One of the first podcasts I got hooked on was WNYC’s Note to Self, hosted by Manoush Zomorodi. It’s all about living the good life with technology. Born out of that podcast was her book, Bored and Brilliant. Her thesis is that in order to be creative, whether for the purpose of mundane problem solving or artistic expression, people need time for their minds to wander and that daydreaming is cultivated in boredom. Unfortunately, our devices have rescued us from ever having to feel such discomfort. She offers seven challenges (one per day for a week) to help bring awareness and intentionality to our relationship with digital media and what it may be costing us. The book is helping me use my time more productively, and I recommend it to anyone else with that aim.