logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
25m 30s

How I Stopped Fearing Boredom

Pushkin Industries
About this episode

Dr Laurie HATES boredom! Since childhood she's found it so painful that she'll do anything to avoid being bored. She'll watch crappy TV. She'll find extra work to do. She'll snack. But boredom is actually an incredibly useful tool to boost our happiness and creativity.  

With the help of leading boredom experts, Dr Laurie learns how to embrace doing nothing and finds that in the midst of tedium our brains can come up with the most amazing breakthrough ideas. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Jul 7
The Jimi Hendrix of the Cello (with Joshua Roman)
Joshua Roman has been playing the cello everyday since he was three - but then on a concert tour he caught Covid. The illness wouldn't go away and sapped his ability to play the music he loves at the level he was used to. How can things like music help us feel better during tough ... Show More
39m 7s
Jun 30
"Birds Are Like My Afternoon Martini" (Birding with Lili Taylor)
Lili Taylor loves her acting career - but the emotional intensity of her work and the constant travel can take its toll. But Lili has found a way to relax and unwind - watching birds. As Lili explains in her new book Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing - if we stop ... Show More
32m 15s
Jun 23
How Good Manners Made Me Happier (with Etiquette Expert William Hanson)
You might think etiquette is outdated. Who really needs a dinner with nice napkins and four different forks? Etiquette expert William Hanson disagrees. By observing good manners we show others we respect and care about them - deepening our bonds. William (author of Just Good Mann ... Show More
41m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2020
How to Deal with Boredom
Have you be finding yourself bored lately? In this episode, I will teach you how to make the most out of that boredom.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robdialjr/ Reveal the hidden patterns shaping your choices, habits, and success. Take my FREE Identity Quiz to d ... Show More
16m 5s
Nov 2022
How Boredom Can Help You Be More Productive and Creative
We need to understand the importance of boredom. A lot of people struggle with boredom. They don't know what to do when they're bored, and yet it's a common problem. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Access WG+ episodes available o ... Show More
4m 8s
Dec 2020
Encore: Why boredom is surprisingly interesting, with Erin Westgate, PhD
We’re taking a holiday break, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes from this past year. Back in the spring we talked to University of Florida psychologist Erin Westgate about the surprisingly fascinating topic of boredom. What is boredom? Is it always bad to be bored? ... Show More
41m 9s
Jan 2022
Why do we get bored?
“I’m bored!” We can all relate to the uncomfortable - and at times unbearable - feeling of boredom. But what is it? Why does it happen? And could this frustrating, thumb-twiddling experience actually serve some evolutionary purpose? CrowdScience listener Brian started wondering t ... Show More
30m 27s
Apr 2020
128. Boredom
Join me this week as I talk through what boredom actually is, whether it’s a problem, and how you can handle it better. Letting boredom just exist in your body can feel extremely uncomfortable, but you’ll be surprised at how much growth and new insights you’ll discover on the oth ... Show More
12m 33s
Oct 2023
A Cure for Existential Boredom
It’s one thing to be bored by having to wait in line or sit through a dry lecture. It’s another thing to be bored with life itself.What can you do about this kind of existential boredom?My guest will share a remedy with us today on the show. His name is Kevin Hood Gary, and he’s ... Show More
49m 9s
May 2023
Boredom
One must imagine Sisyphus…bored. Take a break from boredom and listen to episode 78 of Overthink as David and Ellie guide you through the fabulously idle realm of this “bestial, indefinable affliction.” They discuss the peaceful highs and painful lows of their middle school summe ... Show More
58m 3s
Mar 2020
11 Indoor Activities To Reduce Stress, Beat Boredom & Boost Positivity
What do you do when you have more time on your hands than usual? Jay Shetty is convinced that using the time well not only promotes productivity but also plays a vital role in mental health and emotional well being. In this episode, Jay Shetty gives 11 unique ways to make the mos ... Show More
25m 9s
Oct 2022
Why We Need To Be Bored
This podcast is SO BORING. Actually, it's about why being bored can be used as a strategy to help your brain relax.   Want to improve your mental health? Put that phone down, don't answer that text or email, and let yourself be bored.   Host: Rebecca Hintze Guest Speaker: Shane H ... Show More
35m 23s