Ready-Set-Bored!

Why Being Bored Can Give You Superpowers

These days, I rarely find myself bored. If I have nothing to do, my phone is always within reach, offering an endless world of entertainment. There are few moments when I’m simply alone with my thoughts, without any distractions.

I remember my parents responding with a satisfied "good" whenever I said I was bored. Now, I finally understand why. Scientific research shows that boredom is not only healthy but also a powerful tool for unlocking creativity. When we’re bored, our brain signals us to seek change to move, to create, to do something new. That signal might spark a fresh idea for your next blog post or motivate you to finally organize your wardrobe.

Of course, I’m not talking about the kind of boredom many of us endured during the pandemic the isolating, unproductive boredom that left us feeling lonely, with the tidiest closets known to humankind. That kind of boredom wasn’t energizing; it was draining.

Instead, I’m talking about boredom that we consciously embrace one that fuels creativity and self-reflection. To tap into its power, I make an intentional choice to be bored. Here are three ways I turn boredom into a superpower:

1. Be Early!

If I’m meeting a friend for coffee or heading to an appointment, I make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early. I find a bench, sit, and simply observe. Watching people go about their day inspires me, and I let my imagination run wild, inventing stories about the strangers who pass by. It’s a small exercise in mindfulness that fuels my creativity.

2. Ready, Set, Bored!

Every week, I set a timer for 10 minutes and lie on my sofa doing absolutely nothing. At first, 10 minutes felt like an eternity. But over time, I began to enjoy these moments of stillness. Now, the minutes pass so quickly that I often wish I could stay in that mindset longer. Try it you might be surprised by the creative thoughts that emerge when you simply let your mind wander.

3. Do the Boring Chore!

If you’re anything like me, there are probably plenty of everyday tasks you tend to put off. Taking out the trash? Boring! Cleaning the oven? Boring! Organizing digital files? Very boring. While these tasks may not directly spark new ideas, I’ve found that completing them creates momentum, making it easier to dive into more creative projects.

I challenge you to try one (or all) of these boredom experiments and see what happens. What strange, smart, or mind-blowing ideas does boredom bring you? Let me know!