Boredom: Good Medicine for Your Brain

What Happens in the Brains of People Who Are Prone to Boredom

On average, adults in the United States experience 131 days of boredom each year. While boredom can be unpleasant, it can also be beneficial for your brain.

Neuroscientists Say Boredom Is Good for You

Neuroscientist Alicia Walf, a researcher in the Department of Cognitive Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, says boredom is critical for brain development. "When we're bored, our brains are free to wander," she says. "This allows us to make new connections and come up with creative ideas." Being bored also helps us learn to cope with feelings of boredom as we get older. "When we're bored, we learn to entertain ourselves," says Walf. "This can help us develop resilience and independence." In fact, neuroscientists insist that boredom is good medicine for your brain. Being bored actually amps up your creativity, task engagement, and job performance.