Walking down the halls of NDB, it is easy to notice students scrolling through TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms during a 10-minute passing period. Many students feel that boredom is an uncomfortable feeling, not knowing what to do with themselves when there is nothing left to do. Many modern students avoid the feeling of being bored, filling it with endless scrolling on social media or watching a show.

However, being bored is important as it sparks creativity, encourages problem-solving and provides a necessary break for your mind. When there is nothing to do, that’s the time when you can find a new hobby or fall deeper into a passion. For example, it allows the brain to enter a relaxed state, which can lead to deeper thinking and increased productivity, and mental clarity.

Boredom used to be a natural part of life because it provided a space for the mind to be unstructured, allowing for reflection and creativity. As time has evolved and the internet has become increasingly accessible, many people struggle to sit down and do nothing, often feeling bored. Some activities that can replace this feeling of boredom are journaling, reading, solving puzzles, or even starting a podcast. All of which you can develop a new hobby or interest.

Junior Khusi Patel explains how she deals with boredom, “I don’t let myself be bored because I have too many things to do, and I feel like sometimes I have other priorities.” Patel also adds, “I think boredom is a good thing because it gives you lots of time to think and come up with creative ideas.”

Being bored can be an uncomfortable feeling, especially when attending a school that is always buzzing with energy, activities and work; however, it is important to experience this as it can help discover new hobbies and passions. As NDB students rush through finishing the semester, remembering how to sit with stillness may be the final step toward finding balance.