Nine to Thrive.

We live in a world where we are so obsessed with being constantly stimulated. We can’t go one second without our phones in our hands; we yearn for that constant connection. But what happens when we have…nothing? We’ve forgotten what it feels like to simply be alone with our thoughts, and that space is exactly where creativity hides.

What Boredom Does to Your Brain

When you’re sitting with nothing to do (a rare moment these days) your brain isn’t just in idle mode. It’s actually searching for stimulation. That’s why we are so attached to our phones because it relieves our constant seek for entertainment. Let’s talk about what our brains are doing when we just sit and do absolutely nothing….ooohhmmmm🧘‍♀️

Studies show that moments of boredom actually increase daydreaming, mental awareness, and self-reflection. All of these are important for creative thinking. Boredom forces your mind to make connections it wouldn’t normally make – which is basically the definition of creativity!

In 2014, researchers Sandi Mann and Rebekah Cadman found that people who were bored were more likely to come up with creative solutions compared with those who were busy with tasks. I’m not saying busy people aren’t capable of being creative, but when you really take a second to sit down and let your mind wander…there’s just an infinite amount of things the human brain can come up with!

How Boredom Encourages Creative Breakthroughs

This may sound contradicting but boredom and creativity go hand in hand. Without constant input, our brains are given a break to do whatever it wants. If we use boredom as a habit, we train our brains to find that “aha” moment almost instinctively. Ever since social media and even AI, our brains have become so reliable on easily accessible stimulation that it’s no longer trained for coming up with those “aha” moments. It’s like going to the gym and training to do pull ups. If you haven’t trained in a while, you’re not going to crank out a pull-up. Creativity works the same way.

That’s why it’s so important to go on mental clarity walks, do meditation exercises, or even daydreaming. Some of the world’s most creative people, like Einstein and JK Rowling, have credited idle moments. Why do you think writers go to secluded places to pump out their next book?

How to Use Boredom to Your Advantage

It’s so hard to put our phones down. Even I have a problem with it. I find myself reaching for it anytime I hear a phantom buzz or have an urge to check how many likes I got on a TikTok. But we have to resist letting our brains go numb from constant scrolling. I know, I know, it’s hard, but don’t be afraid to be bored. Boredom is a workout for your brain. Some of my best ideas hit me while staring blankly at some spot on my ceiling, annoyed that I had nothing to do.

So here’s how you can use boredom more to your advantage:

Disconnect Intentionally: Turn off your phone or step away from social media for a while. Give your brain a break from all the rot. (Especially if you’re at work!)

Embrace Idle Time: Don’t feel guilty about doing nothing. Use it to let your mind wander. Boredom doesn’t come from having nothing to do. It comes from having options that just don’t interest you.

Carry a Notebook: Jot down any ideas that pop up, even if they seem silly at first. Of course, you can do this on your phone, but you must have enough self-control to not go on social media.

Tiny-Boredom Breaks: Even 10–15 minutes without stimulation can trigger creative sparks. Grab a chair or just lie on your bed for at least 10 minutes to let your…mind…wander….

Bueller…Bueller…Beuller…

Hey👋 You still with me?

The next time you’re bored, instead of reaching for your phone, try doing nothing. It sounds silly but who knows? Maybe that blank moment might become the catalyst to your next brilliant idea.

Schedule 10 minutes this week for pure nothingness. No phone. No noise. Just you. Call it your ‘creative reset’ and see what happens.

Until next time,

Callie