Beyond the Type:  An Enneagram-Inspired Podcast about Being Human.

Put Down the Phone: Rediscovering the Art of Being Bored


Listen Later

How stepping away from screens can open up meaning, creativity, and deeper connection.  We’ve trained ourselves to fill every quiet moment with screens, but research shows boredom isn’t the enemy - it’s a hidden superpower.

In this episode, we talk about what happens in your brain when you stop scrolling, how screens fuel anxiety and distraction, and why boredom might be the secret to more creativity and calm.

Drawing from research by Harvard professor Arthur Brooks and Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, we explore why boredom matters and how constant screen time impacts your creativity, mood, and relationships.

You’ll hear about the science behind your brain’s "default mode network," the mental health effects of phone use, and practical steps to bring more stillness—and meaning—back into your day.

You’ll learn:

  • Why boredom sparks creativity and reduces anxiety

  • What research says about phone use and mental health

  • How to create small "boredom breaks" in your day

  • Easy ways to reduce screen time without a full digital detox

  • Mindfulness practices to feel more present and connected

    If you’ve been craving more focus, calm, and genuine connection, this one’s for you!

    Download my free Communication Guide:
    https://www.swansoncoaching.com/communication 

    Learn more about my group coaching program, Communicate with Confidence through the Lens of the Enneagram:
    https://www.swansoncoaching.com/bettercommunication 

    Keywords: boredom, phone addiction, screen time, mindfulness, digital detox, Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation, creativity, emotional wellness, relationships, communication skills, coaching podcast, self-awareness

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Beyond the Type:  An Enneagram-Inspired Podcast about Being Human.By Sandy Swanson, PCC, NBC-HWC, A-CFHC, Holistic Communication and Relationship Coach