For women in the west – By Marilyn Tuna

After years of enforced sitting around with f**k-all to do sitting in waiting rooms, recovery units, or on the couch for months post-spinal reconstruction or vaginal reconstruction (all the recons)—I’ve come to appreciate the state of boredom.

For many years, I fought against this inevitable state of being a woman in a medical crisis that nobody believed. But eventually, I began to understand that boredom, in some ways, is a great privilege—especially for us middle-aged babes , with much of the time a lot of self induced shit to do.

Hustle and burnout culture in the West is still alive and well. We’ve been programmed to prove we “CAN DO IT ALL,” but I think the notion of doing it all is wrong , most of the time we are simply going through the motions and not really allowing ourselves more in depth moments , so no we cant do it all if we are not utilising our deep rich wisdom.

As women, we’ve become disconnected from the fertile ground of creativity and critical thinking because we’re juggling way too many balls (no pun intended 😉).

1. Boredom Sparks Creativity

When our minds are not actively engaged, they begin to wander—a process neuroscientists call default mode thinking. This mental state encourages daydreaming and divergent thinking, which are critical for generating new ideas and solutions. For women, who often carry the invisible load of managing households the endless unpaid and economically unrecognized endless work, childcare ect. These quiet moments can provide us with a brief escape and can unlock unexpected bursts of creativity that might otherwise be buried under the noise of daily life.

2. It Encourages Problem-Solving

Boredom forces us to sit with discomfort, a skill crucial for critical thinking. Without immediate distractions, we are compelled to dig deeper into problems, analyze situations from different angles, and consider long-term solutions. This is particularly empowering for women, as it provides the mental clarity needed to tackle complex challenges in their personal and professional lives.

3. It Promotes Self-Reflection

In the stillness of boredom, we can reconnect with ourselves. For women navigating societal pressures or life transitions—such as motherhood, career changes, or menopause—this self-reflection can be transformative. It allows for a reassessment of priorities, values, and goals, laying the foundation for intentional and meaningful decisions.

4. Boredom Builds Resilience

Enduring boredom strengthens our tolerance for delayed gratification and helps us practice patience—skills that are essential for long-term growth and success. Women, often expected to manage emotions and maintain harmony in various spheres of life, can benefit from this resilience in fostering healthier relationships and achieving their ambitions.

Embracing the Boredom bitches 

Instead of filling every idle moment with distractions, women can view boredom as an invitation to pause and let their minds wander. Whether it’s through journaling, a quiet walk, or simply staring out the window, these moments of “nothingness” are, in fact, some of the most productive.

In embracing boredom , women can unlock a wellspring of creativity and critical thinking—tools not just for personal fulfillment but also for transforming the world around them. So the next time you feel bored, don’t resist it. Lean in, and let your mind explore the possibilities.

Peace out xxxxx Mtuna