“I’m bored.”
Most of us have said it or heard it from our kids. But is boredom actually bad for you?
Not necessarily. Occasional boredom can give kids and adults space to think, use their imagination and decide what to do next. While boredom isn’t always beneficial, learning to tolerate some unstructured time can be healthy.
Here’s why boredom can sometimes be useful and when it may be a sign of something more.
What is boredom?
Boredom is the feeling you get when you want to be engaged in something but your current situation isn’t holding your attention.
You might feel bored because:
- You’re doing something repetitive.
- You don’t find an activity interesting or meaningful.
- You don’t know what you want to do next.
- You’re mentally tired and having trouble focusing.
- You’re used to frequent stimulation from phones, television, games or other activities.
Boredom itself isn’t necessarily a problem. It can act as a signal that you’re ready to change activities, seek a challenge or engage your mind in a different way.
Is boredom good for you?
Boredom can sometimes be useful because it creates space for your mind to shift away from whatever has been holding your attention. That downtime may encourage reflection, imagination or the motivation to find something new to do.
Research into boredom and creativity is mixed. Simply being bored doesn’t automatically make you more creative. But unstructured time and mind wandering may help you make new connections between ideas or come up with different ways to occupy yourself.
The key is balance. Constant boredom can be frustrating, but constantly trying to eliminate every quiet moment isn’t necessary either.
Why is boredom good for kids?
Parents often feel responsible for keeping children entertained, but kids don’t need every minute of their day planned.
Some unstructured time gives children a chance to decide what interests them and how they want to spend their time. Instead of immediately receiving an activity from an adult or a screen, they may invent a game, build something, draw, read or simply daydream.
Unstructured play can also help children practice skills such as:
- Making decisions
- Solving problems
- Using their imagination
- Playing independently
- Managing frustration
- Finding ways to entertain themselves
You don’t have to solve boredom for your child every time they say, “I’m bored.”
Instead, try giving them time to come up with their own solution.
Should you give your child ideas when they’re bored?
Sometimes.
You can provide options without becoming the family’s full-time entertainment director. For younger children especially, it may help to have simple activities available that they can choose from on their own.
Try keeping supplies such as:
- Books
- Art supplies Blocks or building toys
- Puzzles
- Outdoor toys
- Dress-up clothes
- Board or card games
You might also create a family “boredom list” with activities such as going outside, drawing a picture, building a fort or helping prepare a snack.
Then let your child choose what to do.
Be sure activities are appropriate for your child’s age and supervise younger children when necessary.
Can boredom be good for adults too?
Yes. Adults can benefit from periods when nothing is demanding their immediate attention.
Think about how often you reach for your phone when you have a few spare minutes. Checking notifications, scrolling through social media or watching a short video can fill the time almost instantly.
There’s nothing wrong with using technology for entertainment. But you don’t have to fill every pause.
Leaving some moments open may give you time to notice your thoughts, think through a problem, remember something you’ve been meaning to do or simply give your attention a break.
What can you do instead of reaching for your phone?
You don’t need to turn boredom into another project. The goal isn’t to make every quiet moment productive.
Try simple, low-stimulation activities such as:
- Take a walk without looking at your phone.
- Sit outside for a few minutes.
- Doodle, draw or write.
- Work on a puzzle or craft.
- Read a book.
- Cook or bake something.
- Listen to music.
- Stretch or move your body.
- Spend time on a hobby.
- Let yourself daydream.
- Sit quietly for a few minutes.
For kids, resist the urge to provide entertainment immediately. Give them a chance to come up with an idea first.
Is it healthy to be bored without screens?
It can be.
Phones, tablets and televisions make it easy to avoid boredom almost entirely. But taking occasional breaks from screens can open up time for physical activity, face-to-face interaction, hobbies, imaginative play and rest.
For children, screen-free unstructured play can be especially valuable. They get the opportunity to decide what to play and how to play it instead of following the structure provided by an app, video or game.
For adults, putting down a device can simply provide a break from the constant stream of information competing for your attention.
You don’t have to eliminate screens. Aim for a healthy balance between digital entertainment and other ways of spending your free time.
When could boredom be a sign of something more?
Occasional boredom is normal. But persistent boredom or a loss of interest in things you usually enjoy can sometimes happen alongside other concerns.
Pay attention if boredom comes with symptoms such as:
- Feeling sad, hopeless or unusually irritable
- Losing interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Feeling anxious or restless much of the time
- Trouble functioning at school, work or home
For children, you might notice ongoing changes in mood, behavior, school performance, sleep or relationships.
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean boredom is caused by a mental health condition. But if they continue or interfere with everyday life, talk with a health care professional.
The bottom line
Being bored once in a while isn’t a bad thing. You don’t need to fill every open moment with an activity, notification or screen.
For children, boredom can create an opportunity for independent and imaginative play. For adults, quiet time can provide space to think, reflect or simply take a break from constant stimulation.
The next time you or your child says, “I’m bored,” consider waiting a little while before trying to fix it. Deciding what comes next may be part of the benefit.
Need support for your mental health?
Changes in your mood, interests, sleep or ability to manage everyday life may be worth discussing with a professional. Banner Health behavioral health services can help you find support that fits your needs. Find a behavioral health provider near you.
Frequently asked questions about boredom
Is boredom good for your brain?
Boredom isn’t automatically good or bad for your brain. Periods of low stimulation may allow your mind to wander, reflect or seek out something new. The effects depend on the person and the situation.
Does boredom make you more creative?
Not necessarily. Research has found mixed results. Boredom may encourage some people to seek new ideas or activities, but being bored alone doesn’t guarantee greater creativity.
Is it OK to let kids be bored?
Yes. Children don’t need to be entertained every moment. Age-appropriate unstructured time can encourage independent play, imagination and problem-solving.
Should I give my child a screen when they’re bored?
Screens can be one form of entertainment, but they don’t need to be the automatic answer to boredom. Give children opportunities for screen-free play, movement, reading and other activities too.
When should I worry about constant boredom?
Talk with a health care professional if ongoing boredom occurs along with persistent sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, significant behavior changes or problems functioning at home, school or work.
