TikTok’s “Do Nothing Challenge” Goes Viral: Why Experts Say It’s Beneficial for the Brain
Trending on TikTok: The Rise of the “Do Nothing Challenge”
A new social media trend is gaining attention for its unusual simplicity: the “Do Nothing Challenge”, also referred to as the “Boredom Challenge” or “raw dogging boredom”. Originating on TikTok, the challenge encourages participants to sit quietly and do absolutely nothing, often for periods ranging from 10 minutes to an hour—or even daily for a month.
Unlike other trends that involve dancing, challenges, or extreme stunts, this one is remarkably minimalist. Participants are urged to avoid screens, refrain from reading, and simply sit with themselves in silence. Time-lapse videos shared online show individuals staring out the window, closing their eyes, or maintaining eye contact with the camera, embracing a form of intentional boredom.
While the challenge has largely been popularized by Generation Z, Millennials and even some members of Generation X are joining in, making it a cross-generational phenomenon.
What Is the “Do Nothing Challenge”?
A Digital Detox in Disguise
The essence of the challenge is deceptively simple: do nothing. No phones, no books, no podcasts, no music—just uninterrupted time to exist. The challenge asks participants to:
-
Sit quietly and avoid distractions.
-
Refrain from checking social media or consuming content.
-
Observe thoughts or surroundings without reacting or engaging actively.
The trend has become a form of digital detox, allowing participants to step away from the constant notifications, messages, and content streams that dominate modern life.
Social Media Appeal
Despite advocating for “doing nothing,” the challenge is inherently social media-driven. TikTok users often film time-lapse videos of themselves completing the challenge, sharing their experiences and reactions with followers. Some participants have even committed to the practice daily for a month, highlighting both the entertainment and self-reflection aspects of the trend.
Why Experts Are Encouraging the Trend
Ontario-based psychologists and neuroscientists say this viral challenge may have unexpected cognitive and mental health benefits.
Enhancing Creativity
According to Dr. Maya Singh, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Toronto, periods of deliberate inactivity can stimulate creative thinking.
“When the brain is not actively engaged in structured tasks or consuming content, it enters a state of low-level processing that fosters idea generation,” Dr. Singh explained. “Many famous breakthroughs in art, literature, and science have occurred during moments of what we might call ‘constructive boredom.’”
Reducing Stress and Mental Fatigue
Dr. Singh notes that constant engagement with screens and notifications can lead to cognitive overload. Sitting quietly, as encouraged by the Do Nothing Challenge, allows the brain to recover from information fatigue, potentially lowering stress levels and improving overall mental health.
“Even short periods of deliberate stillness can help regulate the nervous system and reduce cortisol, the stress hormone,” she said.
Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
Participating in the challenge can also be considered a form of informal mindfulness practice. By focusing on nothing in particular, participants cultivate an awareness of their thoughts and surroundings without judgment.
“It’s a simple way to practice being present,” said Dr. Jordan Williams, a clinical psychologist in Hamilton. “We often forget how to just sit with ourselves without distraction. Doing so can improve emotional regulation and resilience over time.”
Boredom as a Brain Booster
The Science Behind Doing Nothing
Research has long suggested that moments of boredom are not a waste of time. Studies indicate that the brain’s default mode network, which activates during rest or mind-wandering, plays a critical role in memory consolidation, problem-solving, and creativity.
Dr. Singh elaborates:
“When the brain is idle, it’s actually busy making connections. It can help people solve problems more efficiently when they return to a task. Doing nothing is, paradoxically, an active process for cognitive development.”
Breaking the Cycle of Hustle Culture
The Do Nothing Challenge is also seen as a subtle critique of modern hustle culture, which prioritizes constant productivity. By promoting intentional inactivity, participants push back against societal pressures to always be doing, achieving, or consuming.
“The challenge encourages people to value rest, reflection, and mental clarity,” Dr. Williams said. “It’s a reminder that well-being doesn’t always come from action—sometimes it comes from stillness.”
How Participants Are Taking Part
TikTok users have shared a wide range of approaches to the challenge:
-
Time-lapse videos: Some record themselves staring out of windows, sitting on couches, or lying on the floor for 10–30 minutes.
-
Daily routines: Certain participants integrate the challenge into daily habits, completing it for a month to track the mental health effects.
-
Family or roommate participation: Some households take turns attempting the challenge, creating a shared experience while embracing quiet.
Although the challenge encourages silence and solitude, social media posts documenting the process make it a collective cultural moment, bridging the online and offline worlds.
Expert Tips for Doing the Challenge Safely
Ontario mental health professionals emphasize that while the challenge is generally safe, participants should be mindful of:
-
Physical Comfort: Sit or lie in a comfortable position to avoid strain.
-
Duration: Start with short periods, such as 5–10 minutes, before extending to longer sessions.
-
Mental Health: Individuals with severe anxiety or depression should approach the challenge cautiously and consider guidance from a professional.
-
Environment: Choose a safe, quiet space free from distractions.
Dr. Williams notes that small, consistent periods of inactivity can have cumulative benefits for mental clarity, emotional regulation, and creativity.
Broader Implications
The viral popularity of the Do Nothing Challenge highlights a growing societal interest in slowing down. In a world dominated by technology, social media, and constant connectivity, the challenge resonates with those seeking mental rest, focus, and self-reflection.
“It’s interesting to see a generation embracing boredom as a positive, rather than something to avoid,” Dr. Singh said. “It signals a cultural shift where mental wellness is becoming a priority, and not everything is about productivity or content creation.”
The challenge may also encourage adults, beyond Gen Z, to reconsider daily routines and carve out intentional periods of rest, a practice long valued in mindfulness and cognitive psychology.
Conclusion: Doing Nothing Might Be Exactly What We Need
While TikTok trends often come and go, the Do Nothing Challenge stands out for its simplicity and potential mental health benefits. Experts in Ontario suggest that the trend may help participants:
-
Boost creativity and problem-solving skills.
-
Reduce stress and mental fatigue.
-
Improve self-awareness and emotional regulation.
-
Reassess habits related to hustle culture and digital overconsumption.
In essence, doing nothing—intentionally and mindfully—may be one of the most productive things you can do for your brain. As social media users continue to experiment with extended moments of stillness, the challenge reminds everyone that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to pause.