The Hidden Power of Boredom

This might be why we use the word “boring” to describe anything that feels slow, repetitive, and directionless. But what’s the deal with boredom? Why do we get bored, and does it even matter?

Evidence of boredom, or the feeling of temporary disinterest, dates back as far as ancient Pompeii. It’s an uncomfortable sensation, but it’s something we all experience. In today’s world, with endless distractions like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Candy Crush, boredom might seem trivial. So, who really cares?

Well, here’s the thing: boredom is more than just a minor inconvenience. Just like physical pain, heartbreak, or nausea, boredom is a discomfort that we instinctively try to avoid. But while those other feelings are caused by harmful or toxic situations, boredom happens when we simply lose interest in the world around us—or even in our own thoughts. It’s a signal that maybe, just maybe, life’s mere existence isn’t quite enough to keep us satisfied.

Philosophers like Arthur Schopenhauer believed that if life had an inherent positive value, boredom wouldn’t exist. Mere existence would fulfill us. Yet, here we are, feeling bored, suggesting that maybe there’s something profound about this feeling.

Giacomo Leopardi, nearly 200 years ago, called boredom “the most sublime of all human emotions.” He saw it as an expression of the human spirit’s greatness—an acknowledgment that our souls have boundless needs that the universe alone can’t satisfy.

So, while boredom might seem trivial or even embarrassing to admit, one thing’s for sure: boredom is anything but boring. When you’re bored, your brain is far from idle. In fact, brain activity only drops by about 5%. Studies show that when people are bored, the regions of their brains responsible for recalling memories, understanding others’ thoughts, and imagining hypothetical situations become more active. In other words, boredom can be a springboard for creativity and self-reflection.

Jennifer Schuessler wrote in her essay “Our Boredom, Ourselves” that boredom has historically been a source of creativity, well-being, and self-awareness. It’s a state that forces us to think about ourselves, notice overlooked details, and get restless enough to take action—whether that’s cleaning, writing, or solving puzzles. Boredom has likely driven us to accomplish many of the achievements we take for granted today.

But how do we measure boredom? The Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS) assesses how easily someone gets bored. Average scores range between 81 and 117. Interestingly, people with high self-awareness tend to score lower on the BPS, meaning they’re less prone to boredom. On the other hand, those with fewer dopamine receptors in their brains might need more excitement to stay engaged, making them more susceptible to chronic boredom. And chronic boredom isn’t just a nuisance—it can lead to depression, anxiety, addiction, and a host of other issues.

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reports that boredom is one of the top risk factors for teenage substance abuse. And for recovering addicts, levels of boredom can predict whether they’ll stay clean. Our brains need just the right amount of stimulation to stay healthy—too little, and we start to act out in search of something, anything, to keep us engaged.

Our brains have a natural aversion to boredom—a fear of monotony, if you will. Peter Toohey’s “Boredom: A Lively History” quotes findings that show how monotonous environments can speed up brain atrophy, while variety and stimulation encourage the growth of new brain cells. In extreme cases, a lack of stimulation can even lead to hallucinations.

Consider the case of Genie, a girl isolated for the first 13 years of her life by her abusive father. When authorities found her, she hadn’t acquired language and had the mental age of an 18-month-old. Her case shows just how damaging extended under-stimulation can be.

But everyday boredom, the kind you feel waiting in line or sitting through a dull lecture, is different. It’s not a disorder—it’s an emotion, part of the spectrum that helps guide our behavior. Boredom, like disgust, serves a purpose. It pushes us away from the monotonous and toward new, stimulating experiences.

So, the next time you’re feeling a bit bored, remember that it’s not a sign of something wrong. Instead, it’s a nudge from your brain, encouraging you to explore, create, and thrive. Embrace it, because boredom is how we dig deeper, push boundaries, and, ultimately, make life more interesting.