I want you to think about the last time you allowed yourself to be bored. The last time there was nothing good on Netflix and there was nothing new in your social media feed or subscription box. 

When was this? How long did that boredom last before you found something else to do?

Chances are, it has been quite a long time since that happened and it did not last very long. I know it has been for me. 

The thought of sitting in complete silence with no stimulation for my brain is terrifying. I mean, who would actively choose to do nothing when there are so many things to be doing? 

Despite all of your obligations and opportunities to occupy your mind, being bored is good for you. 

There are many reasons for this phenomenon of boredom not being a part of American culture. One of them being our intense work-centric culture. 

How can you allow yourself to be bored when there is still work to be done? Many Americans cannot afford to spend precious time during busy days doing nothing, even if that time would be beneficial. 

It may sound strange to hear that boredom can be a good thing. It is practically drilled into us as children that sitting around and doing nothing is almost always negative and never viewed as something worthwhile. 

Contrary to this popular belief, boredom has many positive effects on our brains. It can allow time for our brains to properly reset and rest, which can be tough to come by in the day-to-day lives of most adults. 

Boredom is also a crucial element in fostering one’s creativity. Your brain is capable of wandering to the furthest reaches of your psyche when you are free from tasks that occupy your full attention. 

This creative freedom is especially useful for children. Encouraging kids to allow themselves to be bored is important for their development and allows them to become more well-rounded adolescents. 

If a kid or adult never allows themselves to be bored, they are constantly seeking stimulation that brings them dopamine and gratification, which in today’s world most likely means being on social media. 

There is technology in every part of our lives, from work to school to our homes. People must make conscious efforts to be free of technology and in turn, let themselves be bored.  

If you are looking for answers to your problems, they will most likely not be found while you mindlessly scroll through apps or rewatch your favorite shows. 

They may not always be found within yourself either, but by letting your mind have the time to rest and wander, you allow yourself the best chance to find the answers you are looking for. 

In Italy, they have a saying, “il dolce far niente,” which translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing.” 

This does not translate as well to American culture, but if you allow yourself to adopt this mentality, in moderation of course, you may just surprise yourself with how your life changes. 

But of course, that’s just one man’s opinion.

Categories: Opinion