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The Men of Iron Minute

by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation

Are You Bored?


Let’s get this out of the way. No one chooses boredom. Boredom falls upon us like an unexpected rain shower when we don’t have an umbrella. As a kid, boredom was the enemy of a good day, but it could also help produce a great day. I grew up before the digital and gaming boom, and being bored put my mind on hyperdrive. That slower state allowed my mind to dream and create. A stick becomes a gun, a sword, or a lightsaber (remember those), and my neighbor friends become allies or enemies. We acted out war scenes and dramatic ninth-inning game winners. It all depended on the day. “Are you in, or are you out?” That sort of thing. We had a blast together. The key is together. Boredom is not a solo endeavor. We all get bored. Bored doesn’t mean lazy. There’s a whole other definition for that word.

We have a million things helping us not be bored. Our digital, dopamine-doling devices have eliminated the need ever to be bored. We can go to YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, or the ever-expanding streaming options (not to mention all the other hobbies). Boredom can be a gift if it helps to remove distractions. We have all felt the effects of distractions. No one is immune from the virus of excess. Excess consumption fills the gap that boredom creates. The energy drains, and time sucks, leaving creativity circling the drain. Restlessness signals that something is wrong, and we cancel the signal by unnecessarily doing “something.” Because of the ability to be less distracted. What if you didn’t block that restless feeling? I have been thinking about how much unattached time ancient farming cultures had in the fields or the slow wagon ride to town. Here’s my life: I listen to a podcast in my headphones, get in my truck, and the Bluetooth picks it up, and get out of the truck, and the headphones come right back—no dead space. No silence. No boredom. More stress. Always ON!

What if you just sat a bit longer and let your mind wonder, dream, and relieve some stress?

“Attention uses one’s limited cognitive resources for productive activities. So taking a break can be a valuable opportunity to help our overloaded brains relax and alleviate stress.” Heshmat[1]

 

+ Turn off technology.

+ Take nothing into the bathroom.

+ Take a long walk.

+ Take a drive.

+ Take a long shower.

 

Be a better you.

Find time to dream.

Be a better man.

 

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[1]https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/202004/5-benefits-boredom