Why boredom is good for you? In the ‘90s, boredom was just part of life before smartphones and social media took over.
Remember When We Used to Be Bored?
Back in the ‘90s, boredom was just part of life. You’d be stuck in the backseat of your parents’ car, staring out the window for hours because the only entertainment was a scratched up CD of Now That’s What I Call Music 12. You’d make paper fortune tellers, suck on flannels (don’t ask), and scare yourself silly with Goosebumps books. Boredom was normal.
But let’s back up. Before the internet took over our lives, before smartphones became an extension of our hands, people just… sat with their thoughts. The telephone was invented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that mobile phones became widespread. And even then, they were mostly for making calls, not endless scrolling. The first iPhone, launched in 2007, changed everything. Suddenly, we had the world in our pockets. News, social media, cat videos, and more. The era of boredom was officially over.
And yet, maybe that wasn’t such a good thing.
Why Boredom is Good for Your Brain (The Science Behind It)
When you’re bored, your brain doesn’t just shut down and stare blankly into the abyss (even if that’s what it feels like). Instead, it activates the default mode network—the part of your brain responsible for creativity, problem-solving, and reflection. This is why you suddenly get your best ideas in the shower or why your brain connects seemingly random dots when you’re daydreaming.
A 2014 study published in the journal Creativity Research Journal found that people who engaged in a boring task (like copying out a phone book) were more creative afterwards than those who didn’t. Their brains had space to wander, and that wandering led to new ideas. Meanwhile, constantly filling every moment with stimulation can actually block creativity. If you never let your brain have a quiet moment, how’s it supposed to come up with anything new?
How Boredom Boosts Creativity & Problem-Solving
Being constantly plugged in means your brain never really gets to breathe. You’re listening to podcasts while you cook, watching Netflix while you eat, and scrolling TikTok before bed. And sure, it feels productive—but it’s also stopping you from having those “Aha!” moments.
Letting your brain wander is crucial for problem-solving. Ever noticed how you suddenly figure out an issue when you’re out for a walk? Or how some of the best ideas come when you’re just staring out of a train window? That’s because your brain finally has room to connect the dots.
Historically, some of the greatest minds have embraced quiet, distraction-free moments to allow creativity to flourish. Albert Einstein was known for taking long, reflective walks, often with his colleague Kurt Gödel, using the time to process ideas and let his thoughts wander (Macmillan). Steve Jobs advocated for simplicity and mental space, once stating that “boredom allows one to indulge in curiosity,” reinforcing the idea that unstructured thinking time fuels innovation (CBS News). Maya Angelou deliberately worked in sparse hotel rooms, believing that minimising distractions helped her focus and produce her best writing (The Paris Review).
One of my favourite authors and creatives, Austin Kleon, emphasises, “Creative people need time to sit around and do nothing. ” He highlights that unstructured time is essential for ideas to surface. He suggests that embracing boredom can lead to unexpected discoveries and creative breakthroughs.
These examples show that stepping away from constant stimulation gives your brain the space it needs to connect ideas, spark creativity, and do its best thinking.
Practical Ways to Embrace Boredom (Without Feeling Weird)
Okay, so boredom is great. But how do you actually do it when we’re all so used to being constantly entertained? Here are a few ways to ease into it:
- Leave your phone in your pocket on public transport. No scrolling. Just stare out the window like it’s 1998.
- Cook without background noise. No music, no podcast—just the sounds of chopping and sizzling.
- Go for a walk with no distractions. No headphones. Just you and your thoughts.
The Takeaway: Give Your Mind Some Breathing Room
Boredom is not the enemy here. It makes space for something to emerge. Whether that’s a new idea, a solution to a problem, or just a moment of actual, proper thinking.
So – go be bored. Your brain will thank you.
