Just A Thought:

Everything will be all right in the end. If it is not all right, it is not yet the end.

Paulo Coelho

The Benefits of Boredom

Boredom is the opposite of how many of us live today. Instead of constant stimulation, entertainment, and busyness, boredom invites us to slow down, become “un-busy”, and remove stimulation.

Research suggests this can bring real benefits:    

•    Sparks creativity. 

Studies have found that people who do a boring task before a creativity exercise often perform better than those who don’t. The boredom seems to create space for the mind to wander in a useful way. Mind-wandering during low-stimulation periods has been linked with stronger creative thinking and problem-solving.

•    Supports self-reflection and planning. 

When we’re bored and not locked into tasks, our minds naturally wander. This activates brain systems connected to imagining the future, planning ahead, and seeing other people’s perspectives. That makes boredom surprisingly helpful for goal-setting, planning, and self-reflection.    

•    Improves concentration. 

Allowing boredom helps train the brain to tolerate less stimulation. Over time, that can strengthen our ability to concentrate for longer periods.  

•    Gives the brain a rest. 

Our minds need downtime to recharge and process. Constant stimulation can be draining without breaks. Boredom creates breathing space, letting us step back from the noise and return to a better mental place.

So, with all these benefits, why don’t we embrace boredom more often? Because boredom can feel uncomfortable. We reach for our phones or keep ourselves busy on a screen because “doing nothing” feels awkward.

But that discomfort is often where the good stuff begins.

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How to Practise Boredom

If you want to give boredom a genuine try, here’s a simple approach: a 30-day reset.

1) Commit to 30 days

Decide you’ll practise boredom daily for a month. The goal is to give your mind a break and gradually build your tolerance for low stimulation.

2) Start small and build up

Begin with 15 minutes a day of deliberate boredom.    

•    Week 1: 15 minutes    

•    Week 2: 20 minutes    

•    Week 3: 25 minutes    

•    Week 4 (remainder): 30 minutes

3) Remove stimulation during the session

Set a timer, then remove the usual inputs:    

•    Put your phone out of reach (use a physical timer if you have one)    

•    No phones, computers, TV, music, books, or conversation    

•    Sit or lie down quietly (but try not to fall asleep)    

•    Choose a place with minimal stimulation (avoid busy public spaces)

4) Relax into the discomfort

Expect the urge to seek distraction and practise resisting it. Think of it as:    

•    Strength training for your attention span, and    

•    A chance to savour a moment that isn’t designed to entertain you.

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What You Might Notice

After 2–3 weeks, many people begin to notice shifts such as:    

•    Being able to focus for longer    

•    Feeling less anxious    

•    Getting distracted less easily    

•    Needing social media and other “quick hits” less

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Keeping It Going

After the 30 days, consider building boredom into your routine:    

•    A short boredom session each day    

•    A longer stretch (a couple of hours) on weekends    

•    Even a self-made weeklong “silent retreat” once a year

Over time, these small practices can create slow but powerful changes.

And that’s anything but boring.