Boredom isn’t wasted time - it’s when your brain makes breakthroughs

Welcome to The Smarter Brain, a curation of thought-provoking ideas and actionable reads to help you build better habits and become more productive.

Happy reading - See you on Wednesday!

Cheers,

The Smarter Brain Team

Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins

3 Ideas for Better Habits

Boredom Breeds Brilliance

Tech journalist and author, Manoush Zomorodi, on the power of boredom and intentional tech use.

“Boredom is the gateway to mind-wandering, which helps our brains create those new connections that can solve anything from planning dinner to a breakthrough in combating global warming.”

Source: Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self

Rest to Be Your Best

Author and rest researcher, Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, on the transformative power of deliberate rest.

“4 major factors contribute to recovery: Relaxation, Control, Mastery Experiences, and Mental Detachment from work.”

Source: Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less

Success Needs Full Stops

Deep work advocate, Cal Newport, on focused success and meaningful productivity.

“When you work, work hard. When you’re done, be done.”

Source: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Productivity Tools and Resources

Downtime as Therapy for Your Brain

Boredom activates the brain’s default mode network, helping reduce overstimulation and encouraging reflection and emotional reset. Learn how embracing boredom calms the brain.

Being Bored Can Be Good for You - If You Do It Right

Short periods of boredom followed by creative activity improve focus, idea generation, and mental flexibility. Discover how being bored can boost your brain function.

Why Boredom Is a Secret Weapon for Your Brain

Periods of inactivity allow the brain to process information, form new connections, and reset its cognitive systems. Explore why boredom is a secret weapon for mental renewal.

Tune in for Mental Clarity

Brain.fm is a music app that uses AI-generated soundscapes to help you focus, relax, and sleep better by syncing with your brain’s natural rhythms—boosting productivity and mental clarity without distractions.

What We're Reading

Rad Reads Newsletter - Discover how thoughtful reflection, smart decision-making, and intentional living can help you work less and live more. Each issue blends deep thinking with practical tools to sharpen your focus, align your time with what matters most, and navigate modern life with clarity, curiosity, and calm ambition.

5-Bullet Friday Newsletter - A curated dose of inspiration to spark curiosity, fuel creativity, and support intentional living. Each week, Tim Ferriss shares five handpicked gems - from tools and books to habits and quotes - that help you explore new ideas, optimize your life, and stay consistently inspired, one small step at a time.

Brain Food

Today I Learned: You can’t breathe and swallow at the same time - a design flaw in human anatomy. (Source)

Science: Helium is the only element that was discovered in space before it was found on Earth - it was first detected in the Sun. (Source)

Have a productive rest of your week,

The Smarter Brain Team

Resource Spotlight

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