Do Less, Achieve More: The Strange Power of Boredom

Adam Moffatt
Apr 3
3 min read

Introduction

Imagine this: You’re stuck in a waiting room - no phone, no Wi-Fi, and a stack of magazines older than your last New Year’s resolution. Seconds crawl by, and your brain starts twitching for a distraction. Panic sets in. Anything to dodge that dreaded B-word: boredom.

But here’s the twist - what if boredom isn’t the enemy? What if it’s a secret weapon for creativity, mental resilience, and peak performance? It might be time to stop running from boredom and start leaning into it.

The Psychology of Boredom

So, what is boredom, really? At its core, it’s that itchy, restless feeling of dissatisfaction - the mental equivalent of a stomach growl (1). Just like hunger signals your body needs fuel, boredom is your brain nudging you to do something meaningful. It’s not a glitch; it’s a feature.

For years, boredom has been seen as a problem - something to escape. But psychologists are flipping the script. Boredom might actually be the push we need to reflect, create, and grow. It’s the mind’s way of saying, "Hey, time to shake things up."

Why We Fear Boredom

In a world of endless dopamine hits - TikTok’s, instant messages, and binge-worthy shows - we’ve forgotten how to be still. That’s why the idea of boredom feels so uncomfortable. The desperation to escape our own thoughts is real. In fact, a study by Wilson et al. (2014) found people preferred giving themselves mild electric shocks over sitting quietly for 15 minutes. Shocking yourself was literally more appealing than doing nothing.

We’re hooked on stimulation, and silence feels like withdrawal. But embracing boredom might be the detox we all need.

The Hidden Benefits of Boredom

Here’s the thing, boredom isn’t about doing nothing - it’s about giving your brain the breathing room it craves. When we allow ourselves to get bored, amazing things can happen (3,4):

Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: Boredom lets your mind wander, creating space for unexpected ideas and insights to emerge. Daydreaming can be the birthplace of innovation.
Improved Mental Resilience: Sitting with boredom builds patience and discomfort tolerance. It’s like a mental workout for self-control.
Motivation for Change: Boredom can light a fire under you, pushing you to break routines, set new goals, and explore new possibilities.
Deeper Self-Understanding: Time alone with your thoughts can spark introspection - helping you understand what truly matters.
Productivity Boost: Boredom can motivate you to tackle dull but essential tasks, resetting mental energy and focus.
Enhanced Problem Recognition: It helps you spot issues in your environment and come up with solutions.
Mental Rest and Recovery: Unstimulated moments allow your brain to recharge, consolidate memories, and boost cognitive function.

How to Embrace Boredom

Ready to make boredom your secret weapon? Try these tips:

Schedule Boredom Time: Set aside moments to unplug - no screens, no distractions. Try a tech-free walk or simply sit quietly. At first, it’ll feel weird. Stick with it.
Do Low-Stimulation Activities: Opt for journaling, drawing, or knitting. These activities keep your hands busy while your mind wanders.
Use Boredom to Solve Problems: Got a tough decision or challenge? Let your mind drift - you might surprise yourself with solutions.
Practice Mindfulness: Focus on your breath, notice sensations, and be present. Mindfulness trains you to be comfortable with stillness.
Unplug Regularly: Take digital detox breaks - ditch the devices and embrace the quiet.

Conclusion

Boredom isn’t the enemy; it’s a doorway. Leaning into it can unlock creativity, clarity, and calm. The next time you feel boredom creeping in, resist the urge to run. Let it linger. You might just discover that boredom is the spark your mind needed all along.

Stop fearing the quiet - embrace it. You’ll be surprised what you achieve when you do less and let your mind wander.

References

Eastwood J, Frischen A, Fenske M, Smilek D. The Unengaged Mind: Defining Boredom in Terms of Attention. Perspectives on Psychological Science. 2012 Sep 5;7(5):482–95.
Wilson T, Reinhard D, Westgate E, Gilbert D, Ellerbeck N, Hahn C, et al. Just Think: The Challenges of the Disengaged Mind. Science (1979). 2014 Jul 4;345(6192):75–7.
Mann S. The Science of Boredom: The Upside (and Downside) of Downtime. Robinson; 2017.
Mann S. The Upside of Downtime: Why Boredom is Good. Robinson; 2016.