Core Insights - Boredom is not merely an issue to escape through smartphone use; it is essential for deep thinking about meaning and purpose in life [1][2][4] - The default mode network in the brain activates during boredom, prompting thoughts about significant life questions, which can lead to discomfort but is ultimately beneficial [2][4] - The prevalence of anxiety and depression in society is partly due to a lack of understanding of life's meaning, exacerbated by the avoidance of boredom through technology [2][4] Summary by Sections - **Benefits of Boredom** - Experiencing boredom allows cognitive processes to engage in deeper reflection, activating the brain's default mode network [1][2] - Engaging with boredom can lead to insights about life’s purpose and meaning, which are crucial for mental well-being [2][4] - **Impact of Technology** - The use of smartphones and other devices serves as a distraction from boredom, preventing individuals from confronting uncomfortable thoughts [2][4][5] - This avoidance creates a cycle that diminishes the ability to find meaning in life, contributing to feelings of emptiness and anxiety [4][5] - **Recommendations for Managing Boredom** - Individuals are encouraged to embrace boredom by limiting electronic device usage during daily activities, such as exercising or commuting [4][5] - Implementing a no-device policy during meals and social interactions can enhance personal connections and promote mindfulness [5][6] - **Personal Strategies** - The author shares personal strategies for managing device usage, including setting boundaries around technology to foster a more meaningful life [5][6] - Suggestions include keeping phones away during meals and sleep, and taking breaks from social media to improve overall well-being [5][6]

Core Insights - The research indicates that the brain's energy consumption during focused cognitive tasks is only about 5% higher than in a resting state, challenging the perception that deep thinking is significantly more energy-intensive [1][4][6] - The brain's primary function is to maintain operations and manage physiological systems rather than solely focusing on explicit cognitive tasks [2][5][6] Energy Consumption - The human brain accounts for approximately 20% of the body's energy resources despite only comprising about 2% of body weight, with infants consuming nearly 50% [3][6] - Energy for brain function primarily comes from ATP, synthesized from glucose and oxygen, with a vast network of capillaries supplying these resources [3][4] Cognitive Activity - The study reveals that even when not actively engaged in tasks, the brain is highly active, managing internal physiological parameters and maintaining homeostasis [5][6] - The brain's "default mode network" operates during rest, processing thoughts related to past, present, and future experiences [5][6] Evolutionary Perspective - The brain's energy efficiency is a result of evolutionary adaptations to resource-scarce environments, leading to a natural tendency to conserve energy [6][7] - The optimal firing rate of neurons is significantly lower than theoretical limits, indicating an evolutionary strategy focused on maximizing information transfer efficiency while minimizing energy expenditure [7][8]

Core Insights - The phenomenon of "blank mind" is identified as a unique cognitive state related to physiological arousal levels, rather than a mere distraction [1][2] - The international research team suggests that blank mind should be viewed as a cognitive state regulated by varying levels of physiological arousal [1][2] Summary by Sections Definition and Characteristics - Blank mind occurs when the brain temporarily reduces processing of external and internal information, leading to a lack of thought content [1] - It is distinct from mind-wandering, where thoughts still jump between different topics [2] Frequency and Conditions - Individuals experience blank mind for an average of 5% to 20% of their time, with variations among different people [2] - It is more likely to occur after prolonged attention tasks, sleep deprivation, or intense physical exercise [2] - Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience blank mind more frequently than their peers [2] Neurophysiological Findings - Brain imaging and electrophysiological studies show that during blank mind, there is a decrease in signal complexity and reduced activity in areas related to attention, language, and memory [2] - This state resembles observations made in unconscious states, contrasting with the activation of the "default mode network" during mind-wandering [2] Future Research Directions - The research team aims to promote targeted studies on blank mind, including its relationship with meditation and its potential as a clinical biomarker for neurological and psychiatric disorders [2]