Boredom is something that teens nowadays try to avoid at all costs. Living in a world where brains are constantly being stimulated by phones, social media and streaming services, even a few minutes of doing nothing can feel unbearable. 

Boredom shouldn’t be something people fear. In fact it might be exactly what people need. That mental pause gives us the chance to reflect, recharge and even discover things about ourselves we didn’t notice before. 

Being bored isn’t just a waste of time, it can actually start and lead to insightful ideas. 

Senior Jordin Weckman said, “I was thinking about what to write for my college essay for weeks, but I realized that I actually needed to take time, sit and think about it.”

Not everyone sees boredom as a good thing. Some believe that boredom can lead to negative behaviors, especially in teens. When people feel bored, they tend to do risky things just to feel excitement or stimulation.  

“When I’m driving and I get bored, I get the urge to speed but I try not to,” said senior Carson Allen. 

Instead of filling every moment with noise and content, people should learn to embrace boredom. Let your mind drift. Put the phone down for a while. Take a break from the constant input and give your brain a chance to breathe. You might be surprised by how refreshing, inspiring, and even necessary boredom can be.

Whether people think boredom is a good or bad thing, it is an undeniable fact that creativity and self reflection often thrive in those quiet, unstimulated moments. Boredom gives our minds a chance to wander and explore new ideas. Embracing boredom could be the key to unlocking your next great idea. 

Next time you feel bored, don’t try to fill up your time. Take a second and sit with your thoughts.