Please Allow Yourself to Be Bored, Assalaamualaikum

Assalaamualaikum - In a world packed with social media, clickbait headlines, and AI that can make you skim a 300‑page book in minutes, our minds are being pulled in so many directions. Our attention span feels shorter and patience thinner every day. One night when I couldn’t sleep, I let my mind wander. Ideas and scenarios came flooding in, giving me new energy and motivation. I started rethinking my interactions with others, noticing subtle signs in people’s behavior and improving how I acted the next day. It felt like all my thoughts finally connected - the things I’d heard in lectures or read in books started to click, and I could plan better steps for the morning. I realised I’d been just consuming advice and books without really digesting them. It’s like eating without chewing: you can’t swallow if you don’t take the time to break it down. The mind needs that same slowing down. When you pause, look around, and become more observant, you begin to notice what your mind can do. Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. Here are a few simple things I do to give myself daily space for what truly matters: - Seek meaningful knowledge - Don’t chase short summaries. Authors spent time writing whole books so you can learn; read at your own pace, understand one page at a time, and reflect on it. Prefer knowledge that benefits faith and character. - Schedule deliberate free time - I often do this while commuting on a train or bus. I let my thoughts roam over what I’ve read or experienced and think about how it fits with my values and responsibilities as a Muslim. - Practice essentialism - Focus on tasks that truly matter (family, prayer, community, beneficial work) and cut out things that only chase quick dopamine. And remember, life is a marathon, not a 400‑meter dash. Take your time, be patient, and ask Allah for guidance in using your time well.