Boredom
DESCRIPTION:
Understanding boredom: How it affects the brain and creativity. Discover the power of doing nothing and what happens in the mind when boredom arises.
Boredom and doing nothing: The brain's default mode network, creativity, and the power of boredom
“Boredom is the dream bird that hatches the egg of experience.” This sentence comes from Walter Benjamin and emphasises the profound importance of boredom for experience and every creative process. In the western world, boredom has long been considered negative. The meritocracy demands that boredom be avoided at all costs. Those who are bored are not productive and do not consume.
But what if boredom wasn't just an annoying feeling, but a valuable resource for our brain and our creativity? This article explores why boredom is essential for our mental health and overall well-being.
Is boredom simply underwhelming?
Boredom refers to a familiar feeling of being unfulfilled: time seems to stand still, nothing captures our attention, and we feel restless or listless. In psychological terms, this is an emotional state that is perceived as unpleasant — a lack of stimulation that makes those affected literally crave relief. Unlike depression, for example, there is not a general lack of drive, but rather a lack of interesting activities: You want to do something meaningful, but you don't get involved in it. Typically, it is difficult to maintain attention in this state.
Psychological perspective
From a psychological perspective, boredom is one of the emotional states with mostly negative emotional colouring and a low to medium level of arousal. Nevertheless, studies show that boredom is not a uniform phenomenon: a research team led by Thomas Goetz identified five types of boredom. These range from indifferent boredom (indifferent-relaxed, slightly positively coloured) to searching or reactive boredom (restless-annoyed to aggressive) to apathetic boredom, an extreme, almost depressive state of complete listlessness. Depending on the type, different components are involved — such as inner emptiness in the case of indifferent boredom or irritability and anger in the case of reactive boredom. What all forms have in common, however, is that the regulation of attention is disturbed: we are unable to concentrate on the current activity and find it agonisingly monotonous. Boredom often goes hand in hand with impulsiveness. Bored people are more likely to act rashly, seek risky thrills, or even be aggressive. Studies show, for example, that chronically bored people are more likely to overeat, drive faster or use substances — the main thing is that something happens. In this sense, boredom paradoxically even encourages destructive behaviour just to escape the perceived boredom.
Philosophical perspective
Philosophers have always interpreted boredom as more than just an everyday state of mind. The earliest documented evidence of the relevant proverb “Idleness is the beginning of all vices” comes from the sermons of Berthold of Regensburg (ca. 1210-1272). The Franciscan preacher of penance used the Middle High German phrase “wan müezekeit ist aller sünden muoter” (because idleness is the mother of all sins) in his sermons.
His idea is rooted in the Christian moral teachings of the Middle Ages. The Benedictine Rule from the 6th century (Regula Benedicti, Chapter 48) already warned: “Otiositas inimica est animae” (idleness is the enemy of the soul). Medieval theology saw idleness as related to acedia (sloth), one of the seven deadly sins.
Søren Kierkegaard also called boredom “the root of all evil” — because people do the most foolish things out of boredom, just to escape the emptiness. Arthur Schopenhauer saw boredom as the flip side of our happiness: as soon as existential pain stops, the pendulum of life swings back to boredom. In his pessimistic view, our lives constantly oscillate between suffering and boredom. Others, such as Martin Heidegger, however, emphasised the deeper meaning of this state. Heidegger describes a “deep boredom”, comparable to a silent fog that shrouds all things in a strange indifference. In this existential limbo, according to Heidegger, the being of man reveals itself in a special way. Boredom becomes the basic mood here, in which questions about the meaning and the whole of our existence arise. What is merely dull and empty for the everyday mind is thus partly regarded in philosophy as the key to realisation — a moment in which we look existence itself in the eye. Even existentialists such as Sartre or Camus regarded boredom (French: ennui) as a fundamental feeling of modernity, related to the feeling of the absurdity of life.
Everyday practical perspective
We experience boredom very differently in everyday life, depending on the context and time structure. A busy working day leaves little room for boredom — many people long for breaks. But if you suddenly have a free weekend without a plan, you can feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar emptiness. Underchallenge at work (such as the notorious bore out) leads to boredom, as do monotonous routines without variety. Culturally, idleness has long been viewed with suspicion: “He who does nothing, sins”, it was said. Even today, modern people are pressured to use their time wisely, which is why boredom is often branded as a waste. At the same time, we are living in an age in which distraction is always at our fingertips: as soon as a moment of inactivity threatens — in the waiting room or at the bus stop, for example — we reflexively pull out our smartphone. This constant availability of entertainment lowers our tolerance threshold for boredom. Many children (and adults) forget how to deal with leisure time of their own free will because every gap is immediately filled with offers or media. But boredom doesn't just have to be negative. Dosed correctly, it can spark creativity: when nothing comes from outside, our minds turn inwards — new ideas germinate, daydreams lead to inspiration. Research suggests that occasional boredom is even good for our mental health, as a counterbalance to the constant stress of our stimulus-flooded world. It provides an opportunity to slow down the carousel of thoughts and pause for a moment. Seen in this light, boredom is a double-edged sword: on the one hand, it is an uncomfortable feeling that tempts us into nonsensical actionism, but on the other, it is also a stimulus for self-reflection and creativity. Those who learn to endure small doses of boredom gain the ability to give birth to creative ideas and new meaning from inner emptiness — and this could be the hidden meaning of boredom, both in theory and in practice.
Contrary to popular belief, boredom is not just a necessary evil, but actually beneficial to our mental health. Studies show that boredom stimulates the brain to engage with itself, develop creative ideas and find solutions. By indulging in boredom, we promote self-reflection and improve our ability to be at peace with ourselves, making boredom an underestimated resource for our well-being.
The results of brain research on doing nothing and boredom
From a neuroscientific perspective, boredom reflects a state of understimulation of the brain. When external stimuli are absent or experienced as monotonous, the brain switches to idle mode, so to speak. Our thoughts wander off into introspection, daydreams, and fantasy. At the same time, networks for focussed attention are less active — a sign that we are mentally “switching off”. Dopaminergic processes also play a role: dopamine is a messenger substance of the reward system that controls motivation and focus. If there is no immediate stimulus, the dopamine level drops rapidly, which promptly triggers the intense feeling of boredom. The brain registers underchallenge almost like stress: it urgently searches for new stimuli. People with attention deficits (e.g. ADHD) in particular therefore often experience boredom extremely — their brain reacts to under-stimulation with restlessness, stress hormones and impulsive impulses to act. From a neurological perspective, boredom therefore serves as an alarm signal: the reward system reports “Not enough going on here!” and we are spurred on to change our situation or seek stimuli.
The role of the default mode network (DMN)
An important aspect of boredom is the so-called Default Mode Network in the brain, also known as the DMN. The default mode network is a network of brain regions that becomes active when we are in this state of rest and let our minds wander. This network plays a crucial role in self-reflection, remembering past events and planning future actions. This activation allows us to let our thoughts wander freely, daydream and develop new ideas. The DMN is therefore an essential motor for creativity and problem-solving. Our brain needs periods of inactivity and activation of the default mode network.
Access to fundamental life questions through boredom
Activating the default mode network during boredom also enables us to deal with existential questions. By taking time to reflect on our lives, we find meaning and significance. Boredom thus promotes self-reflection and helps us to rethink our values and goals. Neuroscientists have discovered that the default mode network plays a crucial role in this process. The power of boredom therefore lies in its ability to lead us to ourselves.
Boredom opens up a space for dealing with the fundamental questions of life. In a state of boredom, without constant distraction, we turn to our innermost thoughts and feelings. These moments of idleness promote self-reflection and help us find our place in the world. In these moments of 'boredom', we ask ourselves: What is really important to me? What do I want to achieve in life? These questions are essential for finding meaning.
The “Doom Loop of Meaning” and the effects of constant stimulation
David Brooks' “Doom Loop of Meaning” describes how the constant avoidance of boredom through devices such as smartphones traps people in a cycle that makes it difficult for them to find meaning in life, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and a sense of emptiness.
The “vicious circle of meaninglessness” explained
— When people are even slightly bored, they reach for their smartphones or other devices.
— This habit prevents deep thought and self-reflection.
— The inability to think deeply and engage with oneself leads to a lack of meaningfulness and a pervasive feeling of emptiness.
— Anxiety, depression and a general feeling of being lost set in.
How smartphones disrupt natural cognitive processes
Smartphones and other digital devices have become an integral part of our lives. They provide us with a wealth of information and entertainment, but they also disrupt our natural cognitive processes. The constant barrage of notifications and distractions prevents our brains from calming down and focussing on what is important. The constant distraction of digital devices makes us feel overwhelmed and stressed. The Default Mode Network does not activate properly when digital devices constantly distract us. It is therefore indispensable to take digital breaks and give our brain the opportunity to recover.
Influence of digital distractions on finding meaning
Digital distractions have a significant impact on our ability to find meaning. When we are constantly inundated with external stimuli, we have no time to engage with our innermost desires and goals. The constant search for excitement and stimulation prevents us from connecting with ourselves and finding our own way. The default mode network, which is so critical for self-reflection and finding meaning, is suppressed by constant distraction. To find our purpose in life, we need to free ourselves from digital distractions and take time for ourselves.
Doing nothing, boredom and mental health
Those who are constantly looking for distractions may not be missing out on bargains and tempting consumer offers, but they are missing out on every opportunity for self-reflection, which is essential for our mental health. Studies have indicated that boredom plays an important role in processing emotions and developing resilience. By avoiding boredom, we deprive ourselves of this essential resource. The feeling of always having to be busy leads to stress and anxiety.
How the inability to tolerate boredom correlates with meaning in life
The inability to tolerate boredom, as seen above, correlates strongly with a diminished sense of purpose in life. People who are constantly seeking stimulation often have difficulty finding inner peace and contentment. The Default Mode Network (DMN) in the brain is less activated, which makes self-reflection and finding meaning more difficult. If we don't allow ourselves to be bored, we miss the opportunity to reflect on our values and goals in life. The power of boredom lies in leading us to ourselves.
The path to more boredom and doing nothing in everyday life
There are various ways to consciously integrate boredom into our everyday lives. One way is to consciously switch off digital devices and take time for yourself. This means going for a walk in nature, reading a book, or simply sitting down and letting your thoughts run free. These moments of doing nothing activate the default mode network in the brain and promote self-reflection. By seeking moments of boredom, we cultivate a valuable resource for our brain.
Digital detox and device-free times are effective ways to reduce the negative effects of constant distraction. By consciously avoiding the use of smartphones and other digital devices, we allow our brains to recover and reconnect. This will lead to more creativity, better concentration and an increased sense of wellbeing. We need to understand that boredom is not bad for us, but good for us, especially when we are in a boring situation. The Default Mode Network working freely.
To integrate similar strategies into their own daily lives, readers should start by taking conscious digital breaks. This means switching off the smartphone at a certain time each day or deactivating notifications.
There are three simple ways to do this:
1. Switch off phones and radios on the way to work so that your mind can wander freely.
2. Leave your phone at home when exercising or don't use it during training to create space for self-reflection.
3. Actively create moments of silence without the distraction of screens to encourage a connection with yourself and the world around you.
Engage in hobbies that don't require screen time, such as painting, writing or crafting.
Even simply sitting and daydreaming can be a valuable way to activate the Default Mode Network and harness the power of boredom. It's essential to remember that boredom doesn't have to be unpleasant, but offers an opportunity for inner peace and self-reflection.
Conclusion
Boredom is essential for mental health and our general wellbeing. By giving ourselves, permission to be bored, we activate the Default Mode Network (DMN) in the brain, encourage self-reflection and allow creative ideas to emerge. Boredom can help us engage with our innermost desires and goals and find deeper meaning in life. It is important to understand that boredom is a valuable resource and not a sign of inactivity.
Create moments of idleness in which you can let your thoughts run free and free yourself from external distractions. These breaks help to reduce stress, boost your creativity and develop a deeper sense of purpose and happiness. Use the power of boredom to shape your life more consciously and realise your full potential. Let new ideas emerge.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Mindfulness without incense sticks - Sit down and nothing else