One morning during my commute, I found myself without my usual literary distractions. Instead, I had the rare opportunity to observe my fellow New Yorkers in their most natural and probably most frequented habitat: the subway. Most were glued to their screens, in the middle of vigorous games of Candy Crush or Words with Friends, or engulfed in digital reading materials. They were doing everything they could to avoid being present with the drudgery of a long subway ride.Digital technologies have enabled constant engagement, and it now seems like we have entered a battle with boredom (either actual or anticipated), and that any moment without distraction or entertainment signifies a “loss” in the duel.But as it turns out, we might be thinking about boredom all wrong. Research suggests that boredom (in moderation) should be embraced. The happy balance between chronic boredom and constant engagement can prove beneficial for our minds and even our careers.
Source: The Science-Backed Benefits of Being Bored | Greatist
My parents had a great cure for boredom. If we said we were bored we found ourselves with boring work to do. I think we are all geared to be engaged all the time. I don’t know if it’s expectation to be busy or if it’s that we are under perpetual attention grabbing stimuli and have not opportunity to really shut down. It’s situational and dependent on the individual. I think I might say I’m bored but really mean, I’m trying to stop the merry go round my mind is on and it takes a while to slow down the horses.