Bored and Brilliant

If you find yourself constantly glued to your phone, endlessly scrolling and checking notifications, Bored and Brilliant by Manoush Zomorodi is a book worth reading. Zomorodi, a journalist and podcast host, explores how our relationship with technology—especially smartphones—affects creativity, focus, and mental well-being. The central idea is that boredom, far from being a negative state, is actually an essential ingredient for innovation, self-reflection, and problem-solving.

The book is structured around practical challenges designed to help readers rethink their tech habits. These include tracking your screen time, taking breaks from your devices, and allowing yourself to be “unavailable” for short periods. Zomorodi argues that when we resist the urge to fill every spare moment with digital distractions, we open up space for imagination and deeper thinking. Real-life stories and research studies are woven into the narrative, showing how small changes in daily behavior can make a big difference in our lives.

What makes Bored and Brilliant particularly engaging is its balanced tone. Zomorodi does not demonise technology; instead, she acknowledges its benefits while encouraging readers to take control of how they use it. Her approach is relatable and encouraging, making the book feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation.

This book is especially relevant in today’s world, where digital overload is common and true downtime feels rare. Whether you want to spark creativity, reduce stress, or simply regain a sense of presence in everyday life, Bored and Brilliant provides both insight and actionable steps. It’s a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best ideas come not when we are constantly busy, but when we allow ourselves the freedom to be bored.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Boredom fuels creativity.

Zomorodi explains that when our brains are not occupied by constant stimulation, they enter a state called "default mode." This mental downtime allows for daydreaming, self-reflection, and creative problem-solving. Many of our best ideas surface not when we are multitasking, but when we let our minds wander.

2. Smartphones hijack attention and reduce deep thinking.

One of the book’s central arguments is that our devices keep us constantly distracted, preventing us from engaging in meaningful focus. Notifications, endless scrolling, and the urge to check our phones fragment attention, making it harder to engage in deep work or have uninterrupted thoughts.

3. Tech habits can be reshaped with small, intentional changes.

Through a series of practical challenges—like tracking phone use, deleting a favourite app, or taking breaks from constant connectivity—Zomorodi shows that even small adjustments can create more space for boredom and reflection. The point isn’t to give up technology entirely, but to use it mindfully.

4. True rest is not the same as digital distraction.

Many people confuse relaxation with scrolling social media or browsing the internet. The book emphasises that true rest comes from moments of quiet, idleness, or activities that don’t bombard the brain with information. These breaks are essential for mental health and productivity.

5. Being “bored” reconnects us with ourselves.

Boredom allows us to pause and ask important questions: What do I care about? What do I want to create? How do I want to spend my time? Instead of numbing ourselves with constant content, boredom gives us clarity about personal values and direction.