Summary

The article presents boredom as a positive state, indicating safety and an opportunity for mental rest and rejuvenation.

Abstract

The article "A Different Perspective on Boredom" suggests that feeling bored is a sign of safety and security, as opposed to being in a situation of immediate danger, such as being chased by a bear. It argues that boredom allows for a moment of stillness, free from threats and the constant barrage of modern distractions like social media and advertisements. The author's daughter insightfully notes that boredom means one is safe, leading to a discussion on the benefits of embracing boredom. The article encourages the practice of the STOP mindfulness technique during moments of boredom to enhance calmness, creativity, productivity, and mental clarity. By doing so, individuals prioritize self-care and can transform boredom into a restorative experience. The author concludes by wishing readers the opportunity to enjoy boredom and suggests a playful response to those who complain about it.

Opinions

Boredom is seen as a luxury in today's fast-paced, distraction-filled world.
The instinct to avoid boredom by seeking activity is a common but counterproductive response.
Modern distractions (ads, social media, notifications) are likened to the primal danger of being chased by a bear, in that they both demand our attention.
The STOP mindfulness technique is recommended as a way to embrace boredom and its benefits.
The author believes that allowing oneself to be bored can lead to increased calm, creativity, productivity, and clarity of mind.
The article suggests that by regularly choosing to embrace boredom, one can cultivate a habit that leads to a more content and rejuvenated self.
The author humorously suggests responding to complaints of boredom with a reminder of the alternative, such as facing a dangerous situation.

A Different Perspective on Boredom

Being bored is a blessing because it means you’re not being chased by a hungry bear!

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

It’s the school holidays at the moment and the kids are spending much of their time at home. Like many other parents during the holiday period — I’m getting to hear the mumble of the immortal words, “I’m bored”.

One morning earlier this week I heard a familiar broken record in the form of my son repeating the above words. Usually, my natural response would be something along the lines of “That’s great, enjoy being bored!”. Before I could respond this time, I heard my older daughter say to him “Being bored is good, it means you’re safe”.

I asked her what she meant and she explained that if you’re bored, it means you must be safe because there’s nothing to do. We agreed that must be true because if you’re being chased by a hungry bear, you wouldn’t be feeling at all bored in that moment!

A different way to think about boredom

To be able to feel bored is a blessing. It means in that very moment — there is nothing threatening and no danger to escape from. There is nothing to do and nothing that requires our immediate attention.

What a fantastic place to be! Why not let yourself hang out in that space for a bit longer, have a rest and enjoy doing, well . . . nothing?

Often instead, we instinctively seek activity and distractions — anything to move us away from stillness. It’s not really our fault. In today’s world, we no longer have hungry bears chasing us. In their place are advertisements, social media, phone notifications, last-minute sales — all designed to demand our attention. The result is a lot of distracted and tired people.

Allow yourself to be bored, all you need to do is STOP

Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There! — Sylvia Boorstein

Giving yourself time to do nothing helps you recharge. The return comes in the form of increased calm, creativity, productivity and clarity of mind. Next time you catch yourself feeling bored, that’s a great opportunity to acknowledge things are OK at that moment and practice the STOP mindfulness technique.

Stop and recognise that you’re feeling bored.

Take a deep and gentle breath in. Breathe out slowly.

Observe what you’re feeling. Are you feeling the urge to do something to avoid boredom? Are you comfortable having nothing to do at this moment? Whatever you’re feeling is OK — it just is. Try to simply observe without judgment.

Proceed, or not. At this point, you can mindfully decide to continue doing nothing or move on — it’s entirely up to you.

By applying the STOP technique, you’re prioritising yourself. You’re intentionally saying “The world can wait, I’m going to spend a little time on myself”.

Of course, there are going to be plenty of times when we either don’t allow ourselves to be bored or don’t even realise we are jumping from one activity to the next because habitually that’s what we’ve been doing for so long.

That’s ok, don’t give up. As James Clear said, “every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” So build up your votes and you may find that your moments of boredom become a place of rest and rejuvenation where you’re content to stay.

Enjoy being bored

Being bored is a blessing. It is also an opportunity to have time for ourselves. Wishing you as much boredom as you need and may you enjoy every moment of it!

Oh, and I also thought of a better response the next time my son complains that he’s bored — “Would you rather be chased by a hungry bear?”