Rethinking our relationship with doing nothing
As more and more people celebrate the band, boredom has become something that we try to eliminate as soon as possible.
We navigate, plan, distract, and fill every spare moment—often without even realizing it.
But in Series 22 of Yes, it’s awkwardSusan Osman and Rachel Branson pause to ask a simple but surprisingly complex question:
What if boredom wasn’t the problem…but part of the solution?
What is boredom and why do we avoid it?
Boredom is often described as a restless and uncomfortable feeling when nothing is holding our attention.
It may feel like this:
- Lack of motivation
- A feeling of dissatisfaction
- The desire to escape from the present moment
- Or even a deeper question of purpose
In modern life, boredom is almost seen as a failure – something that can be fixed immediately.
We are conditioned to believe:
- Being busy equals being productive
- Constant motivation equals happiness
- Futility equals wasted time
But this episode challenges that narrative.
“I’m never bored” vs “I need to be bored”
One of the most interesting dynamics in this episode is the contrast between Susan’s and Rachel’s experiences.
Susan says that she it rarely, if ever, feels boring – questions about whether some people are naturally wired for constant engagement or motivation.
Rachel, on the other hand, recognizes boredom as something she experiences – and begins to see it differently.
Instead of viewing boredom as something negative, she thinks it can be an important part of her creative process.
This comparison opens up a wider conversation:
Is boredom something we should overcome or something we should listen to?
The hidden benefits of boredom
Although boredom is uncomfortable, research and life experience show that it can play an important role in our well-being.
1. Boredom creates space for creativity
When the mind isn’t occupied, it wanders—and that’s where ideas often come from.
A lot of creative breakthroughs happen not when we’re focused, but when we’re doing very little.
2. It supports the regulation of the nervous system
Constant stimulation keeps the nervous system on high alert.
Moments of boredom can act as a reset – allowing the body and mind to slow down.
3. It encourages selfishness
Without distraction, we are more likely to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, and desires.
This can lead to greater clarity about what we really want—not what we’re conditioned to.
4. It shows change
Boredom can be a sign that something in our lives is no longer right.
Instead of numbing it, listening to boredom can reveal where growth is needed.
Are we over motivated?
One of the key themes in this episode is how modern life has eliminated almost all opportunities to feel bored.
With smartphones, social media, streaming, and constant notifications, there’s always something to fill the void.
But this raises an important question:
Are we missing something that never lets us get bored?
Filling every spare moment can feel productive—but it can also:
- Mentally exhausting
- Creative limitation
- Emotionally awakening
The conversation gently questions whether our need to be constantly engaged is actually serving our well-being.
Is nothing really good for you?
Most of the time there is nothing to blame.
Many people think that they must always succeed, improve or advance.
But episode 22 invites a different perspective:
What if doing nothing was not time wasted, but time needed?
Time to:
- Process
- Reconstruction
- Imagine
- Reconnect
Instead of seeing boredom as something to escape from, it can be something to allow—even welcome.
Talk about peace, creativity and self-awareness
As always, Yes, it’s awkward mixes honesty with curiosity.
This episode explores:
- Why some people never get bored
- Why others need boredom to be creative
- Regardless, the constant busyness hides a deeper discomfort
- The relationship between fatigue and well-being
- How stillness can support clarity and purpose
And, of course, there are some memorable moments along the way.
Listen to episode 22 Yes, it’s awkward
If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable doing nothing… or wondered why you instinctively reach for your phone every second you have, this episode offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective.
Susan Osman and Rachel Branson invite you to rethink boredom—not as something to be avoided, but as something that can quietly support your well-being, creativity, and sense of direction.
Because sometimes, the moments that feel empty… are the ones that make room for something new.
