The fish aren’t biting, and neither is motivation. But hey, boredom builds character… right?
Scientists increasingly believe that boredom — though often seen as negative — can actually play a valuable role in brain development, innovation, and creativity. When we’re bored, our brains shift into a kind of “idle mode,” which (according to CNBC) psychologists say activates the brain’s “default-mode network,” a state in which the mind wanders, daydreams, and begins to make unexpected connections.
In lab experiments, people who first spent time doing boring tasks (like copying phonebook entries or sorting beans) generated more ideas and more creative solutions in subsequent creative tasks than those who skipped the boring activity.
Boredom may also drive a search for meaning or novelty: when external stimulation dries up, the mind turns inward and seeks new, more meaningful or creative outlets. (source: MDPI)
For Bunny Bear Kevin, he definitely likes to roam inside his mind palace… at least until he starts feeling guilty that he’s not doing something more useful!
In short: occasional boredom can give the brain free head-space to reflect, connect ideas, and spark creative insight. That is a great thing.
