Fascinating facts about boredom

• Boredom isn't just an empty state or a void to be filled. It's a complex state of mind that can lead to valuable insights and bursts of creativity.
• Boredom is a state of being underwhelmed, not overwhelmed. It's when our mind is not actively engaged in a task or stimulated by the external environment.
• Our brains are wired to seek constant stimulation and engagement. When we're constantly switching tasks, our brains use up energy, specifically glucose, leading to feelings of exhaustion.
• Boredom can be a catalyst for creativity. When our minds are not focused on a specific task, we're free to wander and develop new ideas and solutions.
• When we're bored, our minds engage in "autobiographical planning." This involves looking back at our past experiences, identifying significant events, and using this information to build a personal narrative.
• Autobiographical planning allows us to reflect on our lives, understand ourselves better, and make informed decisions about our future. It helps us set goals and plan the steps needed to achieve them.
• To experience boredom, we need to disconnect from the constant stream of stimuli provided by our devices. This might be challenging at first, as we're used to being constantly connected and engaged.
• As you start to embrace boredom, you'll begin to notice various emotions and thoughts that usually stay under the surface. This can lead to increased self-awareness and understanding.
• Boredom allows your mind to roam freely, leading to the emergence of new ideas and solutions that you might not have considered before.
• Embracing boredom can be a form of meditation. It's about accepting the current state of mind and letting your thoughts flow freely without judgment.
• Boredom isn't something to be feared or avoided. Instead, it should be accepted and even welcomed as a state of mind that can lead to creativity, problem-solving, and a better understanding of ourselves.
• Boredom can be a refreshing pause in a world that values constant activity and busyness. It's a chance to step back, reflect, and engage with our own minds.
• The next time you find yourself reaching for your phone to escape a moment of boredom, consider embracing it instead. You might be surprised at what you discover.

It's possible to be bored to death, yikes!

A Whitehall II cohort study found that boredom could indicate that death was around the door. The study was conducted through a questionnaire and included people between the ages of 35 and 55. Boredom seemed to be the most prevalent among young women in the lower-income group.

While the questionnaire was conducted from 1985 to 1988, the results still trickled through until April 2009. Alarmingly, nearly 35% of those who indicated high levels of boredom died by the follow-up exam. Some of the shared factors included low health, low levels of activity, and low employment grades.

Don't bore yourself to death! It's time to kick things up a notch and work that side hustle to move into a higher pay scale. Ditch the car or train ride and dust off ye olde bicycle, and for the love of a good chill, get a hobby or join an activity group that adds meaning to your life.

Our personality quizzes are set up a little differently than your basic trivia quiz, but you’ve probably seen their kind around. Rather than having to choose the right answer from a list of multiple choice options, in this case, there is no “right answer”! (Two plus two will always be four, but every Golden Girls character is equally awesome.)

So, stop stressing. Just click on the answer that suits you best, and enjoy the ride. These quizzes are just for fun but who knows – you might just learn something about yourself along the way!