Free downloadable resource for your young people at the bottom
You know the the one, the face like the pictures above, the dramatic sigh followed by “I’m so bored" and if you're really lucky they will throw an eye-roll in for good measure!
In a world of instant entertainment: social media, gaming and streaming services, it’s easy to see boredom as something to avoid at all costs. But what if boredom isn’t the enemy? What if it’s actually a hidden superpower that can help young people develop essential life skills?
The benefits of boredom
Boredom often gets a bad reputation, but research suggests it plays a crucial role in mental well-being and cognitive development. Instead of rushing to fill every quiet moment with a screen, allowing space for boredom can lead to surprising benefits:
1. Strengthens mental health
A constantly overstimulated brain doesn’t get the chance to rest and recharge. When teens are left with their own thoughts, they learn to process emotions, build self-awareness, and develop mindfulness, all of which contribute to improved mental health. A study published in the journal Academy of Management Discoveries found that boredom can encourage deep thinking and self-reflection, leading to personal growth (Gasper & Middlewood, 2014).
2. Builds resilience
When everything is easily accessible, there’s little need to work through frustration or discomfort. However, learning to sit with boredom teaches young people patience, perseverance, and the ability to tolerate discomfort. These are key ingredients in resilience, the ability to adapt and bounce back from challenges. Dr. Sandi Mann, author of The Upside of Downtime: Why Boredom is Good, explains that working through boredom without immediate distractions fosters grit and emotional endurance.
3. Boosts problem-solving and creativity
Boredom creates the perfect environment for creative thinking. Without the constant pull of notifications or tech, young people are more likely to daydream, brainstorm, and engage in imaginative play, all important skills for problem-solving. Yes, you read that right 'imaginative play', play is still important for adolescents. Think back to how you entertained yourself in your teens. A 2019 study in Nature Communications suggests that boredom leads to increased divergent thinking, which helps generate new ideas and solutions (Westgate & Wilson, 2019).
Teaching young people to embrace boredom
So, how can parents encourage their young people to see boredom as an opportunity rather than a problem?
Encourage unstructured time: Overscheduling leaves little room for spontaneous creativity. Let your teen have some free time each day without planned activities or screen time.
Model it yourself: Show them that it’s okay to be still, to reflect, and to engage in non-digital hobbies.
Provide open-ended activities: Art supplies, books, journals, musical instruments or even outdoor space to explore can invite creativity without rigid structure.
Resist the urge to “fix” boredom: Instead of immediately offering solutions, try asking, “What could you do with this time?”
Final Thoughts
Boredom isn’t something to be feared; it’s a doorway to resilience, creativity and stronger mental health. The next time you hear the dramatic sigh followed by "I'm so bored", take a deep breath and smile because you now know that boredom is working its quiet magic.
Who knows? They might just surprise you with what they come up with next.
Need more support in helping your youngster navigate mental well-being? Get in touch, I’d love to help!
This month's resource gives your young person 10 questions they could ask themselves next time they are bored, which will then lead to ways to fill their time.
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