Embrace Boredom

Thanks to tech, we rarely let our minds sit. If we aren’t watching tv, we’re on our computers for work, emailing, or watching shows. If we aren’t doing that, we’re gaming, or just doom scrolling on our phone. According to The Comfort Crisis (by Michael Easter), the average American spends 12 hours on tech. I personally think this is an underestimation of use. As I write this article, all I can think about is how from the time I wake up until when I go to bed, I’m accessing tech somehow: updating my website, emailing a client, on a phone call with a therapist, checking from OnX for my morning hike, or the weather and wind app. When my husband gets home, I often Google recipe ideas and refer to my phone while I’m making a meal. It never ends. Is this about disclosure of my own routine and tech overuse? Not necessarily, yet it is to highlight that we use tech all too much. We need to learn to be bored, especially young adults.

Leaning into the world we’re in right now, it’s especially hard to be okay with boredom. Often, the number one complaint I hear from parents when they speak with their child who’s recently enrolled in a program (whether it be for mental health treatment or even a supportive gap year), is that their child is bored. We need to give them more to do because the parent’s are uncomfortable with their child complaining about being bored. Pump the brakes. We need to experience boredom so we can self-initiate to change our situation. If we complain about said boredom though, and it gets fixed for us, we’ll forever be not okay when (not if) you find yourself in a situation where you’re bored.

What are some benefits of boredom?

• Lower stress

• Increased productivity and creativity

• More presence

• You need unstimulated time to let your mind wander.

• Life is a culmination of what we pay attention too.

 The list above demonstrates that boredom is actually important for us, especially for young adults. If you’re a parent reading this, re-read it again. Let this sink in. Fully comprehend how important giving space and letting your child figure it out on their own if they’re bored will be. Remember the benefits, and repeat them to yourself if that will help you feel okay with your kid not feeling okay. They’ll work through it, especially if you let them.

For questions or comments contact Joanna.