In Diary of a Cosmonaut: 211 Days in Space, Valentin Lebedev recorded his daily experiences during a record-breaking seven-month stint in space. Even as scientific experiments occupied his time, the monotony crept in; as he noted in his diary after only a week, “the drab routine has begun.” Boredom, it turns out, can affect anyone—including Soviet cosmonauts. Characterized by feelings of emptiness, frustration and apathy, it is widely recognized as a temporary emotional state that arises in response to tedium. For some, the result can be impulsive behaviors with negative consequences, such as gambling and drug abuse. Others may find themselves mindlessly scrolling through their apps in what has been dubbed “phone boredom.” Yet a growing number of psychologists are warning against our efforts to do away with boredom. A lack of external stimulus can encourage creativity, improve self-control and serve as motivation to pursue new goals. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-Nine Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height. Arts & Culture Films Issue 51 Vicky Krieps An interview with the actor.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.