Why Do We Prefer Suffering to Boredom?

Boredom feels like sitting in a white room with nothing to do. It is quiet and empty. Most people find this uncomfortable.

Your brain likes activity. When there is no activity, your brain starts making noise. It asks questions that have no answers. This makes you feel itchy inside. To stop the itch, you move or think about something else.

Imagine holding your arm out until it hurts. The pain is sharp and clear. You know exactly what is wrong. Your brain says, "I am doing something." If you sit still without pain, your mind wanders to scary places. You might think about being alone forever.

People will choose a hot tub over a cold room even when the hot tub hurts a little. Why? Because hurt means life is happening. No hurt can feel like nothing is real. We prefer bad feelings that are loud over no feelings at all.