I suppose it’s *the drive to keep ourselves constantly entertained* that can keep ourselves from having more meaningful experiences, solving problems, deep thinking, etc.

Along related lines, I came across your blog while looking for an article I read a couple years ago on leisure time and the brain.  The article suggested studies had shown that cognitive processes by which we define and shape our personal identity can only happen when we are free to enjoy relaxing time. Still searching for this article, or associated research, was going to cite it for something else. 

There are different kinds of boredom… I would say that boredom is most often associated with an inability to escape a situation that is not actively engaging … but you *can* be bored and busy at the same time — also, even if you aren’t busy — there is relaxed boredom and irritated boredom.  I’m sure there is a more scientific way to discuss these points, but I’m not a researcher, and I’m actually in a bit of a hurry now (eep!).

Lack of stimulation can present it’s own kind of stress. I think it’s more the dimension of “free time to play or just relax” that fosters creativity.

Still, any down time can be creative, and a preference for entertainment that doesn’t engage any creative or analytical thinking is associated with cognitive decline in the elderly – and I would be surprised if this correlation with general lack or suppression of cognitive ability didn’t extend to young people as well.

A link to related info for activities that do and don’t support cognitive decline, according to somewhat limited study information from China.  Regrettably, artistic activities were discincluded from the study due to their relative rarity.
http://www.headstrongbrain.com/Science/Resource_Library/Leisure_Activites_Build_Better_Brains

I think we can understand boredom and creativeity per se better by looking at people who don’t have to work any more, and who tend to have less social connections.  Although it’s true that the brain changes with age, not all age-related changes are endogenous.

The positive effects of boredom, I think, come more from leisure, or from choosing to spend leisure time actively engaged in such pasttimes as solving problems, healthy physical activity, acute observation, creative activity, or deep/analytical thinking.

But this is a blog for busy people, so there’s no need to say that.

I’m definitely going to disconnect more.

Hmmm…was God bored here?

     Another thing I realized years ago… knowledge is the key that can open the door to wisdom and
close the door to wonder. It’s sad because for many people the more they KNOW, the less they have to wonder about things or think creatively.

     You seem to do an excellent job of defending yourself against the technological campaign for mindlessness by living at the creative edge. Carry on.