Who ever thought it would be so interesting to research, analyse and write about boredom. It certainly is a hot topic with academics all over the world spending time analysing the human response to boredom. Heck there was even a conference held in London this year called ‘The boring conference’…. It was a sell out!
So why do adults and children alike have such an aversion to being bored and how can we embrace a state of mind that can have so many positive outcomes, like reducing stress, improving cognitive function and inspiring creativity.

Technology takes the blame for a lot of human conditions and disorders, like behavioural disorders, anxiety and depression. So why we are bagging on it, let’s also assume that our addition to technology significantly contributes to our inability to embrace the mundane and just do nothing (and that’s nothing without your phone in your hand).
With the impending Christmas break approaching, what better a time to give boredom a go. Try just sitting without any phones or devices, being still and observing the environment and the beauty of nature. You will be surprised what your mind unravels; it may lead to personal reflection, a creative thought, or even a total stroke of genius. It has been said that some of history’s greatest geniuses, Albert Einstein and Issac Newton, to name a few, were great daydreamers. By embracing boredom, you will also be setting an excellent example to your children who are so used to being stimulating that the idea of being bored it utterly repulsive. So, if you hear the phrase “I’m bored”, these school holidays. Make your response- “Great, let’s be bored together”.