If We Lose Boredom, We Might Also Lose Gravity

In today’s hyper-connected world, we wear our ability to multitask as a badge of honor. “Look at me, I can navigate twenty tabs, reply to emails, scroll through social media, and watch a YouTube video—all at the same time!” But this constant need for stimulation, this incessant itch to always be ‘on,’ might be robbing us of something profound. Something that once led a man to discover the laws of gravity by merely observing an apple fall from a tree. I’m talking about the simple, unadulterated power of boredom and the danger to our species if we lose it.

The History of Boredom

History is replete with tales of geniuses who, in moments of quiet reflection and solitude, stumbled upon ideas that changed the world. Sir Isaac Newton, for instance, wasn’t juggling tasks or drowning in notifications when the concept of gravity dawned upon him. He was simply indulging in a moment of boredom, allowing his mind to wander and connect the dots in ways that hadn’t been done before.

Then there’s Albert Einstein, another colossal figure in the world of science. Einstein’s theories, which reshaped our entire understanding of the universe, were often born out of deep contemplation—moments when he allowed his mind to drift, unburdened by the distractions of the world around him.

These historical anecdotes aren’t just fun facts for a trivia night. They serve as poignant reminders of what we stand to lose in our relentless pursuit of constant stimulation. 

In sidelining boredom, we’re sidelining a state of mind that has, time and again, proven to be a fertile ground for creativity and innovation.

In the age of Newton and Einstein, distractions were few and far between. Today, they’re omnipresent. But if we can learn anything from these luminaries, it’s that sometimes, to truly move forward, we need to allow ourselves to do nothing at all.

The Science Behind Overstimulation

We live in an era where our brains are bombarded with information at every turn. From the incessant pings of notifications to the allure of endless scrolling, our minds are in a perpetual state of engagement. But what’s the cost of this relentless stimulation?

Neuroscience offers some insights. Our brains are designed to handle a certain amount of sensory input. But when we’re constantly exposed to a barrage of digital stimuli, it can lead to a phenomenon known as sensory overload. It’s the physiological state where our brain struggles to process and prioritize the influx of information.

John Gray, who famously wrote Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, wrote about the growing studies on the effects of digital technology on our cognitive functions. He suggests that our constant engagement with screens is rewiring our brains, making them more susceptible to distractions. This constant need for novelty triggers a dopamine cycle, where we seek out new stimuli to get that next “hit” of pleasure. But like any addiction, the more we indulge, the more we need to feel satisfied.

Symptoms and Causes of Overstimulation

So, how do you know if you’re suffering from overstimulation? The symptoms can range from feelings of anxiety and restlessness to an inability to focus on tasks. Some people report feeling overwhelmed or mentally fatigued, even when they haven’t engaged in any strenuous activity.

One of the primary culprits behind this state is, unsurprisingly, our screens. The blue light emitted by our devices, coupled with the rapid-fire information they present, can strain our cognitive functions. The rise in ADHD diagnoses in recent years has led researchers to explore a potential link between increased screen time and attention disorders. While the jury is still out on definitive causation, the correlation is hard to ignore.

But it’s not just about the screens. It’s about how we engage with them. The modern digital landscape is designed to capture our attention and keep it. Algorithms curate content that they know will appeal to us, creating an echo chamber of constant engagement. The result? A brain that’s always “on,” always processing, and rarely resting.

In sidelining boredom, we’ve unwittingly sidelined our brain’s natural reset button. And in doing so, we might just be sidelining our next big idea, our next moment of clarity, or our next groundbreaking discovery.

Combatting Overstimulation: Solutions and Techniques

In the face of this digital onslaught, it might seem like an impossible task to reclaim our mental space. But the good news is, it’s entirely possible. Here’s how:

1. Designated ‘No Screen’ Time: Just as we schedule our work and leisure, it’s essential to pencil in some ‘no screen’ time. Whether it’s the first hour after waking up or an hour before bed, giving ourselves a break from digital devices can work wonders for our mental well-being. Personally, I use my phone as an alarm, but leave it face down on my bedside table until I have showered, meditated, and made my coffee.
2. Meditation: This ancient practice has found renewed relevance in our modern age. By focusing on the present moment, we train our minds to resist the pull of distractions. Even a short 10-minute session daily can help in grounding you and improving your focus (and all the other benefits of meditation).
3. Digital Detox: While it might sound daunting, hell, it scares the shit out of some people, taking a day or even a weekend off from all digital devices can be incredibly rejuvenating. It’s a chance for our brains to reset and for us to reconnect with the physical world around us.
4. Prioritize Deep Work: Cal Newport’s concept of ‘Deep Work’ and the book of the same name, emphasizes the importance of long, uninterrupted periods of focus. By setting aside specific blocks of time for intensive tasks, we can train our minds to resist the allure of constant stimulation.

The Takeaway

With our addiction to looking for constant entertainment and engagement, we’ve traded the profound for the immediate, and the deep for the shallow. But history has shown us time and again that it’s in moments of quiet contemplation that true genius emerges. From Newton’s apple to Einstein’s relativity, the power of boredom and reflection cannot be understated.

It’s easy to get caught in the digital web, to feel the need to be always “on.” But if you take a step back, if you allow yourself those precious moments of boredom, who knows what groundbreaking ideas you might discover?

So, the next time you’re tempted to reach for your phone during a lull, resist the urge. Instead, gaze out of the window, take a deep breath, and let your mind wander, hell, maybe even do some meditation! Your very own ‘apple falling from the tree’ moment might be just around the corner.