Feeling bored too often can be a sign of underlying issues, but not all boredom is bad. Sometimes boredom can boost creativity and problem-solving.
Boredom is a universal experience that can be uncomfortable and frustrating. We instinctively push the feeling away.
One reason smartphones have become so successful is that they serve as instant pacifiers for boredom. They can be useful for boredom in some situations, but they’re not the answer, as overuse can result in loneliness, anxiety, depression, and a decreased ability to focus. Screentime reduction has been proven to improve mental health.
By filling every second, every space, every pause in your life to avoid boredom, you might be missing out on opportunities for your brain to think more freely.
If you feel run-down by constantly filling your time with media, feel stuck creatively, or like your brain is just too full of external input, you may want to set aside some time for your brain to play without any pressure, as you used to when you were a kid.
When we’re bored, our brain
This may be more beneficial for those who are naturally more creative. In a
Creatively inclined people are generally able to make better use of their boredom and feel less bored. But being bored doesn’t make someone more creative.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Jay Kristoff urges people who wish to be more creative to put their phones down, and said during a book tour in 2025, “You need to take the time to be bored. You need to be quiet. You need to be still and let those ideas that are bursting in your brain have the opportunity to filter forward into your conscious mind.”
Occasional boredom is normal and OK. But chronic boredom, also known as ennui (pronounced en-wee), is linked to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, impulsivity, substance use, and addiction relapse.
People who live with certain conditions, such as ADHD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), may find boredom to be more of a hindrance than a helpful way to spark new ideas.
Boredom is related to mind wandering, which can spark inspiration and motivation for meaningful activities. It’s not so much the boredom itself but learning how to cope with boredom in a meaningful and productive way that can have beneficial effects.
Being bored can strengthen your ability to deal with boredom without turning to a phone or other stimulus to immediately resolve it. This provides an opportunity to develop or strengthen:
- problem-solving
- creativity
- imagination
- adaptability
Remove any distractions and set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes. You might feel the urge to go talk with someone, pick up your phone, or do something you deem productive. But take a few deep breaths and try to soften your shoulders and your mind.
Simply observe what’s around you. Notice what feelings come up, name them if you want, and let them float by. Feel the presence of your body, the presence of yourself in this time, here and now. It’s OK if you have an idea and want to sketch or write it down. Let your mind play. Do this inside or outside.
Make sure your daily schedule includes some media- and phone-free time for your mind to wander.
The ability to cope with boredom is largely developed during childhood. So, if you were able to play and entertain yourself as a child in order to avoid boredom, then you’re likely “good at” being bored.
Try to tap into that free, playful mindset when you can.
Medical perspective“Children and adolescents are more prone to boredom due to their developing cognitive skills. Of course, children need to develop social skills too, but they must learn how to cope when they are alone and bored. This sets them up for success and teaches them skills that will serve them well in adulthood. There must be a balance between social gatherings, activities, and quiet time.”
Quotes represent individual opinions. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Learning how to cope with boredom is an important skill that can help you navigate the ups and downs of life, and occasional intentional boredom may benefit creative thinkers.
Small sessions of low-stimulus unstructured time can be beneficial when feeling overwhelmed or when working through a creative project. Knowing how to manage boredom without relying on external stimuli is an important skill.
However, if you feel bored all the time, feel apathetic, are generally unsatisfied, and are constantly weary, reach out to a mental health care professional.