Boredom!
Originally posted at heartfull.club
Boredom is perceived as a negative state of mind but can also be a surprising catalyst for creativity. This common experience, marked by a lack of interest and difficulty concentrating on the current activity, has been the subject of research, revealing helpful insights around its use value.
Etymology of Boredom
I like to think about words and where they come from. When we explore etymology, we can better understand the cultural history of the times and learn where certain concepts are rooted. The term "boredom" derives from the word "bore," which originally meant "to pierce." In the mid-18th century, it evolved to describe the act of annoying or tiring someone. By the mid-19th century, "boredom" had emerged, encapsulating the state of being weary and restless due to a lack of interest. Martin Johnes writes about beliefs predating modern times and the influence of the Bible. People believe that time is precious and limited. Doing nothing or trivial things was seen as self-indulgent. By the 19th century, the use of the term was used more often to describe an uninteresting conversation rather than a lack of anything to do.
The Science of Boredom
Research shows that boredom serves a functional purpose. According to a study published in the journal Psychological Science, boredom acts as a "regulatory state," prompting individuals to seek new goals and experiences. It signals that our current situation is not stimulating or fulfilling, pushing us to explore alternative activities. Furthermore, neuroscientists have discovered that boredom activates the brain's default mode network (DMN), which involves self-reflection and planning. This event suggests that moments of boredom might be crucial for creative thinking and problem-solving. Consider that boredom may have some unique value in your life. Notice what sort of thoughts come out during quiet periods or lulls.
Working Through Boredom
While boredom can be uncomfortable, there are various strategies to manage and even leverage it:
Mindful Awareness: Embrace the feeling without judgment. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help you observe your boredom and understand its triggers.
Engage in Novel Activities: Break the monotony by trying something new. This could be a hobby, a new genre of books or movies, or exploring different places. Don’t be afraid to make a list of things you would like to explore.
Set Goals: Having clear, achievable goals can provide a sense of direction and purpose, reducing feelings of boredom.
Creative Projects: Use boredom as an opportunity to delve into creative endeavors. Write, paint, or brainstorm new ideas. Many artists and innovators claim their best ideas came during periods of boredom.
Physical Activity: Exercise can be a great way to break free from boredom. Physical movement stimulates the brain and body, improving mood and focus.
Social Interaction: Sometimes, connecting with others can alleviate boredom. Engaging in meaningful conversations or group activities can provide mental stimulation and a sense of belonging.
Conclusion
Boredom is thought of as a nuisance. It plays a significant role in our mental and emotional well-being. By understanding its roots and effects, we can learn to navigate and use it constructively. For example, think of the feelings associated to boredom as a cue or a message. When we notice boredom, it can serve as a message for us to shift gears. Embracing boredom can open doors to creativity, self-awareness, and personal growth, transforming those dull moments into opportunities for enrichment and discovery.
References
Boredom. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boredom
Eastwood, J. D., Frischen, A., Fenske, M. J., & Smilek, D. (2012). The Unengaged Mind: Defining Boredom in Terms of Attention. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 7(5), 482–495. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691612456044
Elpidorou, A. (2014). The Bright Side of Boredom. Frontiers in Psychology, 5(1245). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01245
Mann, S., & Cadman, R. (2014). Does Being Bored Make Us More Creative?. Creativity Research Journal, 26(2), 165–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2014.901073
Review, W. A. (2021, March 24). The art of boredom: Writers lament - wales arts review. Wales Arts Review -. https://www.walesartsreview.org/the-art-of-boredom-writers-lament/
Smallwood, J., & Schooler, J. W. (2015). The Science of Mind Wandering: Empirically Navigating the Stream of Consciousness. Annual Review of Psychology, 66, 487–518. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010814-015331
Ward, A. F., & Wegner, D. M. (2013). Mind-blanking: When the Mind Goes Away. Frontiers in Psychology, 4(650). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00650
