Boredom can feel unpleasant and lead to a host of negative outcomes like burnout, job dissatisfaction, and costly mistakes. But according to research, boredom isn’t all bad—it can also present an opportunity to reflect on your interests, values, and goals. Here’s how to unlock boredom’s hidden benefits.

* Notice. When you feel that discomfort of boredom setting in, avoid reacting to it immediately. The fact that you’ve noticed you’re bored means you’ve managed to (briefly) resist the urge to instantly engage in mindless scrolling. That’s a good start.

* Decipher. Ask yourself: What is my boredom telling me? Have I simply been working on the same task for too long—or is it deeper than that? Can I identify a pattern related to this uncomfortable feeling?

* Act. Once you understand what your boredom really signifies, you can calibrate the appropriate response. Maybe that’s simply a short break from work. Or perhaps it means making more significant changes to your task list (or even your whole career). Let your boredom inform thoughtful, considered actions—not mindless reactions.
This tip is adapted from “The Benefits of Being Bored at Work,” by Alyson Meister and Aksinia Stavskaya
Spread the love