For a whole generation of young people, it can be an overwhelming feeling when they are deprived of the entertainment that is otherwise available to them around the clock. This was seen in Fritz Meinecke’s survival broadcast format “7 vs. Wild” with participant Hugo Goedert, who tearfully summarized: “that he can’t cope with boredom at all”. Hardly surprising in times when everything from social media to streaming services is a frequently used distraction from everyday worries.
In our fast-paced society, there is a lot of pressure to be constantly productive, which can lead us to want to avoid boredom as much as possible. In addition, many people fear being alone with their thoughts. Boredom can force them to deal with personal insecurities or deep-seated fears, which can of course be unpleasant.
Boredom can be valuable
1. Creativity: When your mind is not constantly occupied with external stimuli, you can develop new ideas, find problem-solving strategies and gain different perspectives.
2. Self-reflection: In quiet moments, you can think about your own goals, values and desires. This leads to a deeper understanding of emotions and priorities in life.
3. Perseverance: Ideally, you learn to stay in silence and find out how to motivate yourself instead of immediately looking for the next best distraction.
4. Mindfulness: Accepting and enduring boredom can lead to a deeper appreciation of the little things in everyday life and improve your general well-being.
It can take different amounts of time to experience boredom as something positive. The important thing is to accept quiet moments at first and not deliberately avoid them. You can also take on new activities or face new challenges. Patience is crucial because everything takes time. Use boredom as an opportunity for self-discovery, then you can soon find a good way to deal with it.
How to create meaningful boredom
One option is to consciously slow down the digital world. To do this, reduce the use of smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices and also turn off all notifications. Without distraction, you can enjoy relaxing activities such as reading, meditating or going for a walk. Such activities calm the mind and create more space for new thoughts.
Seize the moment: Writing down thoughts about goals, dreams and experiences in a kind of diary can also help to gain more clarity about your inner desires. Creative activities such as painting, drawing, writing or making music can transform emerging boredom into something productive and convey a feeling of profound fulfillment.
Find a suitable environment
It is not absolutely necessary to go out into nature to experience meaningful boredom. However, if you decide to spend time in nature, this can be particularly enriching. Idyllic settings provide a calm, peaceful atmosphere that makes it easier to clear the mind and reflect on inner thoughts. Immersing yourself in the natural environment can be inspiring and help you to encourage creative thinking.
But you can also create good conditions at home or in a familiar place. Simply set up a quiet room, dim the lights, play some calming music, do breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation. The most important thing is to create a time out from the hectic everyday life, whether that happens indoors or outdoors. The choice of location depends on your personal preferences and needs.
