‘What can I do to keep the kids busy?’ is a concern for lots of parents before the holidays.  They think that it’s a duty to find activities throughout the days that will entertain their children. No so.  The truth is that being bored is a healthy state for both children and adults.  It is when we are bored that our brains have time to recharge and both creativity and problem-solving is stimulated.

What is boredom?

The feeling of boredom is when brains are unoccupied for a time.  This causes restlessness and disinterest in one’s surroundings. 

While we are focusing on the demanding tasks of school or work or on interacting with the people around us, our brains are busy.  After these periods, we might feel tired and look for ways of relaxing.  These are usually in the form of some or other entertainment or activities like hobbies, reading or play.  Today, much entertainment comes from electronic devices with children spending less time outside or playing with friends or siblings.

The trouble with spending too much time watching YouTube videos or scrolling Instagram and TikTok doesn’t refresh the brain but actually causes greater fatigue.  Time spent in these ways may relieve boredom but also causes a different problem. The less people experience boredom, the less equipped the brain is to deal with it.

Refreshing the brain

When your brain is intent on an activity, it exerts a lot of energy. When you finish the activity, it returns to a default stage and rests. This is normal and the way that our brains are refreshed.  During this time, several interconnected brain regions are active and working in unison. This is referred to as the default mode network.

When people are in this state, many important things are happening in the brain. Memories are consolidated and lessons are reflected upon; the brain plays through scenarios, applies what was learned and it could be used in the future.  Time is spend thinking about themselves and others; they reminisce about the past and daydream about the future.

A creative time

The resting state can also be a creative time, and can lead to finding creative solutions to problems that are bothering people. For example, many people claim to come up with great solutions to problems they are grappling with while taking a walk or a shower. This is because their mind is free to wander while their body is engaged in a mindless task and captive to the task.

Helping kids cope with boredom

Follow these tips to use boredom productively:

• It’s not adults’ responsibility to entertain their children every moment of the day. Kids are naturally curious and creative. Being bored helps them strengthen their creative muscles and learn to cope with feelings of boredom as they get older.
• Balance activities with rest. The days don’t have to be constantly busy.
• Strive for a variety of activities that you or your child enjoy, include spending time with others but leave lots of time for the brain to rest.
• Encourage children to try something new, like joining a club, trying a new hobby, playing a board game.
• Get them outside. Spending time with nature is one of the best therapeutic ways to ward off boredom. It also promotes creative thinking.
• Encourage curiosity.
• Encourage reminiscing but also dreaming of current or future goals and wishes.
• If children complain of boredom, acknowledge their feelings and ask them to come up with a solution. If they struggle, offer ideas that don’t include an electronic device.
• Boredom can be more uncomfortable or distressing for people feeling fearful, anxious or depressed. If this is the case, try to get them professional help to work through their feelings and develop healthy coping skills.
• Teach them not to be afraid of feeling bored. It’s a normal part of life that offers an opportunity to restore our brains and create solutions to problems.

This article was originally written by  Ashok Seshadri, of the Mayo Clinic.