journey, she developed the idea and premise for the Harry Potter book. It was the boredom in that long train journey, where creative ideas developed an impression in her mind. It further helped her to develop the best literary franchises in history. Boredom is our power tool to boost creativity and unfold new imagination.
The University of Central Lancashire conducted a survey and with depth research, they found out that participants who are engaging in boredom were able to think creatively. On the other hand, people who are not engaged in boredom are not inclined toward the creative arc. In the same study, they were given a piece of dull information, and out of their boredom state, they generated new ideas and had a creative edge then others. These studies further showcase that the border stimulated the new idea while performing engaging tasks.
Boredom state leads to Problem-solving ability and skills.
Imagine a content creator in a creative dilemma. Instead of forcing them to a solution during a moment of intense focus, let them relax and feel the state of boredom intentionally. It will be quite astonishing. After remaining in this state, they can create new content with creativity and be able to think out of the box. Therefore, it is safe to say that boredom also improves problem-solving abilities as it is backed by numerous studies.
When an individual feels bored, the chance of probability indicates that their mind starts to wander and with wanderness. It leads to new possibilities to explore. There is one famous research published in the journal Thinking Skills and Creativity. Further, it indicates that mostly, unconventional thinking comes out of boredom. With such a shift in thinking, approaches to creativity and boredom open up new possibilities.
Boredom promotes mental clarity.
The University of Virginia conducted numerous studies, out of these, there is one 2014 study that sparked light on people who prefer painful activity rather than sitting along with their thoughts. This study is proof of how people or even society tend to avoid boredom. However, people who engage in their thought process, have an edge to have personal revelations and growth.
Self-reflection is an outcome of boredom in most cases. It is a valuable process where self-retrospect brings more mental clarity. Nowadays, the world is filled with distractions. It becomes evident that we often lose sight of our thoughts and feelings which leads to less creativity and self-reflection. It is important to feel boredom and you never know what new creative thought will unfold before your eyes. Further, this will lead to a new insight into your goal and desire.
How to welcome boredom into your Life
It is important to embrace boredom with an open hand. This will shift your mindset and will lead to a new creative urge to look at problems through different lenses and possibilities. Here are a few tips:
- First, you need to isolate yourself and you should remain close to your thoughts without any distractions. In other words, you have to turn off your mobile and TV for some time and witness your own thought process.
- You must be involved in physical activity in nature. This is the best way to stimulate your creative thought. Further, it will help your mind to remain calm. Mental health and boredom will remain in harmony and coherence as you embrace more physical activity.
Finally, Boredom is not just a state of dullness as assumed by many, rather it is an opportunity to remain more creative and imaginative. This is a valuable experience to have in constant phases in your life. Further, it serves numerous benefits, including your enhancement of problem-solving capability and promoting mental well-being. It is important to unlock the potential of yours with boredom and maintain a healthy relationship with it. This way, you embrace several benefits that are associated with it. However, you will also get a chance to live a healthy life in the most creative way possible which will help you in your profession.