Being Boring is an intriguing application available for Apple Vision Pro, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV that aims to help users practice mindfulness through simple, repetitive tasks. The app’s premise is delightfully straightforward: users engage in various monotonous activities for short periods, allowing them to relax, meditate, and clear their minds. Designed by Peter Borg Apps AB, Being Boring is free to download and provides a unique approach to stress relief and mental focus.
The app features several interactive activities users can choose from by double-tapping or long pressing on the screen. One activity, “Touch,” involves tapping a dot to make it disappear and reappear elsewhere, encouraging users to concentrate on this seemingly trivial task. “Gravity” offers a more dynamic experience, with three dots that respond to the device’s movements, creating an engaging way to focus one’s attention.
In the “Swipe” mode, users swipe a dot across the screen, watching it glide and bounce off the edges. This simple interaction provides a tactile way to engage the mind without demanding significant mental effort. “Connect” is slightly more intricate, as users draw lines between dots by touching them sequentially, fostering a sense of progression and connection.
Another interesting mode is “Magnet,” where users drag a dot away from the center of the screen, only to have it pulled back by an invisible magnetic force. This activity subtly introduces elements of physics, making it a playful yet calming exercise. “Paint” allows users to draw within a shape, with the drawing gradually fading away moments after the last touch, emphasizing the transient nature of the activity.
“Numbers” adds a cognitive twist by requiring users to select the correct number from a random assortment of buttons, offering a gentle challenge to keep the mind engaged. Lastly, “Count” involves scrolling through a list of numbers from 1 to 999, providing a straightforward task that can help ground users in the present moment.
Customer reviews of Being Boring are mixed but often highlight the app’s ability to fulfill its intended purpose. Some users appreciate the app for its simplicity and effectiveness in providing a mental distraction akin to fiddling with a small object. They praise it as a useful tool for moments when their minds wander during other activities, such as listening to something else. One reviewer likened it to the virtual equivalent of playing with a pencil in class.
However, not all feedback is positive. Some users express frustration with the app’s simplicity, feeling that tapping a gray dot repeatedly lacks meaningful engagement. There are also technical complaints, such as difficulties purchasing certain features like “Paint” and “Connect,” and issues with connecting to the App Store. Additionally, a few users found the app boring and unengaging, indicating that its minimalist design might not appeal to everyone.
Despite these varied reviews, Being Boring succeeds in offering an array of activities that require minimal cognitive load, ideal for users seeking a quick, stress-relieving engagement. It’s clear the app was designed with mindfulness in mind, and for those who appreciate its concept, it can be a valuable tool in reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity.
Being Boring by Peter Borg Apps AB is an unconventional but interesting app that caters to individuals looking for a minimalist approach to mindfulness. With its diverse set of activities and straightforward design, it stands out as a creative solution for stress reduction and mental focus. While it may not resonate with everyone, it certainly achieves what it sets out to do: providing a simple, calming distraction in our often chaotic and overstimulated lives.
