Why Embracing Boredom Might Be Good for You

Plus how to turn your lawn into a garden, bake the best banana bread, and ease dry skin naturally. [From The Old Farmer's Almanac]( [Almanac] Thank you, Kathrine Burgsma, for [this week’s photo](! Until a few months ago, we lived in a world that never seemed to stop moving. “Staying busy” was celebrated, “doing more” was endlessly encouraged, and, for some, taking a day off was seen as just plain lazy. If there was ever a moment of quiet, we filled it with work, a chore that needed doing, or endless scrolling through email or social media. We ran from boredom, but what if we should have been embracing it? There’s lots of evidence to suggest that boredom—that universal experience of feeling restless with no distraction from our thoughts—can be good for us. Boredom can spark new ideas, boost creativity, and enhance problem-solving skills. Letting your mind run free, undistracted, can ultimately make you more productive and happier. So, the next time you feel the first twinge of boredom arrive, don’t push it away. Welcome it. Take time to daydream. Think about everything and nothing at all. And, then, when you’re ready, get back to the business of doing. Great ideas are often just new solutions to old problems. For example, if you’re light on growing space, consider [turning your lawn into a garden](. While you’re at it, [plant a sunflower house](, which attracts birds and is a great activity to do with kids. Before you repurpose your lawn, collect the [dandelions for cooking](. This often-overlooked flower has an earthy flavor and is good for digestion. Add them to soups and salads and let them shine in recipes like [Dandelion Pesto]( and [Pink Dandelion Wine](. Need a spa day? [Relax, unwind, and—perhaps most importantly—moisturize right from the comfort of your own home]( with these all-natural remedies. Finally, we’ve heard from some that at-home bread baking has evolved to include bananas! For a recipe that will never disappoint, check out our [Blue Ribbon Banana Bread](! As sure as the Sun will rise and set each day, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is here for you, now and always. Your Friends from The Old Farmer’s Almanac “I’m a big believer in boredom. Boredom allows one to indulge in curiosity, and out of curiosity comes everything.” –Steve Jobs, American business leader and co-founder of Apple, Inc. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM [@THEOLDFARMERSALMANAC]( [May Birth Flower]( Roses are red, Violets are blue, the Lily of the Valley shows your heart is true! If you want to show your loved one that your life is complete with them, give them a few lilies of the valley. WHAT WE'RE DOING THIS WEEK [Planting a Sunflower House]( [Planting a Sunflower House]( [Cooking with Dandelions]( [Cooking with Dandelions]( [Caring for Dry Skin]( [Caring for Dry Skin]( [Baking Blue Ribbon Banana Bread]( [Baking Blue Ribbon Banana Bread]( THE OLD FARMER SELECTED THESE PRODUCTS FOR YOU [Product]( [Product]( [Product]( [Product]( [Product]( [Product]( [Product]( [Product]( [Product]( [Almanacs]( [Calendars]( [Digital]( [Cooking]( [Garden]( [Home Goods]( [Weather]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [Visit Almanac.com]( [Shop Our Store]( The Old Farmer's Almanac P.O. Box 520 1121 Main Street Dublin, NH 03444 You are receiving this e-mail message because you subscribed at our Web site: [Almanac.com]( If you do not wish to receive our regular e-mail newsletter in the future, please [click here to unsubscribe]( *Please do not reply to this e-mail* To report corrections or inquire about your account, products, editorial, technical issues, [visit our Help Page]( © 2020 Yankee Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. [View in Browser](