Can Boredom Lead To Being More Creative?

It can feel strange juggling lockdowns when your mind already works a bit differently. Many people I speak to with dyslexia or ADHD say routine has flown out the window. I was listening to an expert recently who shared simple steps to stay on track and not lose yourself in the day-to-day. I found his insights surprisingly practical for managing time, energy, and that nagging sense of overwhelm.

In this episode, we dive into how constant changes can throw off our focus, and how to recognise sneaky stress signals before they grow. The expert explains why shifting your mindset is so vital, especially if you have dyslexia or ADHD. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love hearing these fresh perspectives. Let’s explore a few highlights.

Why Lockdown Challenges Our Minds

This past year has turned normal routines upside down. Remote working or studying blurs home and office boundaries. That can sap our motivation and block creativity. We might crave more movement, more social interaction, or just a plan that feels predictable.

The lockdown also shrinks our horizons. We once bounced around offices, coffee shops, or social events. Now it’s easy to feel stuck. Our brains start to spin, and finishing even small tasks can feel like wading through mud.

The Expert’s Key Strategies

The guest on the podcast shared how to spot early signs of brain fatigue. One huge clue is when you catch yourself forgetting basic tasks or names mid-sentence. Another is when you repeatedly open a new tab to start something but quickly jump to something else.

“Sometimes it’s about thinking differently and giving yourself permission to do so.”

This idea came up again and again. We don’t have to force ourselves into old ways of working. Instead, shifting how we approach tasks—like giving ourselves five-minute short breaks or switching to a more visual system—can really help.

Making Practical Adjustments

We can’t control when lockdowns start or stop, but we can control how we manage our days. Here are a few tips the expert suggested:

• Schedule micro-breaks: Take several five-minute breathers throughout the day to reset.
• Use timers: A simple phone timer can help you stay focused on one task for a set period.
• Set clear boundaries: Choose a finishing time for work to avoid a never-ending task list.
• Embrace screw-ups: If something doesn’t work, adapt fast and move on. Perfection is optional.

These quick wins won’t rewrite your entire life. They do, however, nudge your brain to feel more in control. Whenever you sense that familiar mental fog rolling in, it’s time to whip out one of these ideas.

Building Your Personal Toolkit

It’s one thing to hear an expert talk. It’s another to try the advice right away. If you don’t have a plan, you might forget a great tip by tomorrow. So, pick one or two strategies you feel drawn to. Try them for a week. Note how you feel. Then keep or tweak what works.

You could even combine them with what you already do. If you have a weekly checklist, slot in a micro-break at noon. If you prefer journaling, write down one thing you’re grateful for each day to keep your mood lifted. These small actions can be powerful reminders that you have more tools than you think.

The podcast also covers how to keep connected with friends and mentors. If you’re comfortable with Zoom, try a weekly drop-in chat. Haven’t got the energy? Send a voice note. Staying in touch reduces the sense of isolation. It might give you a quick jolt of inspiration too.

• Test a routine for a week.
• Record your mood or energy each day.
• Create a small Productivity Corner with only the basics you need.
• Celebrate small wins before chasing big goals.

All these bits and pieces add up. They become your personal toolkit for cutting through the mental clutter of lockdown life.

Key Takeaways

• Lockdowns add extra stress by removing our usual structure.
• Small mindset shifts can vastly improve day-to-day focus.
• Spot early signs of cognitive fatigue and be proactive.
• Practical tools, like micro-breaks and timers, can do wonders.
• Test one or two changes each week, then adapt freely.

Remember that change isn’t always comfortable at first, but having a handful of tried-and-tested techniques gives you confidence. Sometimes, it’s okay to be a bit messy or inconsistent. Look after yourself first instead of forcing old habits that don’t fit the current reality.

Curious for more? The player at the top of this page has the full conversation with the expert. Give it a listen when you have time, and see which points speak to you the most. Go on—hit play and discover how these ideas can bring a little more calm and clarity to your days.