JAKARTA - When was the last time you really felt bored? Not just because there is no work, but bored without distractions, for example, forgetting to bring a headset to the gym or being stuck in traffic without music and notifications.
In the present era, boredom is increasingly rare because we are always accompanied by mobile phones and screens. But the question arises, is life without boredom healthy?
Kim Johnson Hatchett, MD, a neurologist in Kansas City, explains that boredom arises when the brain does not receive stimulation from the outside.
"That's when the bored mind starts to get into itself. This condition is very important for mental health and life balance. But of course boredom also has another side," he said, quoted from the Women's Health website.
If it's too frequent or lasts a long time, boredom can be a sign of loss of motivation, a sense of being trapped, to mental health problems. So, is boredom good or bad?
When there is no distraction, the brain goes into reflection mode. We daydream, remember the past, or think about the future. The body also slows down, namely the heart rate and stress hormones decrease. But dopamine, a chemical related to motivation also goes down. That's why we get restless and want to immediately find entertainment.
Benefits of Being Bored That Are Rarely Realized
1. Give Time to Rest for the Brain
The brain that is constantly exposed to information needs a break. Bored to help the mind recover even though it feels uncomfortable.
2. Stimulate Creativity
Many ideas come up when the mind is allowed to wander, not when it is forced to focus.
3. Train Mindfulness
Bored helps us be more present in the moment, observing our thoughts and emotions without immediately reacting.
For some people, especially those with trauma, anxiety, or obsessive disorders, silence can trigger negative thoughts. If boredom turns into a sense of emptiness, despair, or loss of interest in life, it can be a sign of a serious problem and need for professional help.
How to Practice Being Bored in a Healthy Way
1. Reduce Gawai Dependence
Try driving, walking, or eating without a phone and music.
2. Take Time to Do Nothing
Sit quietly for 5–10 minutes and let your thoughts flow.
3. Listen to the Signal from Feeling Bored
Pay attention to bodily and emotional sensations without judging.
4. If You Feel Depressed, Take Small Steps
Take one simple action toward a goal, then give yourself a small reward.
Bored is not always the enemy. Within healthy limits, boredom can be a space for rest, reflection, and the beginning of change.
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