Embracing boredom
Photography by Danielle Ann Rose @bydanielleannrose
In a world where everything is just a tap of an app away, boredom often feels like an unwelcome guest. We’re conditioned to believe that boredom is something to avoid at all costs, filling every spare moment with endless scrolling and binge-watching shows. But what if I told you that boredom is not your enemy? Embracing boredom can be a powerful catalyst for creativity, self-discovery, and even joy
Think about it: some of your best ideas probably didn’t come while staring at your screen or rushing around “keeping busy”. They likely appeared in those rare, quiet moments when you let your mind wander, like when you’re driving or taking a shower. When we allow ourselves to be still, without distraction we give our brains the chance to rest, recharge, and connect seemingly random dots that spark new ideas and insights. So, how can we learn to welcome boredom and make the most of it?
Some might think boredom is “bad” or a waste of time. But, when you’re bored, your brain starts searching for something to do, and that’s when creativity kicks in. It’s like a mental palate cleanser that allows fresh ideas to flow in
During these slow, unoccupied moments, we find ourselves drawn to things we never realized we enjoyed. Maybe you pick up a book, sketch out random little drawings, or come up with a huge and exciting creative project or new business you want to start. Boredom gives you the chance to explore and try things that bring unexpected joy. Some of the best ideas can spring up when we’re just letting our minds wander without a clear plan of what to do next
Here are a few ways to embrace boredom:
Schedule “do-nothing” time. Pick a time in your day or week when you intentionally plan to do nothing. No screens, no goals, no plans, just pure, unadulterated downtime. Maybe it’s 10 minutes in the morning or an hour on a Sunday afternoon. Think of it as giving yourself permission to just be
Ditch the distractions. It’s almost instinctive to reach for our phones the second we feel the first hint of boredom. Next time this happens, resist the urge. Leave your phone in another room, turn off the TV, and just sit. Let your mind wander and see where it takes you. You might be surprised at what pops into your head
Rediscover daydreaming. Daydreaming isn’t just for when we’re kids. Allow yourself to sit outside and let your thoughts drift. You don’t have to think about anything in particular; just let your mind flow. It’s amazing how freeing it can be to just follow your thoughts without trying to control them
Take a walk without a destination. Go for a walk without a route in mind. Wander around your neighbourhood or explore a nearby park. Let your curiosity lead the way. When you’re not focused on getting somewhere specific, you’ll start noticing little things you usually overlook. And who knows? You might stumble upon a hidden gem or find yourself deep in thought about something new
Try a solo activity with no end goal. Pick up a hobby or activity with no real objective. Try drawing, journaling, or even a difficult puzzle. The point isn’t to finish or perfect anything, but simply to immerse yourself in the moment and enjoy the process. You might discover new interests or develop skills you never knew you had
When you embrace boredom, you open yourself up to new experiences and insights. It gives your mind space to wander and allows your creativity to shine through. By giving yourself the gift of idle time, you’re inviting inspiration and joy into your life. And who knows? The next time you find yourself in that quiet space, you might just stumble upon your next great idea, or at the very least, enjoy a peaceful moment
So, don’t shy away from being bored or from being alone with your thoughts because that’s where the real magic lies
