What to do when you’re bored? Anything but look at your phone

We value entertainment and busyness (in the form of devices) as an antidote to boredom. Not so good.

What do you do when you’re bored? In the 19th century, perhaps you went for a long walk by a flowing river or read a book. In the 20th century, maybe you listened to the radio or watched television.

Now, in the 21st century, it’s likely that you flip through your Facebook or Instagram feed. What did Charlie have for dinner last night? Where did Louise go on with her husband? Or perhaps you turn on your computer, grab your joy stick, and play World of Warcraft with folks in five different countries.

It goes without saying that in earlier times, just surviving took up all of our time and energy. Human beings didn’t have much time to get bored.

But is boredom bad? Is it something to be avoided? Or does it have value? Even if it’s usefulness isn’t appreciated.

When I was a child growing up in the 20th century, I did watch my share of television when I was done with my homework. I watched cartoons on Saturday mornings (rather than wake my parents up!).

But I would also play ping-pong with my best friend Dennis until we dropped from exhaustion. We would play Monopoly for hours — vying for the best properties. When we tired of those games, we would go out and shoot hoops.

I was always a voracious reader. When I was in middle school, I learned how to speed read and I could polish off books in one sitting.

I was bored a lot in school, as many of us were. I secretly read books while the teacher wasn’t looking. I remember staring at the clock in the classroom, watching the seconds tick away, slowly, painfully, until the bell rang.How slow the minute hand moved!

Today, we value amusement, internet entertainment and busyness as an antidote to boredom. Kids are given devices at an early age — smart phones, iPads and toys that talk to you. Children complain loudly when parents finally kick them off their devices.

But their parents are also addicted to these remedies for boredom, too. How often do you see adults walking down the street, going down stairs, or in the mall, head bent, looking down at their smart phone, reading and answering texts. Who has time to be bored?

But maybe boredom isn’t all bad. So how can it be useful?

Boredom helps us become more creative. When we are unstimulated, or simply doing nothing, our minds turn to fantasy and daydreams. Solutions to complex problems, new ideas and innovation spring from these right-brained forays into the future. A long walk, (not speed walking for calorie burn!) can allow your mind to relax into itself. In this state, creative ideas rise to the surface.

We can learn how to value being rather than doing. Am I what I do? Or am I also worthwhile just being? On a weekend afternoon, I love to sit in my living room, look at my plants, stare out the window and just sit in silence. I notice the sounds of birds singing, and I become aware of the sensations in my body. My breathing slows as I sit. These are peaceful moments that I have learned to savor, like a sweet dessert.

Boredom helps children become more resourceful. Children benefit from being bored and not having access to entertainment. It teaches kids how to depend on themselves for stimulation and interest. It forces them to use and develop their inner resources. It teaches them how to entertain themselves, without help from something else.

Boredom can help you enjoy the pleasure of your own company. Time alone, doing nothing, can be very pleasurable and enjoyable. It can be an opportunity to appreciate aloneness without feeling the pressure to get something done or to be in the company of others.

Paul Schoenfeld is director of The Everett Clinic’s Center for Behavioral Health. His Family Talk Blog can be found at www.everettclinic.com/family-talk-blog.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

2025 Mazda CX-90 Turbo SUV (Provided by Mazda)
2025 CX-90 Turbo models get Mazda’s most powerful engine

Mazda’s largest-ever SUV is equipped to handle the weight, with fuel efficiency kept in check.

Provided by Bridges Pets, Gifts, & Water Gardens.
Discover where to find the best pet supplies in town

Need the perfect store to spoil your furry friends? Herald readers have you covered.

VW Jetta SEL is a sedan that passes for a coupe. Photo provided by Volkswagen U.S. Media.
2025 VW Jetta Offers Greater Refinement, Technology And Value

A Perfect Choice For Small Families And Commuters

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.