I'M BORED - WHY THIS IS A GOOD THING

It’s school holiday time, and my five-year old son has just become acquainted with the concept of boredom.  I hear on a daily basis “I’M BORED."  I remember as a child feeling the same way, especially during long holidays when my friends were already away.  In fact, I think I was often bored as a child.  My mother's response was always the same and always unsatisfactory…”Read a book.”. 

I started thinking about the last time I truly felt bored.  I cannot remember the last time I was bored, probably because I have many mindless pursuits that ensure my mind is constantly distracted from the idea of being bored.  Being bored requires being still for a moment, to be present and to acknowledge that we are not being stimulated.  

Am I the only person that has become addicted to actives that serve the sole purpose of distracting us from this uncomfortable feeling? I find myself mindlessly watching quality TV like “Forensic Investigation” or “Ice Road Truckers” or surfing the net for hours.  Am I bored? most likely!  Do I take the time to acknowledge my boredom, NO!  I convince myself that my internet research of “reality stars…where are they now” is not only necessary but important.  As an adult, I think we sometimes believe that being bored equates to being unproductive.  You may be reading this post and thinking, “I wish I had time to be bored."  This probably supports the idea that we busy ourselves, to avoid our own company.  The moments of stillness that would have been a natural part of daily life only a few decades ago is eaten up by responding to emails, texting, updating social media and the like, not to mention trying to balance family and work.

So I question, is being bored as an adult healthy? should we allow ourselves to feel bored? 

As it turns out, chronic boredom can lead to psychological and health related issues, the occasional bout of boredom, however, motivates us to pursue new goals and encourages creative thinking.  So put down your iPhone or iPad and turnoff the TV and just sit for a while. Perhaps you will start to plan your next great endeavour or just become more connected with your creative side or maybe find yourself a little more connected with yourself and those around you.