Research by an occupational psychologist shows being bored at work, or commuting, can have a positive effect, because daydreaming can increase creativity.

More than 150 adults were given various tasks to perform, including a boring job of simply copying numbers from a telephone directory and a more interesting test of ideas for using a pair of polystyrene cups.

The research found those who copied out the telephone numbers were more creative.

Dr Sandi Mann of the University of Central Lancashire says boredom at work has always been seen as something to be eliminated, but perhaps we should be embracing it to enhance our creativity.

The findings of the study will be presented at the British Psychological Society's annual occupational psychology conference in Chester.

Photo: stock.xchng