How Boredom Boosts Creativity and How to Use It Intentionally
I’ve spent over a decade coaching writers, designers, and entrepreneurs through creative blocks, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned the hard way, it’s that chasing constant stimulation is a surefire way to kill your best ideas.
Back in my early days as a freelance writer, I used to fill every spare moment with podcasts, social media scrolls, or “quick research” rabbit holes.
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I’d pride myself on being productive, but my work felt flat—safe, predictable, and honestly, a bit soulless. It wasn’t until I hit a real slump, where I forced myself to sit with nothing but a blank screen and no distractions, that things shifted.
That’s when I realized: boredom isn’t the enemy of creativity. It’s often the spark.
Why Boredom Actually Boosts Creativity
In our always-on world, we treat boredom like a flaw to fix immediately. But from my experience working with hundreds of creative professionals, I’ve found that those moments of “nothing to do” are where the magic happens.
When your mind isn’t bombarded with inputs, it starts wandering—and that’s when unexpected connections form. I remember one client, a graphic designer, who was stuck on a branding project for weeks.
She was overworking, doom-scrolling for inspiration, and getting more frustrated. I suggested she try something radical: spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing stimulating. No phone, no music, just folding laundry or staring out the window.
She laughed at first, but tried it. The next day, she came back with a breakthrough concept that tied the client’s story to childhood memories she’d randomly recalled while zoning out. That’s the power of boredom—it triggers mind-wandering, which research shows directly fuels creative thinking.
Studies back this up, too. People who’ve endured mundane tasks, like copying phone numbers or watching paint dry (okay, not literally), consistently come up with more original ideas afterward compared to those who skip the tedium.
Boredom pushes your brain into a restless state, hungry for something novel, and that hunger drives divergent thinking—the kind where you brainstorm wild, unconventional solutions. But here’s the nuance I’ve seen firsthand: it doesn’t work the same way for everyone.
Some people thrive in boredom because they’re naturally open to new experiences or curious by nature. Others fight it, grabbing their phone the second discomfort hits, and miss the payoff.
I’ve made that mistake plenty—reaching for distractions during long drives or waits, only to realize later that those were prime times for ideas to bubble up.
The Real Benefits of Embracing Boredom for Creativity
Over the years, I’ve watched boredom deliver tangible wins beyond just “feeling inspired.” It sharpens problem-solving, too. One entrepreneur I coached was grinding on a business pivot but hitting walls.
We built in deliberate “boredom breaks“—no screens, just walking or sitting quietly. Within a week, he reframed his entire model during a dull commute, spotting connections he’d overlooked in hyper-focused mode.
Boredom also builds resilience. In creative fields, blocks are inevitable. Learning to sit with that itch without numbing it trains you to push through discomfort, leading to deeper, more authentic work. I’ve had dry spells where forcing stimulation made things worse—ideas felt forced.
But leaning into the boredom? It rebooted my brain, letting subconscious insights surface. Of course, too much unchecked boredom can tip into procrastination or low mood—I’ve been there, letting a “rest day” turn into weeks of avoidance. The key is intentionality.
How to Use Boredom Intentionally to Increase Creativity
If you want to harness this, don’t wait for boredom to strike randomly. Build it in. Here’s what works based on years of trial, error, and guiding others:
1. Schedule Mundane Tasks as Creative Primers
Before a brainstorming session, do something repetitive and low-stakes—like washing dishes, weeding the garden, or organizing a drawer. No podcasts or audiobooks. Let your mind drift.
I’ve used this before writing sessions; the ideas flow more easily afterward because boredom has done the heavy lifting of loosening mental filters.
2. Create No-Distraction Zones
Put your phone in another room for 30-60 minutes daily. Sit, walk a familiar route, or just stare at the ceiling. At first, it’s uncomfortable—I still squirm sometimes—but resist the urge to “fix” it.
That’s when daydreaming kicks in, sparking those “aha” moments.
3. Embrace Waiting Without Filling It
Next time you’re in line or commuting, don’t scroll. Observe, let your thoughts wander. One of my biggest book ideas came during a delayed flight with a dead phone battery.
Pure boredom forced me to mentally outline chapters.
4. Pair Boredom with Light Activity
For many, pure stillness is tough. Try walking without headphones or doodling absentmindedly. It engages just enough to prevent agitation but leaves room for mind-wandering.
5. Reflect After the Boredom
Once the wave passes, jot down whatever bubbled up. Don’t judge—capture it raw. This reinforces the habit and shows you the payoff.
Start small; 15 minutes a day can shift things. I’ve seen burned-out creatives regain their edge this way, turning “I’m so bored” into “Where did that idea come from?”
Boredom isn’t laziness—it’s a signal your brain wants more meaningful engagement. By using it intentionally, you unlock a quieter, more powerful form of creativity.
Trust me, after a decade in the trenches, ditching the constant hustle for strategic boredom has been my biggest game-changer. Give it a shot—you might surprise yourself with what emerges.
