If You Are Not Bored, You Are Wrong

Photo by Dina Nasyrova: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-brown-and-white-short-coated-beagle-lying-on-a-pillow-3764319

Consider sprinkle donuts, they are colorful and irresistible! But while we all enjoy a good donut, there's also joy in a simple slice of bread. Lately, I've been thinking about the ways our digital habits shape our real-world experiences.

Have you ever wondered, "How long could you go without peeking at your phone?" Many people might admit it's challenging to disconnect, even for just a little while.

Increasingly, I've had a few people tell me I could use a bit more sparkle. Maybe they have a point. But, I also wonder if the bar for being interesting or “not boring” is so high these days that it’s almost impossible to attain. I wonder if our “sparkle standard” hasn’t been supercharged by those digital sprinkle donuts, like Instagram reels and TikTok. I mean, how do you top dancing cats and gravity-defying stunts?

I'd argue that the ceaseless stimulation from social media sets unrealistic expectations, making ordinary life appear dull and monotonous.

Yet, there's beauty in boredom. When we allow ourselves to feel bored, our brains are given the chance to think and reflect, fostering creativity and mindfulness. This is going to make me sound old, but remember when daydreaming out the window was our version of scrolling? When our minds wander, we dream and think up the next big thing (or at least, decide what to have for dinner).

In our overstimulated world, the issues of mental health, anxiety, and depression are becoming increasingly overwhelming. Social media is a double-edged sword that can contribute to these problems, as well as the pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed.

The point is, life is supposed to be boring sometimes. Put down your phone and take some time to go enjoy being bored.