Why Boredom is Good For You

Boredom makes you more creative, altruistic, introspective, and helps with autobiographical planning.

I feel like this video might come across as condescending but the person I'm really talking to is myself. Despite the fact that I know how useful it can be to be bored, I still find myself trying to fill every last moment with stimulus. Boredom is unpleasant - the open, unstructured thinking that can take place can also feel pointless. But now I'm made this video to remind myself how important boredom is so hopefully I'll make more time to be bored.

More resources:

The boredom leads people to shock themselves study:
Just Think: The challenges of the disengaged mind

Boredom leads people to consider their future and set goals study:
Back to the future: Autobiographical planning and the functionality of mind-wandering

On boredom and altruism:

Does boredom make us more creative?

Amazing filming by Raquel Nuno

[infernox]

To stave off boredom, I watched a video on why I shouldn't stave off boredom

[shaun]

Props to the guy who literally had two hours of free time on his hands and couldn't handle anymore of it without giving blood.

[cvmxo]

Imagine being so bored that you’d rather go to work. That’s the point that I’ve reached.

[jasonh.]

For most people, boredom is the terrifying state of being forced to think about yourself and your life and actually facing reality for a change.

[dextermorris]

“Boredom is healthy”
Me and the boys in quarantine
Fitness is my passion

[DungeonFreak]

"Like getting this guy's leg outta my face! That'd be perfect!"

The most aggressive we've ever seen Derek lol

[alibro]

"Oh man, that's something to really think about..."
*clicks on next video*

[gokukakarot]

Even the social media is boring, after a couple of minutes I just test the smooth scroll

[rachellealexandra]

you know this made me realize, that me starting to write songs, stories, painting, and makeup, were all caused by boredom. thanks for making me realize that.

[franklinramosdasilva]

This is sooo true, when I was a teenager, and was studying maths, physics, i often asked myself, why someone would invent this?! And I would always answer, they were bored... It truly was benefitial for them.

[slaveNo-]

"contrary to popular belief, it's not when you have absolutely nothing to do. It's just when none of the options you have available to you appeal to you."
I like this explanation, because every one of us has been told as a kid, when we complained about being bored, "well do your homework then / clean the toilets / {some other unappealing task that doesn't fix the boredom itself}" lol

[joedettloff]

This is such an intriguing philosophical view of boredom. I always hated being bored because of that lethargic disposition it led me to, but as this video points out, boredom also inspires one to set and accomplish goals, which is sort of ironic, and I guess I never thought of boredom being the cause of inspiration, but it actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

[WalleyeGuy]

I think this is why a campfire is so pleasant.
A campfire is just enough stimuli so that you don't feel bored but its not so much that it distracts your mind so you can still think about things. In other words a campfire essentially initiates a thought provoking state of mind that gives you that same feeling of boredom but without the dreadfulness that boredom can bring.

[drjimbowimbo]

This has made me realize how underrated school really is.

[William_Asston]

That intro is the best example"the root of all human suffering is our inability to just sit still and be happy"

[mohammadzikria]

I've been telling my friends that being bored is one of the best things that can happen to them. Everyone is working or learning or doing anything except sitting there and just existing. I love being bored, I've spent many years learning to love being bored, in fact I'm going to go sit outside after watching this. Thanks.

[ammarrashed]

Researchers: they'd rather experience physical pain than just be bored
Men: they'd rather get shocked than not pressing a big red button

[ozpez]

Honestly my thoughts keep me entertained it’s like having a friend I never had

[mostawesomestnamever]

"except in your case, the pain goes much deeper - to the very nature of who you are, and who you will become."

He killed us all.

[txori_]

This is very accurate, a few weeks ago i experienced a state where i was very bored and nothing was appealing to me, i was sad and unhappy, and i thought about what truly makes me happy yet i haven't been spending time on it lately. After that experience I've implemented some changes in my life, spending time on that activity i care about and i've been feeling the most fulfilled i've felt in years