How we get our ideas from being bored

Hello everyone. Before we start, I would like to ask all of you a few questions. How many of you have
found yourselves daydreaming at some point of the day? Now, how about having an eureka moment
while feeling a bit bored? Surprising, right? Boredom, often cast as the evil villain in our fast-paced
lives, might just be the unsung hero that all human being has overlooked!

Boredom appears to be an unwelcome visitor in our age of constant digital distractions and hectic
schedules. However, what if I told you that our perception of boredom is incorrect? What if accepting
boredom might truly be the key to releasing our creativity, self-awareness, and personal
development?

Manoush Zomorodi, in her thought-provoking TED Talk, shared a fascinating viewpoint: boredom
isn't a curse; it's an opportunity. When we find ourselves bored, our minds are seeking stimulation.
Yet, instead of immediately reaching for our devices or quick fixes, what if we allowed ourselves to sit
with that feeling of restlessness?

Think about it, some of history's most groundbreaking ideas were born out of moments of boredom.
Isaac Newton's contemplation under an apple tree led to the discovery of gravity. Einstein often
credited his theory of relativity to moments of deep reflection and, yes, boredom.

Basically, neuroscientists and cognitive psychologists have said that when you get bored, you ignite a
network in your brain called the “default mode.” So, our body, it goes on autopilot while we’re
folding the laundry or ironing our clothes, but actually that is when our brain gets really busy.

A boredom researcher, Dr Sandi Mann has said: Once you start daydreaming and allow your mind to
really wander, you start thinking a little bit beyond the conscious, a little bit into the subconscious,
which allows sort of different connections to take place. It’s really awesome, actually.

Further research has shown that around a decade ago, adults normally shift their attention at work
every three minutes. Now they do it every 45 seconds, and they do it all day long. The average
person checks email 74 times a day, and switches tasks on their computer 566 times a day.

People have become more and more attached to their devices ever since the last decade. When
people get bored right now, they use their devices instead of actually daydreaming, which hence
makes it harder for people right now to come up with brilliant and mind-blowing ideas. Think about
it, how many of the ideas from the last decade that you can name without searching up the internet?
Exactly!

Boredom isn't just a dull intermission in our lives; it's a place for creativity. When we embrace
boredom, we give our minds the freedom to think and explore. These moments often birth our most
brilliant ideas.

Furthermore, boredom lets us to look inward. In our hyper-connected world, true self-reflection is a
rarity. Boredom gives us the chance to delve into our thoughts, find hobbies that truly resonate, and
discover what ignites our passions.

Embracing boredom also teaches us resilience. When we're comfortable with moments of stillness
and boredom, we develop patience and the ability to withstand discomfort—skills that are extremely
valuable in a world that's always racing.
So, to sum it all up I encourage all of you to welcome boredom into your lives. See it not as an
adversary but as a companion—a companion that guides you towards creativity, self-discovery, and
resilience. Take a breather from constant stimuli, put aside those screens, and let your mind wander.

In doing so, you might unlock your most innovative ideas, stumble upon new passions, and gain a
profound understanding of yourself because remember, in a world of constant motion, the most
groundbreaking moments often emerge from the quietude of a bored mind.