Imagine this situation: you are in line at the supermarket. The person in front of you is wasting time with coupons, while your phone battery just died. What do you do now?
According to a study that best illustrates our strange relationship with boredom, half of the participants preferred to give themselves an electric shock rather than be alone with their thoughts for 15 minutes. Yes, people would accept physical pain to avoid mental emptiness.
In a world where constant stimulation has become like a drug for us, boredom has become our greatest enemy. With phones, social networks and endless digital distractions, we have declared war on empty moments. But, in trying to "disappear" boredom, we may have done more harm than good.
Our fear of boredom can cost us more than we think. We live in a world where every empty moment is filled with something. Phones alert us with every possible notification, platforms force us to watch the next episode automatically, and ads attack us from every corner.
But boredom is not simply a lack of stimulation. It's a signal from the brain telling us, "Hey, isn't there something more important you could be doing with your time?" Instead of fighting it, boredom can help us generate new ideas, reflect and grow as individuals.
During moments of boredom, our brain taps into what scientists call the "default mode network" (DMN). This network is activated when our mind wanders—when we dream, remember past moments, or simply allow thoughts to flow freely. That's why the best ideas come to us when we're doing something mundane, like taking a shower or going for a walk.
This process, known as the "incubation effect", occurs when we give a problem some space. Our brains continue to process it in the background, making connections that can lead us to solutions. It's like a slow cooker that cooks ideas until they're ready to be enjoyed.
Instead of avoiding it at all costs, maybe we should embrace boredom. When we allow the mind to wander, we give it space to create and find new solutions. So, the next time you feel bored, don't rush to pick up the phone. Let your brain do its magic.
Suggested articles:
