Many people consider boredom a negative emotion. But what if boredom is your brain's hidden superpower? Some studies suggest it may be a sign of a high IQ. Intelligent people...
Many people consider boredom a negative emotion. But what if boredom is your brain's hidden superpower? Some studies suggest it may be a sign of a high IQ. Intelligent people are more likely to be bored because their brains crave more stimulation.
A study by Dr. Sandy Mann of the University of Central Lancashire, published in 2014, found that students who completed a boring task were more creative afterwards. They came up with 20% more ideas for plastic cups than the control group.
Take Isaac Newton, for example. Perhaps what he experienced under the apple tree wasn't idleness, but rather "productive boredom," leading to reflections on gravity. Boredom frees the mind, allowing it to wander and discover unexpected connections.
The brains of intelligent people, even when bored, actively operate in the "default network." This is the system responsible for planning for the future and introspection. In 2012, Andreas Fink confirmed the link between high working memory and a tendency toward mind-wandering.
So next time you're feeling bored, don't rush to your gadget. Your brain might be preparing a new breakthrough. Great discoveries often begin with moments of thoughtful silence.
Select how you want to watch this video
