On a college campus where everyone always seems to be moving and doing things, it may seem a little sad or upsetting when you don’t have anything else to do for the day.
It’s completely natural to be bored and there are so many benefits from experiencing it too. A lot of people in today’s world are constantly busy with some sort of stimulant, whether it be work or watching a show. However, it is normal to not have something to do all the time. This seemingly awkward time is when a lot of people describe themselves as “bored.”
Most people open an app to remain entertained and overshadow the experience of boredom, solely because they do not want to experience it. This app will not help you in the long run. The only thing that is happening is the avoidance of being uncomfortable, which isn’t helpful at all.
Being bored allows your brain to take a break from constant stimulation and take time for your thoughts. Letting your mind roam freely, away from the structure and constant engagement is healthy.
Some people even take a chunk out of their day for this concept entirely and fill it with hobbies that make sure to clear their minds, like walking or running.
Not having something to do can allow your thoughts to wander. This may not seem like a great thing sometimes, but it is good for you. Being able to let your thoughts roam allows for self-exploration and reflection.
Self-reflection allows you to grow as a person and develops the way you act, how you handle different tasks or how you take care of yourself.
During quarantine for the pandemic, I got to spend a lot of time inside and locked away in my room. I know that these conditions sound awful, but if you try to look on the brighter side, it isn’t too bad. There was a lot of time for me to reflect on myself and realize what kind of person I am. Granted, I still don’t know what I’m doing half the time, but at least I got a solid push toward my most authentic self.
Not only does boredom give your brain a break, but it also gives your body a chance to catch up. When you’re always on the go, it is easy to forget and neglect your physical health. Constantly working or interacting with a stimulant can be exhausting on the body.
By being bored, the body restores itself and catches up with what it needs to. Without distractions, it is even easier to notice the signals that your body is trying to send, like hunger. Being deeply focused or involved in a task may numb your hunger cues, which can pull you out of balance with your body’s needs. By taking more do-nothing time for yourself, your body can re-center itself.
Take time for yourself to be bored, whether it be scheduled or unscheduled. You can pick up a new hobby or just sit and stare at your wall for 30 minutes. Mundane tasks are essential to not only your mental focus and health but your physical health as well. The next time you find yourself asking what you should do, don’t open TikTok. Embrace being uncomfortable. Take a break.