Why boredom is good for you.

I was on a tram last week.

As I looked around I noticed that every person who was not with some one else (and even quite a few who were with someone else) were on their “devices”.

The idea of looking out the window and watching the world go by was so unattractive that literally no one did it.

That’s a shame because there’s research that shows people who allow themselves to just be alone with their thoughts are more creative. Being “bored” can be very productive. The endless scrolling that people do nowadays has a cost and it is reflected in diminished capacity to come up with new ideas.

In my practice of dentistry I always noticed that I came up with the best ideas when I was chilled out.

Walking. Sitting quietly in a chair. Under the shower. Looking at nature. Sipping a glass of wine.

If you are one of the large number of people who has fallen the habit of always “doing” something then it might be good to insert some quiet times into your day.

Stop listening to music all the time. Leave your device in your pocket or even better at home.

You might be surprised and delighted at how many more good ideas you come up with for your practice.