Chasing Life Feeling Bored? That May Actually Motivate You
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Jan 17, 2025 James Danckert, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Waterloo and co-author of "Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom," dives into the surprising benefits of boredom. He explores how embracing this often-avoided state can ignite creativity and foster self-reflection. The conversation highlights the pitfalls of modern distractions and offers practical strategies for managing boredom through task-oriented activities. Danckert also discusses boredom's evolutionary role as a motivator for exploration and personal growth.
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Brother's Boredom After Injury
- James Danckert's brother experienced increased boredom after a brain injury.
- He struggled to find enjoyment in previously loved activities like drumming, highlighting a change in his brain's engagement thresholds.
Boredom and Depression
- Boredom and depression have a strong correlation, although the causal direction is unclear.
- Chronic disengagement, or the struggle to engage, may lead to depression.
Curiosity vs. Boredom
- Boredom has no single opposite, but curiosity is one.
- You can't be both curious and bored simultaneously.