Why we've lost our ability to be bored – and how bringing it back can improve all of our lives

We all need to be bored: not because boredom itself is pleasant, but because it's a stairway to other states, from unbridled creativity to incredible moments of flow. In a world of autoplay and infinite scrolling, staring out of the window or going for a walk aren't a waste of time. It's essential time to think: about everything from everyday problems to the meaning of our lives.

Written by journalist Joel Snape, this insightful and accessible guide to one of our most misunderstood emotions explains how generations of philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists have thought about boredom, how it's being destroyed by the arms race of social media and hustle culture… and how to fight back.

From his own phone-addicted starting point, Snape chronicles his attempts to be more bored, from attending tea ceremonies and silent retreats to jumping into floatation tanks and watching three-hour Belgian arthouse films. He speaks to experts in the space – from artist Philippa Perry and boredom researchers to the 'happiest man in the world' – to see how they use this indispensable mental tool.

Embracing boredom is not just accepting boredom when it happens, but actively seeking it out. Snape provides dozens of practical systems for us to switch off, zone out and become intentionally bored, leaving room for us to ponder, muse and daydream.

Be More Bored is a game-changer: a manifesto for doing not more – but less.