The scientific link between boredom and creativity

In case you didn’t get the message.

One of the most common questions that writers receive is: “Where do you get your ideas?” The best answer for me is that I get ideas for stories during periods of associative thinking—that is, letting my mind wander, just musing and reflecting.

Indeed, research suggests that people who want to come up with creative ideas would do well to let their minds drift. These people are more prone to “divergent thinking styles”—the ability to come up with creative new ideas. “Thus, boredom may encourage people to approach rewards and spark associative thought.”

Jordan Rosenfeld at Quartz