Who wants to be bored? In our modern, hectic world, there is always something new to see, do, or experience. But what if letting ourselves experience boredom could give us a much-needed boost?

When we talk about boredom, it’s rarely in a positive way. Who wants to be bored, when there’s so much that we could be doing? Yet according to research, boredom can have a good impact on us.

Boredom can be a source of creativity and innovation, allowing our brains the opportunity to wander, explore new ideas, and seek out new perspectives. It can encourage us to learn new things, challenge ourselves, and grow. It can even offer the opportunity for reflection, increased self-awareness and self-improvement. Studies have shown that moderate levels of boredom can make us more likely to engage in creative thinking and problem-solving.

So, how can we begin to use boredom to our benefit?

Embrace the boring bits of every day

Social neuroscientists have found that when we’re disengaged from what we’re doing, our brain has a default network that allows us to stop focusing on what’s going on around us and turn our thoughts inwards – and to open ourselves up to new ideas.

By letting our minds wander and allowing ourselves to be bored while doing day-to-day things like folding laundry or doing the washing up, we may actually be giving ourselves the space to foster new creative ideas, restore our energy and motivation, and give those new creative sparks – those little eureka moments of insight – the space to grow into something bigger, more exciting, and more deserving of our attention.

Find balance

As with all good things in life, balance is key. Allowing yourself to experience some boredom can help you give your brain time to rest and recharge – but that doesn’t mean you should forego more stimulating activities too. Ensuring you experience a range of activities you enjoy, whether that’s socialising with friends or curling up with a good book, is still important. Give yourself a balance between structured, purposeful activities and meaningful periods of rest to allow yourself time for creative thinking and to just allow your mind to wander.

Get outdoors

We all know the benefits of spending time in nature. As psychotherapist Blair Bowker explains, “Nature can improve our mood, leading to increased feelings of happiness, contentment and vitality, while diminishing sadness, anger or negativity. It boosts focus and concentration by helping us restore our attention and cognitive function.”

Spending time in nature can help us to rest our minds, allowing us to recharge and feel refreshed. Instead of getting outside with a specific goal or activity in mind, allow yourself to wander and just feel present in the moment.

Turn off your tech

Digital detoxes, rules around screen time before bedtime, and keeping tech out of the bedroom altogether are all becoming more and more common. In the UK, we spend over 24 hours online every week – and around half of us feel like we are addicted to the internet. And it’s no wonder – we turn to our phones in almost every situation.

Whether we’re feeling stressed and want to mindlessly scroll, are happy and want to share a quick update on social media, or are bored and want to find something to give us a quick dopamine hit, we rely on tech to help stimulate and soothe us. Instead of using tech to stave off boredom, allow yourself to embrace the boredom, let your mind wander, and give yourself space for new thoughts and ideas to surface.

Take control of your boredom

Boredom doesn’t have to be something we try and resist or dread feeling. Allowing yourself the time and space to pause, to enjoy and embrace those moments can help them to feel less threatening and unnerving, and more like something we can appreciate, use to our advantage, and even enjoy.

As Humanistic counsellor Chris Mounsher, PG Dip, MBACP (Accred) explains, boredom can lead to better self-understanding if we allow ourselves to experience it. “Boredom often comes when you are left alone with yourself. Sometimes sitting and being with yourself and your true feelings can contradict the messages you have picked up from society about what you ‘should’ be doing with your life. It can lead to an awareness of what you really want to be doing.”

It can be easy to forget, but boredom is a normal part of life – not something that we should be afraid of or avoid. It’s time to start embracing the opportunities boredom can create for us, and give our brains the chance for a much-needed break.