Why Are We So Scared to Be Bored?

Be honest; When was the last time you were actually bored?

Not scrolling on your phone. Not watching Netflix. Not listening to music. Just sitting there with nothing to do.

For a lot of us, it’s probably been a while.

The second we have a free moment; we automatically grab our phones. Waiting in line? Phone. Riding in the car? Phone. Sitting on the couch? Phone. It’s become second nature. We’ve gotten so used to always being entertained that even a few minutes of silence can feel uncomfortable.

But here’s the thing: Being bored isn’t actually a bad thing.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

When your brain isn’t constantly taking in new information, it finally has a chance to slow down. That’s usually when your best ideas show up. Have you ever thought of the solution to a problem while taking a shower or come up with a random idea while staring out the window? That’s because your brain finally had room to think.

Being bored also gives your mind a chance to recharge. We spend so much of our day answering texts, checking notifications, watching videos, and switching between different apps that our brains barely get a break. Even though it doesn’t always feel like work, constantly taking in information can be mentally exhausting.

That doesn’t mean you have to delete every social media app forever or stop watching your favorite shows. But maybe challenge yourself to take a break every once in a while. Try ignoring social media for a day, a weekend, or even just turning off your notifications for a few hours. See what happens. You might find yourself spending more time outside, talking with friends, picking up an old hobby, reading a book, or simply enjoying a little peace and quiet. You may even realize you don’t miss scrolling as much as you thought you would.

Go for a walk without headphones. Sit outside and watch the sunset. Eat dinner without your phone next to you. Let yourself daydream. It might feel weird at first, but that’s okay. We aren’t used to slowing down anymore.

We put so much pressure on ourselves to always be productive or entertained that we forget our minds need rest, too.  Not every second of the day has to be filled with something. Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what you need.

So the next time you catch yourself reaching for your phone just because you’re bored, pause for a minute. You don’t have to fill every moment with a screen. Give yourself permission to be bored; you never know what ideas, creativity, or peace of mind might come from it. [Replace the comma after “bored” with a semicolon or two dashes]