When was the last time you felt truly bored? Or how many times do you feel bored in a single day?
Not just waiting for the bus while scrolling on your phone, but sitting quietly, without distractions, letting your mind wander wide and free.
In an increasingly busy world, boredom is often seen as the enemy of productivity. We’re bombarded by notifications and endless social media content, leaving our minds with little rest. It feels like there’s no room to pause, no time to simply stop, let alone let your mind wander. Yet, that’s exactly where the problem lies.
Reframing the Way We See Boredom
Boredom isn’t actually a sign of laziness. It’s a free space that gives the brain the opportunity to work more relaxedly, thus discovering new ideas and even coming up with unexpected solutions. Many great inventions and works of art are born from a quiet mind, when the brain isn’t distracted by a thousand other things.
Why the Digital Era Is Making Us Lose This Precious Moment
Today, when boredom strikes, our reflex is to seek distraction. Handphones, social media, and instant entertainment seem to be “savers” from that discomfort. However, every time we chase away boredom, we also chase away the opportunity to think more creatively. Without realizing it, boredom is an invitation to imagination.
Training for Productive Boredom
Spend some time without your phone. Take a walk without a specific destination, or enjoy the fresh air while simply sitting on a park bench. It might feel strange at first, but that’s when the brain begins to work, connecting pieces of ideas, solving old problems, or creating new possibilities.
At the TEDxUNJ stage, boredom will be discussed as a fertile ground for innovation. n. We will look at how boredom can be reframed as a tool for growth in a fast paced era.
“Boredom doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s a process of exploring innovation and creativity.”