In this day and age, we are constantly bombarded with information. The 24-hour news cycle descended upon us before our brains were prepared for so much stimulation, and social media certainly hasn’t helped. Our attention spans are dwindling, yet we’re expected to know and retain more information than ever before. It’s exhausting.
But we’ll try to focus on the bright side today. And something that we can consider a positive of all this stimulation is that we shouldn’t ever get bored. There are endless activities to try, topics to learn about, and content to consume. And if your life has become mundane, you can always check out strange photos like these on the internet as a palate cleanser.
According to Karyn Hall, PhD, novelty is extremely important to humans. She explains that it activates our brain in powerful ways, as it causes a release of dopamine, makes us feel more alive, and helps us learn and grow. Apparently, research has found that novelty also boosts creativity, improves memory, and increases happiness.
On the flip side, having too little novelty in your life can be detrimental. Life can feel like a chore when you’re on autopilot, avoiding anything new. And without stimulation, you may feel bored or burnt out. This can even cause your comfort zone to shrink, making you even less willing to take risks, embrace opportunities, and try new things.
Dr. Hall notes that embracing novelty can bring many benefits to your life. Creating a habit of trying new things can make you more resilient and adaptable, while also boosting your confidence. Novelty also broadens your perspectives, opening you up to new ideas, cultures, and more.
You will likely feel more joy in your life if you’re constantly exposed to new things. And it can even improve your relationships, as sharing new experiences with loved ones can be a wonderful way to bond.
If you’re looking for ways to add more novelty into your life, Dr. Hall recommends squeezing it in wherever you can. For example, you can start taking different routes to and from your home. It might take a bit longer, but you may be amazed at what’s hiding in your neighborhood on the streets you’ve never explored.
At the same time, try switching up your routine in other ways too. Go to the gym at a different time so you can journal during the hour when you’re usually working out. Invite your friends out for drinks or to see a movie on a Tuesday. Why wait until the weekend? Don’t be afraid to break out of your routine.
Another common yet underrated way to get some more novelty into your life is by trying a new hobby. Whether you’ve always wanted to try making your own ceramics or playing tennis, there’s no better time to start than tomorrow! Inevitably, you will be bad at this new hobby at first. But you can still enjoy the experience, and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once you start to improve will be incredible.
One of the best ways to experience novelty in your own life is by meeting new people. Many of us get stuck in the same circles we’ve known for years if we don’t change our employment or move to a new city. But you can always meet new people right where you are by attending events and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Volunteering or participating in community activities is a wonderful way to make new friends. And you might learn a lot from your fellow residents!
