Doing nothing: the benefits of boredom

from What's That Rash? · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

With endless entertainment at your fingertips on your phone, how often do you really sit and do absolutely nothing?It turns out that even when you’re staring into the middle distance, your brain is firing away with activity.Norman and Tegan explore why giving your brain a break might be important for learning and creativity.References:The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health Default-mode brain dysfunction in mental disorders: A systematic review Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind - Science The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study People are increasingly bored in our digital ageIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!What is the perfect nap duration?Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer?Why are people taping their mouths?

What this episode covers

With endless entertainment at your fingertips on your phone, how often do you really sit and do absolutely nothing? It turns out that even when you’re staring into the middle distance, your brain is firing away with activity. Norman and Tegan explore why giving your brain a break might be important for learning and creativity. References: The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health Default-mode brain dysfunction in mental disorders: A systematic review Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind - Science The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study People are increasingly bored in our digital age If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer? Why are people taping their mouths?

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This episode was published on February 10, 2026.

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