Boredom Could Actually Make You More Creative. Here’s How.

The forgotten value of doing nothing

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

In today’s world, boredom feels like an enemy. The moment it creeps in, we reach for our phones, scroll endlessly, and fill every empty second with stimulation.

But what if boredom isn’t something to avoid? What if it’s actually one of the most fertile states for creativity?

Boredom used to be a regular part of life. Waiting in line, sitting in traffic, or simply lying in bed with our thoughts were common experiences.

These quiet, uneventful moments gave our minds space to wander, and that wandering often led to ideas, connections, and insights.

Now, with constant access to entertainment, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. Every pause is instantly replaced by a swipe, tap, or scroll. But when we do this, we also silence the mental space where creativity thrives.

Boredom as Mental Rest

Our brains are constantly processing—reacting to messages, consuming information, and jumping from one task to another. This mental busyness leaves little room for reflection or imagination.

Boredom, however, is like a reset button. When we’re not distracted by external noise, our minds shift into what scientists…