A TikTok trend urging people to sit still and do absolutely nothing for up to an hour is surprisingly being praised by Ontario mental-health and neuroscience experts. The so-called “Do Nothing Challenge,” also known online as “raw dogging boredom,” encourages participants to put away their phones, avoid reading or multitasking, and simply sit with their thoughts. What started as a Gen Z-driven trend has grown to include adults of all ages posting clips of themselves staring out windows, closing their eyes, or simply sitting in silence for 10 to 60 minutes.
Experts say the trend is far more beneficial than it looks. Melissa Kimber, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences at McMaster University, says boredom can act as an important emotional signal — an internal pause that lets people reflect on their feelings, goals, and sources of joy. She believes the challenge provides a valuable opportunity to rest the mind, imagine new possibilities, and consider which habits or relationships may no longer support well-being.
Neuroscientist Emma Duerden, Canada Research Chair in neuroscience and learning disorders at Western University, adds that boredom is actually a developmental skill people must learn. The brain naturally cycles between three states: rest, active engagement, and environmental scanning. Excessive screen time keeps the brain locked in engagement and scanning, leaving little opportunity to switch into the rest state — a key function that strengthens focus, emotional regulation, and learning.
Duerden explains that constantly overstimulating the brain with screens disrupts these natural cycles and contributes to attention problems. The “Do Nothing Challenge,” she says, acts like a structured brain break, allowing people to practice shifting into the rest state. Similar to meditation, the practice can improve concentration, stabilize emotions, and help restore balance to the brain’s networks.
Both experts emphasize that screen time itself isn’t harmful — the issue is overstimulation without adequate downtime. International and Canadian guidelines recommend setting boundaries to ensure the brain gets the pauses it needs.
As the trend continues to gain traction, its unexpected scientific backing may encourage more people to unplug, sit still, and rediscover the benefits of genuine boredom.