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Boredom is good medicine for the brain. It sounds a little counterintuitive, right? After all, what could anyone gain from sitting around with nothing to do? But, in the fast pace of modern living, slowing down every now and then can do wonders for your wellbeing.
When your mind isn’t occupied, it can wander and create space for self-reflection and creative thinking. So, embrace boredom by setting aside time each day without distractions. Turn off your digital devices, kick back, and let your thoughts flow freely.
Boosts creativity
If you ever face a creative block, try doing nothing at all! Boredom provides a powerful catalyst for creativity. According to the Atlassian blog, boredom, in small doses, encourages problem-solving. It stimulates divergent thinking—the thought process our brains use to come up with new, creative ideas. So the next time you feel stuck, step away and let the ideas come to you.
Gives your brain a chance to rest
Having tech devices everywhere you go can lead to digital burnout and sensory overload. Boredom, however, offers your brain a much-needed break. Even breaks as short as ten minutes a day helps your brain rest, recharge, and reset, according to The Washington Post,so you can come back clear headed and more focused.
Improves social connections
Burnout can be bad for relationships. It can lead to emotional exhaustion, which can make it difficult to listen and connect with others. Neuroscientists actually recommend boredom as a way to improve social connections, according to Forbes. Your brain replenishes and restores when it’s disengaged. Then, when you do interact with your family and friends, you’ll feel more present, at ease and energized.
Helps focus and self-discipline
Managing boredom has surprising benefits, like improving your self-control and ability to focus. According to Psychology Today, learning to handle boredom at a young age correlates to better concentration and self-discipline. Experiencing boredom at a young age helps develop self-control skills, such as managing one’s thoughts, emotions, and reactions.
Gives you time to process
Bouncing from activity to activity doesn’t give you much downtime to reflect. According to Medium, having those extra moments to yourself helps process your feelings. It gives the chance to process the goings on in your life, making you more self-aware and emotionally in tune with yourself.
Embracing Boredom
Preventing or managing boredom can lead to surprising benefits like improved focus and greater achievements. You don’t have to sit around staring into space to enjoy the benefits of boredom. These activities will help give your brain a chance to space out and reset.
Unplug for a few hours: Spending too much time on your phone or computer can overstimulate the brain and even lead to mental health issues, according to Main Street Counseling. Put aside a little time during the week so your mind can take a break.
Go for a walk: Walking is more than just exercise. It’s also an opportunity to clear your head and let your thoughts wander. Who knows: Your next best idea could just be one step away!
Start a new hobby: Hobbies can help your brain relax, according to verywell mind. Try taking up a hobby that stimulates different parts of the brain and encourages creativity, like journaling, cooking, gardening, reading, or learning an instrument.
Practice meditation: Meditation helps develop the self-discipline to sit still and slow down. You can test out different styles of meditation, like chanting mantras, coloring mandalas, yoga, or mindfulness.
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