Parwy's Blog: You Need to Be Bored. Here's Why

Boredom isn’t a bug—it’s a feature. Harvard professor Arthur Brooks explains why boredom unlocks creativity, activates a powerful brain network, and might even protect you from depression. Learn how the mind wanders—and why that’s a very good thing.

Understanding Boredom and its Importance

Boredom is not merely an absence of activity; it triggers the brain's default mode network (DMN). The DMN activates when your mind is not otherwise occupied, allowing for deeper thought.
While often perceived as uncomfortable, this DMN activation prompts reflection on existential questions, such as the meaning of life, which is described as "incredibly important, incredibly good".
Many people actively dislike boredom, to the extent that some participants in an experiment chose to administer painful electric shocks rather than sit in silence for 15 minutes.
Modern society has significantly reduced opportunities for boredom, primarily through the constant use of mobile devices, which effectively "shut off" the default mode network.
The continuous avoidance of boredom creates a "doom loop of meaning," making it harder for individuals to find purpose in their lives and contributing to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and a sense of hollowness.
Embracing boredom can lead to more interesting ideas and enhance your "skill of boredom," making you feel less bored with routine aspects of life like your job or relationships.
Crucially, allowing for boredom helps you delve into profound life questions concerning purpose, meaning, coherence, and significance, potentially leading to greater happiness.

Practical Steps to Embrace Boredom

Actively seek out periods of boredom, starting with segments of 15 minutes or longer. The video explicitly advises: "You need to be bored. Be bored more".
When exercising, avoid taking your phone or listening to podcasts; instead, allow yourself to simply "be in your head".
During commutes, refrain from using devices or even listening to the radio, creating opportunities for unguided thought.
Implement a "no device policy" after a specific time in the evening, for instance, after 7:00 PM.
Ensure your phone is not in your bedroom, thereby establishing a "no phone in bed" rule.
During meals with family or friends, keep devices away to foster present interaction and connection.
Engage in regular "social media and screen cleanses" or fasts, taking extended breaks from your devices to reset.
Recognise that your life does not need to constantly revolve around digital devices. Most digital notifications, such as social media updates or news, are not emergencies and can wait.
If concerns about emergencies arise, configure your phone to allow calls only from one or two designated emergency contacts, rather than using potential emergencies as an excuse to avoid boredom.